The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), the Countryside Charity, put on an informative and well attended event in January to raise the profile of hedgerows, supporting landowners and farmers understand and access the funding available to them.

A presentation by Megan Gimber, of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, highlighted not only the value of hedges from a wildlife and biodiversity viewpoint but also from a historical and cultural perspective, with well maintained and rejuvenated hedges living for many hundreds of years.

Information was provided about raising a new hedgerow, how to establish trees in existing hedgerows as well as how to maintain healthy hedgerows.

Did you know that many trees blossom and fruit on the second years’ growth so if you trim every year you drastically reduce these?

It is the early blossoms of the blackthorn and willow that feed the bees that pollinate the food we grow. Trimming hedges on a two, three or four year cycle or ‘incremental trimming’ resolves this issue.

Hedges are so vital in providing wildlife corridors with valuable food and habitats, plus homes for pest predators. Hedges play a significant role in reducing flooding and soil erosion, providing shade, shelter and forage for livestock thus improving both animal welfare and reducing costs.

At a time of huge financial pressures on farmers it is imperative that financial support is available to enable farmers and landowners to plant and maintain hedges on their land - and the event considered the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Capital payments that are available.

A number of other organisations were to hand to provide advice, support and funding including Bristol and Avon Rivers Trust (BART), Avon Wildlife Trust, the Forestry Commission, Soil Association, Forest of Avon Trust, Mendip Hills National Landscape.

The hot pies and sticky toffee pudding from the hosts at Fernhill Farm warmed up attendees after a talk and demonstration outside by expert hedge layer Mike Reed and ecologist colleague Josh.

Mixed species of hedgerow offer both diversity for wildlife and greater resistance against climate change.

CPRE in the Avon and Bristol area are well on their way to reaching their target of creating/restoring 10km of hedges by their centenary in 2026.

Both organisations work closely with Avon Needs Trees so if you don’t have your own land available to plant hedges we highly recommend you have a go at planting/ maintaining hedges at one of their sites. To volunteer, viait https://avonneedstrees.org.uk/volunteering/volunteer-roles/