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There are currently more than 300,000 miles of hedgerows and 120,000 miles of drystone walls in the UK.

But with fewer people working in skilled boundary maintenance roles, there is a danger these boundaries are falling into disrepair as traditional skills are being abandoned in favour of modern methods.

In a bid to address this, the Rural Skills Hub was set up in November 2021 to bring together the expertise of the National Hedgelaying Society and the Dry Stone Walling Association.

The hub acts as a central point between the two partner organisations, helping people find training opportunities, work-based learning, advice and funding opportunities, at the early stages of their career in boundary maintenance.

The hub is currently able to offer training grants, work placements and advice to people who are starting a career in dry stone walling or hedgelaying, with a particular focus on young people aged 16-24.

It also has a programme of community engagement for people who want to learn more.