Eco & Environment | Posted on March 26th, 2024 | return to news
CPRE provides funding for managing Dorset’s hedges
The Dorset branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has provided funding to Dorset Climate Action Network (CAN) for Dorset’s hedges.
Dorset CAN, a charity instigating measures to address the climate and ecological crisis, has welcomed funding from Dorset CPRE for the Great Big Dorset Hedge (GBDH) project.
Dorset CPRE has recognised that the GBDH project is at a crucial stage of growth and increased effectiveness.
The Trustees have agreed a £6,000 funding request for the project to sustain the momentum of managing further growth and in recognition of the ambition and potential of the project.
“Hedgerows are the single most important wildlife corridors in the countryside. They join up habitats and make the English landscape immediately recognisable,” said Neil Matthews, Dorset CPRE chair.
They are a crucial part of the ecosystem and biodiversity in Dorset. The project plans to grow throughout 2024. So far more than 2,000 volunteer hours have been dedicated to hedgerow surveys, provided by over 150 active volunteers. Specialist support is provided by Alex Stephen and Vicki Gallagher.
“We would not be able to grow without Alex and Vicki in place and, right now, that is all due to the generous support we obtain from Dorset CPRE,” said John Calder the voluntary project manager.
Volunteers benefit from meeting like-minded people, getting out in nature, learning new species-identification skills and making a difference by helping the farmers involved to focus on what is needed to improve the condition of their hedgerows. Over 50 farmers have signed up.
Neil Matthews said: “The work of John Calder and his team is invaluable in helping farmers manage and sustain their hedges for now and for the future. I am so pleased Dorset CPRE is able to support this vital project.”
The funding will ensure the project continues to grow. John hopes to increase from 20km of hedgerow surveys per month, to closer to 50km a month.
Neil Matthews and Dorset CPRE president, Kate Adie joined John Calder and Linda Williams of Dorset CPRE on a frosty January morning to sample the delights of the GBDH survey process in Chilfrome near Maiden Newton.
John said: “I was heartened to hear the empathy that Kate expressed towards the farming community.”
Readers who wish to join the GBDH volunteers can sign up here: www.dorsetcan.org/hedge/volunteer
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