The aim is always safety and comfort first. - Overalls or close-fitting work clothes. Loose clothing is a hindrance, particularly when laying a hedge. Wear old clothes which won't be ruined by a few holes.
- Boots. Heavy leather work boots with deep moulded soles are safest. Wellingtons may be necessary when cleaning a ditch or working in wet conditions.
- Gloves or mitts. These are essential when handling thorns and brambles. Good quality hedging gloves or mitts have long gauntlet-style cuffs to protect the wrists, and have double-stitched seams for durability. BTCV Enterprises supply lined leather hedging gloves with long gauntlets, together with a range of gloves suitable for general outdoor work.
- Waxed or plasticised canvas leggings, which clip to a belt, give protection against thorns and wet, whilst still allowing movement.
- Forearm protectors are made of a close weave canvas, tapered from the elbow to the wrist, with elasticated ends. They protect the boiler suit sleeves from dirt, damp and thorns. Worn with a sleeveless body-warmer, these give protection whilst avoiding the restriction of wearing a long-sleeved jacket.
- Hat. A cloth or thick wool hat will keep your head warm, and minimise scratches to the scalp. Some hedge layers prefer to wear a safety helmet with a mesh visor, such as a chain saw helmet. This is mainly for eye protection, but also because a helmet keeps the rain off and stays firmly on the head.
- Thick rubber knee pads protect the knees and keep them dry if you need to kneel whilst hedge laying. Alternatively, a rubber car mat is cheap and serviceable.
Some of the above items of clothing are available from BTCV Enterprises (see Appendix D for address). Farm suppliers usually stock a good range of clothing for outdoor work.
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