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Hurdle making is the weaving together of saplings to make a move able barrier that when linked together with others will contain animals, normally sheep or goats. nowadays the popular use is as a decorative domestic garden fence or wind-break.

Popularity
Hurdle making is now considered a conservation craft, and after nearly dieing out has become very popular and desirable.

Age
Any age can weave sticks together to make a crude barrier, to make a neat well finished hurdle involves the use of a sharp billhook So a child's age is restricted by the ability to use responsibly and safely a sharp tool.

Ability
A novice with the basic knowledge of hurdle making can make a hurdle, to make a well finished and something that is good to look at and will last a long time is only gained by experience and trial and error.

Description
Hurdles are quite simply pliable sticks woven round horizontal stakes, the finished hurdle should be light enough and of a size that it can be easily moved around, as a hurdle is essentionally a mobile structure. There is no set standard as being an ancient craft hurdles are subject to much regional variation and the materials available locally. The horizontal stems are normally bent or twisted round the ends for stability and to avoid sharp dangerous ends. Thick stems are often split (cleft).

Dedication
No particular dedication is necessary. Hurdle making is a very satisfying pastime, try making one for your own garden as a wind break, and experience the pride of knowing you made it.

Potential
The only potential is the satisfaction of making a well made hurdle that will stand a long working life. There is a huge demand for traditionally made hurdles. and a demand for good hurdle makers to demonstrate their craft at exhibitions.

Closely Related Activities
Hurdle making is closely related to coppicing as it is this activity that provides the materials for the hurdle. Basket making is also closely related, employing all of the hurdle-makers skills.

Cost
The only cost involved with hurdle making is any cost of the wood,

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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