Hedgerow Heroes- 10km Centenary Challenge

HEDGEROW HEROES 10km CENTENARY CHALLENGE:

Bringing new life to the hedgerow network in Avon and Bristol by restoring neglected hedgerows and planting new ones, totalling 10,000 metres.  That's one hundred metres for each of the 100 years CPRE have been caring for the countryside.  

Hedgerows are the unsung heroes of our countryside. Not only are they beautiful, with shifting seasonal colours, but they also provide homes and corridors for wildlife. Hedgerows are essential for tackling the climate crisis due to their ability to capture carbon, particularly when managed for nature.

CPRE Avon and Bristol have an ambition to create 10km of restored and newly planted hedgerows by the Centenary Year in 2026. We are seeking match funding to help us reach our 3km goal for this year.

Over the last 3 years we have planted and restored 5.85km hedgerow in South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset. We have been successful in gaining for a third year and are expanding our project into North Somerset too, working with local authorities as well as private landowners to teach best practice hedgerow management. 

We work with volunteers to plant new hedgerows and restore existing ones, by teaching them the traditional craft of 'hedgelaying'. This practice brings neglected hedgerows back to life, increasing longevity and providing essential wildlife habitat. 

As well as doing practical work ourselves, we want to spread the word and inspire farmers and other landowners to invest in hedgerow creation on their own land. We will use the money we raise to help fund the core costs of the project. Funding will also support landowner events where we will teach local landowners best practice hedgerow management.

Quotes from Hedgerow Heroes Volunteers (2023-24)

‘Thank you for funding the Hedgerow Heroes project, it really has been a fantastic opportunity, especially as someone who is at the beginning of their conservation career and who was new to the area looking to establish some friendships and networks.’

‘This is a great project which allows the local community to learn and use traditional methods to improve our local environment.’

 ‘Hedge laying ticks so many boxes! Community, giving, volunteering, environment, protection, tradition, outdoors, with others, learning, activity, noticing what's going on around you. It's great!’

Photos from Hedgerow Heroes volunteers in 2023-24.