Did you know? We are committed to conservation
This week, we are talking about hedgerows to coincide with National Hedgerow week, which starts on 6 May 2024.
Hedgerows not only provide habitats for wildlife but also act as natural corridors, creating biodiversity hotspots in our landscape and we are lucky to have a variety of hedges in our district.
Let's not overlook the importance of hedgerows in our landscapes, whether rural or urban. Just like trees, they provide homes for wildlife and act as natural barriers against pollution. Sadly, hedges are often neglected, but they're vital for our ecosystems. A healthy hedge should be thick, bushy, and dense, offering crucial protection for nesting and living animals. We do our best to cherish and care for these green lifelines.
Arun District Council support our important hedgerows and actively strive to improve our hedges across the districts by ‘Hedgelaying.’
‘Hedgelaying’ is a traditional technique that involves partially cutting the hedge plants so they can lie at an angle while still growing from the base. This method allows hedges to become thicker and healthier than a standard trimmed hedge, creating habitats for wildlife and making them better livestock and people barriers. We embrace these age-old practices for a greener, more sustainable future.
In the last couple of years, we've been hard at work revitalising our hedges, with approximately 700 meters of old hedge laid and over 800 meters of existing hedges replanted and improved, so we've made a significant impact on our landscape. That's nearly three times around an athletics track!
You may have seen one of our previous posts on conservation here: Slindon hedge conservation project | Latest news | Arun District Council
More on National Hedgerow week coming soon …