Hedgerow Heroes project with CPRE Hampshire hosted on our coastal estate

In partnership with both CPRE Hampshire and Richard, our tenant of Upper Brownwich Farm, we have planted 2.11km of new hedging on our coastal farms’ estate, exceeding the project’s ambitions to plant 1.5km. CPRE Hampshire invited volunteers from local schools and the community to get involved with the project.

In addition to planting new hedgerows, the project has raised awareness of the incredible value provided by hedgerows for agriculture, and for tackling biodiversity loss and climate change.

Further hedgerow restoration work has also been undertaken, including a hedge-laying course for Hampshire County Farms tenants. Hosted at Lower Brownwich Farm, against the new England Coastal Path that runs through the estate, the farm tenants were joined by CPRE Hampshire Chair Margaret Paren and Councillor Russell Oppenheimer. In addition, a core team of local volunteers received training, and learned new skills in hedgerow management, planting and biodiversity monitoring.

Richard comments:

We had volunteers helping to plant hedges, including the scouts and Meon Cross School. I then planted an additional 1,030 metres. It is very rewarding because you are providing forage, shelter, and shade for livestock, habitat for pollinators and predators, creating wildlife corridors, providing a food source during winter for the birds, and helping to reduce soil erosion from water surface run-off and with carbon absorption. I plan to plant another 1,000m this winter.

I also had a fantastic invitation from CPRE to the House of Lords for afternoon tea and to talk to MPs, the Farmers Weekly and other farmers about planting 40% more hedges in England by 2050. It was an interesting experience to venture into the City, I must say I would choose the farm to London!