About HLAI

The HLAI, which is registered as a public limited company, was founded in 2004 by a group of hedge layers and other interested individuals. It's aims and objectives are:

- To encourage and facilitate the conservation, protection and appropriate management of hedgerows

- To promote the craft and profession of hedge laying

- To encourage and facilitate landowners in the management of hedges by laying, where appropriate

- To encourage and train people in the craft of hedge laying

- To establish, maintain and promote recognised standards of craftsmanship in hedge laying

- To research and document the tradition of hedge laying in Ireland

A team of 7 Directors appointed annually at the AGM steer the work of the Association.

The Directors for 2010 / 2011 are

Andy Booth (Chairman)

Mark McDowell (Secretary) is the PRO of the HLAI and has been a director of the organisation since its foundation.
He has an Ecology Diploma from UCC and has been involved in environmental work since 1997.
He is a regular contributor to Crann magazine on behalf of both the HALI and himself.

Paul O'Hagan

Paul is a farmer from Desertmartin, Moneymore, Co. Derry. His farm is a Focus Farm for the NI Countryside Management Scheme.

Johnny McManus

Thomas Baker

Phil Hanna

Jason Robards

John McKeon

John is a REPS planner who also has a small nursery growing whitethorn quicks from locally collected seed.

The Directors meet as regularly as possible - all Members of the Association are invited to attend these meetings.