Hedgerow Hero Phase 4 Complete

Hedgerow Heroes is a wider CPRE project launched in 2021 to support the national campaign to increase the hedgerow network by 40% in time for 2050. It aims to plant and restore 100 miles of hedgerow nationally by 2026. The project also intends to positively engage individuals in caring for the countryside, and give a greater understanding of the importance of hedgerows for our environment and biodiversity.

As part of phase four of the project, CPRE Warwickshire pledged to plant over 1000 metres of new hedgerow in the county. The final 100m of hedgerow for this phase was planted alongside the ‘Shakespeare Way’ footpath, at Cross O’ Th’ Hill farm, just outside of Stratford Upon-Avon. The University of Warwick Nature Conservation Group joined us to complete the final stage of planting for this season. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thanked us at CPRE for the opportunity. See their Instagram post here. https://www.instagram.com/warwick_natureconservation/p/DHKEpD2tUOC/?img_index=1

Over the course of the last four months, we have carried out our Hedgerow Hero Phase 4 campaign commitment at eight different sites across Warwickshire.

We were again joined by students from the University of Warwick at Grandborough, a village near Rugby. Here, the student volunteers were comprised of the sustainability and biodiversity group. The group planted 200m of new hedgerow, again alongside a footpath, and were effusive about the project. One of the students articulated this; saying: “I loved the experience and really enjoyed learning new skills, meeting new people and spending time outdoors”.

During a week in early February, we planted 170m of new hedge at Myton School. The Head of Year 7, James Hibbard, organised a competition which allowed the entire year group the opportunity to submit a design for the hedgerow. After reviewing the more than 300 entries, we decided on a design that represented the earth and the different cultures and societies within it. The top 10 designers were then given the opportunity to choose some friends, to participate in planting the winning design with them. Student volunteers from the sixth form were also involved, completing the slightly more labour-intensive task of digging the holes required. On the final day of planting we were visited by Matt Western MP, who planted the last whip. Students relished the chance to participate, and felt that the experience was informative and made them feel more connected to nature. One student said: “Nature is your mental health therapist… and you can achieve that by taking part in Hedgerow Heroes”.

In the village of Luddington, near to Stratford Upon-Avon, we planted two new hedgerows. The first was on a footpath adjacent to the All-Saints Church. Volunteers came from the Estate Agency Sheldon Bosley Knight. Lettings manager Sarah Scaysbrook, who organised the volunteer group, asserted that they had enjoyed their day planting, and hoped to work with CPRE again in future endeavours.

The second site in Luddington was at Folly Fields Biodiversity Project. This is a project that comprises of five acres of pastureland purchased by local residents with the ambition to restore the orchard and utilise the remaining land for biodiversity. Joining us on the day were volunteers from the village, along with individuals from the Heart of England Forest charity. We were also visited by the MP for Stratford Upon-Avon, Manuela Perteghella. She affirmed her support for the project, commenting: “It was fantastic to see the new hedgerow planted by volunteers as part of the Folly Fields Biodiversity Project in Luddington last week. Hedgerows are important habitats for the local wildlife, providing food and shelter”. In total we planted 230m of hedgerow in the village.

100m of our total came from the laying of a hedge at Tysoe United Football Club. Hedge laying involves cutting parts of an existing hedge and weaving other parts of the hedge together, to create a dense, living fence. The method encourages new growth and strengthens the hedge. Tysoe Parish Council identified the site as being in need of restoration, and were subsequently delighted with their beautiful, new laid hedgerow. This site was delivered in conjunction with the Hedgelaying Society, who provided the necessary expertise, and volunteers from National Highways England.

The organisation Severn Trent Green Power joined us to plant another 150m of our target at Bishops Tachbrook. The hedgerow was planted adjacent to a footpath linking Bishops Tachbrook to Leamington Spa. Here is a video, produced by the organisation, that tells the story of that day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO2z8BMwksQ

In the Hamlet of Northend, near to Burton Dassett Hills, we planted a new hedgerow around the perimeter of a community playground. The local residents gave up their time to plant the whips, and were enthusiastic about the community benefit that the project would provide to the area.

In total CPRE Warwickshire have planted over 1100m of new hedgerow across the county over the winter. Our huge thanks to the almost 100 volunteers who have contributed their time and considerable effort to the project.

We hope to be planting more during the 2025/26 season and have set an even more ambitious target of planting and restoring 3000m, so do contact the branch at office@cprewarwickshire.org.uk or 01926 494597, should you wish to get involved an help out.