There’s something timeless about hazel hurdle fence panels. With its traditional, hand-woven appearance and natural texture, it brings a rustic charm to gardens and landscapes, blending seamlessly into rural and cottage-style settings.

But while hazel hurdle fencing certainly holds aesthetic appeal, it also comes with a few practical limitations. That’s where contemporary alternatives like Aran and Woven fence panels step in, offering a similar visual style but with enhanced durability and a longer lifespan. 

hazel weave fence

What Are Hazel Hurdle Fences?

 Hazel hurdle fences are made by weaving coppiced hazel rods around upright stakes, traditionally by hand. This age-old technique, with roots in ancient British countryside practices, has been used for centuries to contain livestock, define boundaries, or provide shelter from wind. The visual appeal lies in its organic, irregular pattern and warm, earthy tones. 

Some key characteristics of hazel hurdle fencing: 

  • Natural Aesthetic: Hazel retains its bark and natural curvature, making each panel unique. 
  • Eco-Friendly: The use of coppiced wood encourages sustainable woodland management. 
  • Flexible Design: The woven style allows a degree of movement; ideal for uneven ground or curved installations. 
  • Short Lifespan: As a natural, untreated product, hazel hurdles are prone to weathering and have a relatively short lifespan compared to treated timber or manufactured panels. 
  • Low Wind Resistance: Their open weave lets wind pass through, reducing the risk of wind damage. 

While beautiful, hazel hurdles often need to be replaced more frequently due to their delicate construction, and the hand-woven nature can result in inconsistencies between panels. 

A Modern Take: Aran and Woven Fence Panels  

For those who admire the rustic look of hazel but want a more robust, longer-lasting solution, Jacksons Fencing offers a contemporary alternative with our Aran and Woven fence panels. 

Aran Fence Panels  

Inspired by traditional basket weaving, the Aran panel offers a tightly interwoven design using a combination of planed wide and narrow timber slats with a morticed and tenoned timber frame. The result is an interesting but uniform pattern that echoes the artisanal style of hazel without the associated maintenance issues. 

Made from premium, vacuum pressure treated softwood and guaranteed for 25 years against resistance to rot and insect attack. 

Aran fence panels are popular as privacy screening , providing excellent coverage with decoration and handcrafted elegance. They are perfect for creating a contemporary rustic look that works in both urban and rural settings. 

hurdle fence panels

Woven Fence Panels  

Our Woven panels provide a softer, more fluid appearance by only using narrow slats. They replicate the natural movement of hand-woven fencing but with the added benefits of modern timber treatment and construction. 

The alternating horizontal slats give a dynamic, textural feel , much like the ebb and flow of hazel weaving. Like Aran, Woven fence panels are fully framed for strength and stability. They are ideal for creating private garden areas with a more natural or organic aesthetic, and come with our 25 year guarantee against rot and insect attack. 

hazel fence panels

Why Choose a Modern Alternative?  

Choosing Aran or Woven panels over hazel hurdles offers several benefits: 

  • Consistency: Uniform panels make for easier installation and a more cohesive look. 
  • Longevity: Treated softwood lasts significantly longer than untreated hazel. 
  • Structural Integrity: Framed construction and thicker timber components withstand the elements better over time. 
  • Low Maintenance: No need to replace panels every few years due to decay. 

Hazel hurdle style fencing has a distinct charm that evokes natural landscapes and traditional craftsmanship. For those who want to capture that look with a longer-lasting, low-maintenance solution, Aran and Woven fence panels offer the perfect blend of style and substance. Whether you're designing a country garden or want to bring a rustic texture to a contemporary space, these fence panels deliver the best of both worlds, providing natural beauty which is engineered to last.