PEOPLE in West Devon are being invited to take part in a course next month to develop new practical skills and help conserve Devon's rural heritage.

A workshop in hedge steeping — also known as hedge laying — is being held at Buckland Monachorum. It is organised by Devon Rural Skills Trust

Hedge steeping is a method of maintaining the stock proof nature of a hedge whilst keeping the growth of the plants dense, young and bushy. It prolongs the life of a hedge and also provides other benefits of creating a wind break, shelter and shade for livestock and a dense, continuous habitat for wildlife.

The Devon style of hedge steeping involves partially cutting through living saplings near ground level and bending them over to lay flat along the hedge. The steepers are laid in two combs and staked into place to form a living fence.

The course starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm. Anyone interested in booking a place or to find out more information about the Trust should contact Mick Godfrey on 01548 821156 or go to http://www.devonruralskillstrust.co.uk">www.devonruralskillstrust.co.uk