Hero of the hedgerow

Once a dying craft, hedgelaying is in the throes of a revival. West Country woodsman and tamer of thorn and briar Paul Lamb is on a mission to keep centuries-old methods alive

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As the song thrushes welcome the dawn, an enamel kettle sings on the stove in the converted horsebox wagon Paul Lamb calls home. It's late February, the annual miracle of spring is about to unfold, and Paul is in a hurry.

"By this time of year, I wouldn't say I'm panicking, but I'm aware the time left in the hedge is limited, and I've got to press on to make sure I get it all done," he explains.

A hedgelayer's labour follows the rhythm of the seasons, beginning when the harvest ends and the birds have flown their nests. "September through till March is non-stop and I'm always chasing my tail a bit, trying to make sure all the contracts are fulfilled and everything is done and dusted, so that once the birds start nesting in March I come out of the hedgerows." But spending the coldest months of the year working, mostly alone, in bitter winds and driving rain amongst hawthorn, blackthorn and bramble is something Paul fell in love with as a young man - and he's still enamoured.