Hedgerow Heroes: Join us to plant 6km of hedgerow across Herefordshire

Hedgerows are one of the quiet heroes of our countryside. 

They connect habitats, shelter wildlife, protect soils, store carbon and give our lanes and fields their much-loved character. But since 1945, England has lost thousands of miles of hedgerow (around half in total), with serious consequences for nature and landscape.

Here in Herefordshire, we’re working hard to turn that story around.

Our Hedgerow Heroes project brings together local people, farmers, landowners and community groups to plant and restore hedgerows across the county. Last winter we successfully planted or restored 3.7km, thanks to the incredible support of volunteers of all ages. This season, we’ve set ourselves an even bigger challenge: 6km of new and rejuvenated hedgerow by April 2026.

We’re already off to a strong start, with hundreds of metres planted this month, but to reach our goal, we need more helping hands.

Can you spare a few hours to help nature recover?

We’re calling for more volunteers to join our planting sessions running throughout November and December. Each session is friendly, relaxed and open to everyone, whether you’re an individual, a family looking for a day outdoors, or a business seeking a meaningful charity or CSR day for your team.

No experience is necessary and only light work required.

We provide all tools, guidance, hot drinks and biscuits.

Planting sessions run from 10am–2pm, with locations across the county. You can join for one session or several, every metre you help plant makes a real difference.

Upcoming volunteer dates

Near Bromyard: Wed 19, Thurs 20 and Fri 21 Nov

Just North of Hereford City: Sun 23, Mon 24, Tues 25, Wed 26 and Thurs 27 Nov

Biddlestone (near Ross on Wye): Mon 1, Tues 2 and Wed 3 Dec

Pembridge: Fri 5, Sat 6, Mon 8, Tues 9, Wed 10 and Fri 12 Dec

You can book your place by completing the form below or emailing info@cpreherefordshire.org.uk. Planting will continue through January, February and March, more dates to be announced soon.

Sign up here

Sessions with the lowest volunteer numbers are highlighted on the booking form, if you’re flexible, choosing one of these helps us keep every site on track (we welcome more volunteers to every session, not just those highlighted).

Why your help matters

Healthy hedgerows are vital for a thriving countryside as they:

• Create wildlife corridors for birds, insects and mammals
• Improve soil health and reduce erosion
• Capture and store carbon
• Help manage water and reduce flood risk
• Support the character and beauty of our rural landscape

By volunteering, you’ll be helping wildlife return, supporting local farmers, and restoring one of Herefordshire’s most important natural assets. You’ll also enjoy a few hours in the fresh air with friendly people.

Join us

Whether you come alone, bring a friend, join as a family, or organise a team day through your business, you’ll be part of something meaningful for Herefordshire’s countryside.

Click here to sign up or explore the diary of upcoming sessions.

Hedgelaying

As part of our project we are running several two day hedgelaying courses, you can find out more about these and book them on Eventbrite by clicking here. Hedgelaying rejuvenates overgrown hedgerows, protects crops and livestock, boosts biodiversity, and creates vital wildlife habitats.

Thank you for being part of Hedgerow Heroes.  Together, we can help our landscape, wildlife and communities thrive.