Hedgerows, hedge banks and mature hedgerow trees have been an important focus for The Carbon Community’s Connected Trees & Woodlands project. Glandwr Forest is home to beautiful lines of mature Oak hedgerow trees, dense rows of Hazel and our new edible hedge planted in 2023. This project aims to protect and enhance these wildlife corridors, important sources of shade and traditional boundary lines.
On 25th January there was beautiful sunshine, a day of respite from Storm Éowyn, and perfect weather for learning to lay a hedge. We were joined by a local expert and 10 volunteers, both enthusiasts and experts who wanted to add Brecon style hedge laying to their repertoire. This style is designed for sheep farming and hedges need to be tight, dense and low to the ground. Pleachers were laid between stakes along a 30 metre stretch of Hazel and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to learn the craft. Hedge laying is best done in small groups and time was also spent helping to maintain the edible hedge that was planted in 2023.
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Laying a mature Hazel hedge resulted in a few gaps and although we no longer need the hedge to keep out the sheep, we do want to create dense vegetation in the hope that a few Dormice will make it their home. Who better to fill the gaps and help widen the row, than another team of 10 volunteers who joined us to plant hedgerow trees at the end of March.
“I have been doing this since 2020. From initial tree planting, tree measuring, now hedging I love the area, the impact it is having, and watching the growth and development. These trees have become my family.” - Volunteer
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In addition to volunteers, professionals have been hard at work, laying a 150 metre stretch of hedgerow and creating double protection for mature trees and new hedge banks. For hedgerow trees to flourish whilst providing shade and shelter to livestock without risk of damage, double fencing has been installed in grazing areas.
The hedgerows are weaving connections at Glandwr Forest. For wildlife they provide habitat corridors, homes and sources of food. For the livestock they provide shade. For our community they provide a new opportunity to learn and make a difference for nature. In fact, everything to do with hedgerows has become our second most popular volunteer activity (with The Carbon Community’s Big Tree Measure still in the top spot).
The Connected Trees & Woodlands project has given a big boost to the hedgerows across Glandwr Forest and we look forward to continue to provide opportunities to weave new connections.
Resources:
Learn more about volunteering with The Carbon Community.
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