Most of Devon's hedges take the form of hedge banks (a stone or turf faced bank with a living hedge on top) and so the county has developed
a unique style of hedgelaying.
The Devon style of hedgelaying involves partially cutting through living saplings near ground (bank) level and bending them over to
lay flat along the hedge bank.
The "steepers" are laid in two combs and staked into place to form a stockproof boundary and living fence. This form of hedge maintenance
not only provides material for other skills but also greatly enhances the environmental benefits to wildlife.