Regular readers to this column will know how we at Chew Valley Plants Trees love the potential for hedgerows to solve so many of the challenges we face.

Planting and restoring hedgerows can prevent soil erosion, increase biodiversity by providing wildlife habitat for many species of birds, insects, butterflies and small mammals, and can increase the overall aesthetic appeal of a landscape.

The achievement of, effectively, micro-woodlands being planted across our landscapes also has significant carbon drawdown potential.The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has a beautiful campaign launched in 2021 of extending the UK hedgerow network by 40 per cent by 2050. In England, this would be approximately 193,000 km, equivalent to about half the length of the UK's road network. Imagine what a 40 per cent increase in hedgerows in the Chew Valley might look like!

There is a gap between ambition and reality, and there are many landowners keen to invest in hedgerows, but lack the time and resources to do so. However, help is available. It is exciting to see that CPRE are offering a day-time event to de-mystify the funding options available and how to tap into these.

The event is at Fernhill farm - an award winning regenerative farm in the Mendips, to learn all about funding hedgerows. You can find out how to fund new hedge planting, surveying, and restoration of existing hedgerows on your land. Places are limited. Book tickets online through CPRE Avon and Bristol. Taking place on the January 16, this event is aimed at farmers and land managers.

There will be information about a variety of funding schemes suitable for sites of any size, and the chance to talk one-on-one and gain advice from funders and advisors based in the South West.There will also be guests- speaker Megan Gimber, an expert of all things hedgerow from People’s Trust for Endangered Species; as well as CVPT’s own MIke Reed giving a hedge-laying demonstration, where guests can learn all about this traditional way to restore hedgerows.