Of Thorn & Briar is a moving and beautifully told account of one man’s mission to preserve one of Britain’s most essential and endangered rural traditions: the art of traditional hedgelaying. Travelling through the south-west of England, Paul Lamb lives simply and seasonally, restoring the living boundaries that have shaped our countryside for centuries.

Hedgerows are more than just field dividers; they are vital wildlife corridors, homes to countless species, and a powerful symbol of our intertwined relationship with the land. As industrial farming and modern land management erode these ancient features, Paul quietly and expertly restores them by hand, using age-old techniques passed down through generations.

In this celebration of rural heritage and ecological restoration, Paul shares his year on the road, following the natural cycles of the landscape, reviving habitats for birds, insects, and mammals, and bringing life back to the countryside one hedge at a time. With evocative storytelling and a deep respect for the land, Of Thorn & Briar is both a tribute to the English landscape and a call to value the craftsmanship and environmental stewardship that keeps it thriving.

A great addition to the shelves of readers interested in nature conservation, sustainable farming, rural life in Britain, and the enduring beauty of traditional countryside skills.