THE quality of essential work using traditional skills bridged the generation gap in this year's Exmoor Hedge Competition.

Justin Atkins, of Exford, won top prize - and, for the first year, a trophy - while his father Martyn Atkins, of Minehead, came third. In second place was Martyn Sloley, of Brompton Ralph.

The new trophy was designed and made from Exmoor beech hedge wood by Stephen Simmonds, of Molland, with Ian Stuart Lyon Signs of Withypool.

Given in recognition of the importance of skilled hedge layers to the fabric of Exmoor, the trophy was donated and presented by Mrs Mary Stacey, of Higher Foxhanger Farm, Brompton Regis, where hedges were laid by Martyn Sloley.

Justin Atkins laid hedges belonging to Mr and Mrs M Stanbury at Coombe Farm, Exford, and his father's hedges were for W Stevens and Sons at Higher House Farm, Wheddon Cross.

They received prizes of up to £200 for their high quality work for the benefit of Exmoor's farming, wildlife and landscape.

Two very distinctive types of hedge which are particularly characteristic of Exmoor grow on the national park.

Small irregular fields in Exmoor's valleys are typically bound by mixed species hedges on banks which date back to medieval times.

These linear habitats are hugely valuable for wildlife, supporting a diverse range of plants, insects, birds and small mammals.

Higher up on land near and on the moor are earth and stone faced beech 'hedgebanks'. They usually surround much larger, straight-sided fields, which is a trademark of hedgebanks constructed in later periods.

Traditionally, Exmoor's hedges have been managed by regular laying to conserve them as stock-proof features.

Laying is where hedges are allowed to grow up, commonly for around eight to 15 years, and then each stem (or steeper) is partially cut through and literally laid down flat. 

Laid steepers are woven under previously laid stems or secured with a wooden crook. The work is very skilled and provides winter employment for numerous people on Exmoor.

In recognition of the work, the national park authority launched the  Exmoor Hedge Competition in partnership with the Devon and Somerset Hedge Groups together with the support and sponsorship of the Exmoor Trust.

The prizes and certificates were presented by Exmoor Trust chairman Susan May, who said: "The Exmoor Trust is delighted to continue sponsoring this competition. 

"It is so important to encourage those who are keeping the old country skills going and training the next generation is vital if these skilled abilities are not to disappear."