The Prince of Wales has presented awards at the National Hedgelaying Society’s Patron’s Day event at his Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire.
Around 50 hedgelayers took part in the competition at the prince’s private residence on Saturday.
Charles, who is the society’s patron, hosted the hedgelayers at a reception before handing out the awards.
The Prince spoke of his teenage “horror” at watching miles of hedgerows being dug up “in the name of agricultural progress”.
“I don’t need to tell you of the destruction that has been wrought over our hedgerows over the last 60 years,” he told the assembled hedgelayers.
“As a teenager I watched in horror as miles and miles of such a wonderful part of the British landscape was grubbed up in the name of agricultural progress.
“Hedges which had stood for hundreds of years – even thousands – disappeared in an instant and now our hedgerows are under a new threat of disease with ash dieback threatening to destroy the vast majority.”
He added that he hoped for “many more miles” of hedges to be planted.
The craft of maintaining hedges is often passed down through families for generations.
The hedges were laid out in a variety of styles – including Welsh Style, Midlands style, and the South of England style. There are 11 styles of hedgelaying across the UK.
Phillip Powell, 24, who came first in the Welsh style, said: “I’m chuffed.
“It’s a dying art so this is about preserving the rural craft.
“It’s something my parents have done and will be passed down for generations.”
He added: “It’s really important. I started about 11 years old and I’ll be doing it forever.”
Hedges are an important part of the UK’s ecosystem, offering homes to native birds and animals.
However, more than half of the UK’s hedgerows have been lost since the end of World War Two.
Earlier this week, Charles was in Barbados where he represented the UK at a ceremony that saw the island nation become a republic and end the Queen’s role as head of state.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police said that officers will not open an investigation into the prince’s former most trusted aide, Michael Fawcett, over cash for honours claims.
Dame Cressida Dick said the Met had made “initial inquiries” after receiving a letter from Ex-Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker asking the commissioner to launch a criminal probe into Mr Fawcett.
However, after reviewing the relevant legislation, the force had decided not to open an investigation.
Mr Fawcett resigned in November amid claims he promised to help secure a knighthood and British citizenship for Saudi billionaire Mahfouz Marei Mubarak bin Mahfouz – a donor to the Prince’s foundation.
