To be launched on 17-24 September, The Great Big Dorset Hedge aims to enhance the existing extensive network of hedgerows from east to west and north to south and potentially, where possible, replant where hedgerows have either been lost or removed.

The project, being promoted by Dorset Climate Action Network’s (Dorset CAN’s) Land Use team, is aiming to set up a network of volunteers to walk the footpaths and trailways of Dorset, initially focusing on the 160km (100 miles) of the Jubilee Trail and associated trails such as the Brit Valley Trail and the Stour Valley Way.

Volunteers will be able to join the project walking and contributing to their own local areas and will be asked to walk lengths of the trails, survey the hedges and provide data that will be fed into a comprehensive map of the whole county.

The map will be used to identify what exists, where hedges need help, and places where they need to be added to.

“We have a team of talented people that have already set up a system to survey, assess and map the condition of hedgerows across the county and input data into the map,” explained Ian Duckworth, joint project coordinator.

“We’re now looking for volunteers to walk the trails and survey the hedges. Volunteers will be provided with training, maps and survey sheets for the areas they plan to walk.

“In many areas of Dorset, hedgerows are well managed and are examples of what a hedgerow can be in terms of providing an extensive habitat for wildlife, reducing soil erosion, holding back floodwater, providing shelter for livestock and crops and increasing carbon capture.

“But in some areas, hedgerows have been removed, lost from lack of maintenance, or have become overgrown and no longer form a hedge.

“It is these areas, where hedgerows are less of a feature, that the project aims to tackle to restore the landscape and enhance the existing connections enabling many kinds of wildlife to move within and across the county, greatly benefitting biodiversity.

“The survey of existing hedgerows and areas where hedgerows would ideally be sited is only the first stage of the project.

Joint project coordinator, Julie Leah, added: “In due course discussions with landowners will hopefully lead to hedges being planted, gaps filled, or hedges re-laid, as the surveys recommend and funding and volunteers are available.

“It’s hoped the project may also lead to increased employment for hedge-layers and experts in the field of hedgerow maintenance. As a separate part of the project, everyone is welcome to add any newly-planted or improved hedgerow to the growing GBDH map.”

Jenny Morisetti, Dorset CAN organiser said: “The Great Big Dorset Hedge is an important long-term project, which will help to realise Dorset CAN’s vision of a more biodiverse, sustainable, and carbon-rich landscape as well as being a wonderful opportunity for individuals to get out and learn about our local hedgerows and enjoy being really involved in helping improve the countryside.”

The project also links in with other hedgerow projects such as the Council for the Preservation of Rural England’s ‘Hedgerow Heroes’ and The Peoples Trust for Endangered Species ‘Healthy Hedgerows’ campaigns.

To find out more visit www.DorsetCAN.org/hedge where you can also sign-up to join the project, or email greatbigdorsethedge@gmail.com.