Hedgerow Heroes

Hedgerow Heroes is a wider CPRE project launched in 2021 to support the national campaign to increase the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050. To date, Hedgerow Heroes has seen 75.6km (47 miles) of hedgerow in England rejuvenated and created. This project also aims to inspire individuals and give a greater understanding of the importance of hedges to our environment and wildlife. We were thrilled to be a part of the project this season (phase 4 – up to April 2025). And excited to partner with local communities, schools, landowners, and farmers to raise awareness about the importance of hedgerows, manage existing ones, and plant at least 2500m (1.6 miles) of new hedgerow by the end of March 2025.

Now we have completed planting for this season, we’re thrilled to share that 3714 metres (2.3 miles) of beautiful new hedgerows have been planted and restored across Herefordshire (smashing our target of 2500m).

Find our more about our project in our short film below:

A huge thank you to everyone involved, we couldn’t have done it without you!

Many thanks to all of our 100+ volunteers who have helped us plant hedgerows in Herefordshire. Including members of The Environment Agency and Semperian Asset Management who volunteered their time with us.  Thanks to students from three agricultural and land management courses, studying at the Home Lacy College HLNSC, who volunteered with us this year, while also learning about the benefits of hedgerows. In addition, we are establishing a working relationship with QE Secondary School, in Bromyard, as part of their Biology and Geography studies, focusing on hedges, trees, biodiversity, (and our Citizen Science work around water quality you can find out more about that project here).

We are also very grateful to The Tree Council who donated a portion of plants, guards and canes to our project which enabled us to surpass our initial target this year.

The importance of hedgerows:

Did you know, since 1945 England has lost over half of its hedgerows which are vital for nature, bursting with life.  Hedgerows support one in ten of the UK’s vulnerable species, including the hazel dormouse and the beloved hedgehog, whose decline is closely linked to hedgerow loss. The lines of hedges crisscrossing our countryside act as wildlife corridors, linking habitats together and providing safe movement for many scurrying, flying and scuttling animals such as endangered dormice and rare brown hairstreak butterflies.  You can find out more about the history of hedges here.  Hedgelink also has some fantastic resources about hedgerows and hedgerow maintenance available here.

Here are locations of our hedge planting in Herefordshire completed between November 2024 and March 2025:

Increasing knowledge – courses, talks & lesson plans:

During the winter of 2024 we organised three two-day hedge laying courses, run by expert Richard Clarke from Really Rural.  Attendees gained hands-on experience in this traditional country craft, learning how to manage and rejuvenate overgrown hedgerows. Through Richard’s expert guidance, attendees acquired the skills to improve hedge structure, promote new growth, and enhance the habitat for wildlife.  We hope to have more courses next year – Sign up to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more details.

We are planning to hold talks and group discussions about our Hedgerow Heroes project, and hedge planting in general, soon.  If you’d like us to hold a talk for your community, group, charity or school please send us an email at info@cpreherefordshire.org.uk. We’d love to hear from you.

Plus, we have classroom resources for Key Stage 1 and 2 school children downloadable below.

Hedgerow Heroes Sponsors

Edward Bulmer Natural Paint

Westons Cider

 Shepherds Ice Cream

Border Oak

Thank you to our private sponsors too for helping us hit our target.