Two kilometres of hedgerow – around 10,000 trees – are being planted in Ham, Sidlesham, as part of the latest Hedgerow Heroes project. The project is being run by CPRE Sussex in partnership with the Manhood Wildlife and Heritage Group.
CPRE Sussex director Paul Steedman said: “Hedgerows are a win-win-win for the countryside. They create vital wildlife corridors, lock up carbon and create beautiful landscapes. They are particularly important on the Manhood Peninsula because the low-lying land is windswept and the hedges provide vital shelter for wildlife and plants. Thank you to everyone who has already joined us at planting events.”
The Sussex project is part of a nationwide CPRE Hedgerow Heroes initiative running across England. Planting is taking place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until mid-March, depending on the wetness of the soil.
Mr Steedman added: “We are going to need lots of help to reach our goal of 2km of hedgerow, but this project will make a huge difference to our natural environment here in Sussex. As well as the heavy work of digging holes, we also have lighter jobs including putting in the trees, stakes and guards. I hope many more people will be inspired to become Hedgerow Heroes in the new year.”
The charity said hedges are vital wildlife corridors for many species of birds, insects, butterflies and small mammals. They provide a safe route for travel as well as food and shelter. In this area they help to link up the protected and special areas of Pagham Harbour, Medmerry and Chichester Harbour.
They hold soil on the land so that it doesn’t end up in the water courses, reducing water quality, and silting them up, contributing to local flooding issues. They also soak up carbon, add to the visual appeal of the landscape, and slow down the winds. We need to put them back, gap fill older hedges, and repair damage from previous long ago government policies around hedgerow removal.
The Hedgerow Heroes are part of a national campaign, launched in 2021, to extend the UK hedgerows network by 40% by 2050.
If you are interested in becoming a Hedgerow Hero visit the CPRE Sussex website.
