One of the country’s foremost experts on traditional rural skills is offering the rare opportunity to learn an ancient countryside art this weekend.

Nigel Adams, named by Prince Charles as one of his top ten Champions of the Countryside, will be leading the two-day course - organised by The Chilterns Conservation Board - in south Oxfordshire on February 13 and 14.

Mr Adams has over 30 years’ experience of hedge-laying, which is an effective skill for maintaining the health of a hedge and making it more wildlife friendly.

Neil Jackson, Conservation and Landscape Officer at Chilterns Conservation Board, said: “Hedgerows, orchards and meadows are an essential part of the character of the Chilterns countryside, which we all love so much.

“We think it’s really important to care for them by keeping traditional rural skills like hedge-laying and meadow scything alive.”

The course is part of a programme of rural training which the board is running to help residents learn countryside skills at some of the county's most picturesque nature reserves.

On January 27, experts showed techniques for managing scrub encroachment on open grassland sites in the Holtspur Valley near Beaconsfield and on January 30, residents learnt about pruning and restoring fruit trees at the historic Bradenham Manor near High Wycombe.

Mr Jackson added: “These ancient techniques are great at creating healthy, wildlife-rich habitats, plus they also keep you fit.

“That’s why we’ve begun this programme of rural skills training which anyone can take part in.”

The traditional art of hedge-laying was once common across the English countryside and many Chilterns hedges still show evidence of previous laying.

The course, which takes place at Britwell Hill, near Watlington in south Oxfordshire, is suitable for novices and also those with some experience of hedge-laying who want to develop their skills further. All tools and equipment are provided.

To find out more and book a place contact the Chilterns Conservation Board on 01844 355500 or email office@chilternsaonb.org.