CPRE Herefordshire October Events: Conservation, Community + Craftsmanship

CPRE Herefordshire October events: A pivotal month for us as we engage the community in conservation initiatives, heritage hedgelaying workshops, our AGM and more.

CPRE Herefordshire October Events

With a mix of practical courses, important meetings, and hands-on environmental projects, CPRE Herefordshire is bringing people together to learn, participate, and contribute to the preservation of the county’s rural landscape.

Whether you’re interested in traditional crafts like hedgelaying, have a passion for rural conservation, or simply want to support Herefordshire’s natural beauty, there are events this month that can educate, inspire, and empower.

1. Two-Day Hedgelaying Course: 22nd – 23rd October

One of the most anticipated events is our Two-Day Hedgelaying Course in North Herefordshire. Hedgelaying is an ancient craft that has played a significant role in the history of British agriculture and rural management. It’s not just about aesthetics; well-maintained hedgerows are vital for biodiversity, soil preservation, reducing run-off and the overall health of the countryside.

The course, led by expert Richard from Really Rural, is designed to provide hands-on experience in this traditional practice. Participants will learn essential skills to restore overgrown hedgerows, improving their structure to support new growth and provide valuable wildlife habitats. By the end of the two days, attendees will have practical knowledge they can apply to their own hedgerows or countryside areas they wish to help conserve.

Richard, who has years of experience in countryside management, will guide participants through the process of cutting, laying, and staking hedges to promote healthy regrowth. Tools will be provided, ensuring attendees have everything they need to work safely and effectively.

The workshop is open to anyone 18 years or older and is suitable for beginners. Participants are advised to wear sturdy clothing and footwear, as the course will take place outdoors at a farm near Pembridge. Attendees should also bring their own packed lunch and refreshments. The course runs from 10am to 4pm on both days.

Not only does this workshop provide valuable skills, but it also offers an opportunity to contribute to CPRE Herefordshire’s broader Hedgerow Heroes Project. This initiative is dedicated to rejuvenating hedgerows across the county, a crucial part of the rural ecosystem that supports both wildlife and farming. With modern agricultural practices sometimes leading to hedge degradation, this course is a way to help reverse that trend and reconnect with age-old countryside skills.

Book your place now

We plan to run more hedge laying courses later in October and November, if you’re interested in them please email us: info@cpreherefordshire.org.uk

2. Annual General Meeting (AGM): 19th October

The next major event on the CPRE Herefordshire calendar is its AGM, set to take place on 19th October at the Kindle Centre in Hereford. The AGM is not just a formal business meeting; it is a platform for members and supporters to reflect on the past year’s achievements, discuss ongoing challenges, and plan for the future.

This year’s meeting will include the presentation of the first-ever River Wye Preservation Trust Award, recognising outstanding efforts to protect one of the county’s most precious natural resources. The River Wye, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has been at the center of CPRE Herefordshire’s environmental campaigns, particularly in light of pollution and habitat loss. The award aims to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to preserving the river’s health and biodiversity.

The AGM will also focus on community input, with members encouraged to submit questions ahead of the event. These questions will help shape the discussion, ensuring that the issues most important to the community are addressed. Whether it’s concerns about rural planning, agricultural practices, or local environmental policies, this is a chance for members to have their voices heard and influence the organisation’s direction for the coming year.  If you’d like to submit a question please email us: info@cpreherefordshire.org.uk.

Light refreshments will be available from 1:30pm til 2pm, and the meeting itself will run until 3:30 pm. This is not just an opportunity to engage with the administrative side of CPRE Herefordshire; it’s a chance to meet like-minded people who care about the future of Herefordshire’s countryside.  Pre-booking required,

Book your free AGM ticket here

3. Hedgerow Heroes Project

From October until April 2025, CPRE Herefordshire will continue its work on our Hedgerow Heroes Project, a county-wide initiative that encourages the planting, restoration, and protection of hedgerows. These often-overlooked features of the countryside are essential for wildlife, providing food, shelter, and migration corridors for species such as birds, small mammals, and insects. They also act as natural windbreaks, reduce soil erosion, and help store carbon.

In addition to the Two-Day Hedgelaying Courses, the Hedgerow Heroes Project will involve community planting events this winter, where new hedges will be established in areas that need restoration. These events will provide an opportunity for local residents to get involved in hands-on conservation efforts, learning about the environmental benefits of hedgerows while contributing to their preservation.

The Hedgerow Heroes Project is a long-term initiative that aligns with CPRE’s national campaigns to protect and enhance rural environments. By involving local communities, the project aims to raise awareness of the value of hedgerows and inspire collective action to ensure their survival for future generations.

Volunteer planting hedges with us here

4. Why Get Involved?

These October events are not just about learning new skills or attending meetings—they’re about becoming part of a broader movement to protect and restore Herefordshire’s natural beauty. Hedgerows, in particular, are an integral part of the county’s landscape and its environmental health. By participating in the Hedgelaying Course or the Hedgerow Heroes Project, you can help safeguard these vital features for wildlife, agriculture, and future generations.

Our AGM offers a unique opportunity to engage with CPRE Herefordshire’s mission and to contribute your ideas and concerns about the future of rural conservation. Whether you’re a long-time member or someone looking to get more involved in local environmental efforts, the AGM provides a platform for meaningful engagement and action.

Whether it’s learning the ancient craft of hedgelaying, planting new hedgerows, or discussing future conservation goals at the AGM, there’s something for everyone who cares about Herefordshire’s rural landscapes. These events are more than just workshops or meetings—they’re part of a broader effort to ensure that the county’s natural beauty is preserved for years to come.

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