Hedgerows in Hampshire

Hedgerows in Hampshire

by Graham Chamberlain, third year student at King Alfred's College, Winchester, studying Tourism and Heritage Management with History, on work placement with CPRE Hampshire

England has lost more than half its hedgerows since 1947, that is about 330,000km, and although new ones are being planted, it takes many years for them to mature. This loss is mainly due to hedgerow removal and mismanagement. The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (in the process of updating) have begun to reverse this trend as hedgerows can have a statutory protection. The Regulations, however, do not go far enough as they only protect 'important' hedgerows, and give little protection from planned development. Their loss is having a massive effect on biodiversity and countryside character of England.

Hedgerows are important in so many ways. Their loss is a disaster. They give a unique visual character to the English Landscape, are a rich habitat for many species of animals, flora and fauna. They are tied up with the landscape history of England distinguishing the English landscape; they give the English people a sense of place, as hedgerows are a national characteristic. Few places in the world have a similar landscape; they give the English countryside a sense of uniqueness and therefore importance.

CPRE Hampshire and the Hampshire Wildlife Trust are working together for the future of Hampshire's hedgerows. This means that we will be working to protect, enhance and increase understanding of the hedgerow network by implementing a Hedgerow Survey and Monitoring Project. Further developments are that the project method and action plan are almost complete. Many volunteers have come forward to help since our Rural Seminar held on the 24th February and the project is really gaining momentum.

The main aims of a Hedgerow Survey would be to provide the following information:

An audit of hedgerows. This would enable interested groups to establish exactly what is included in the hedgerows in terms of biodiversity.
Assess hedgerow character areas. This would enable interested groups to identify areas of outstanding hedgerow, similarities in species, and if there are local distinctions.
Protect and enhance hedgerow and identify threats. This would enable interested groups to identify areas where hedgerows are under threat and find out how best to improve and protect them.
Record management practices. This will allow the project to identify good practices and apply them elsewhere, as well as identifying areas of mismanagement and offer advice to the landowners. This is important as hedgerows are at threat from mismanagement to almost the same extent as their removal.
Raise awareness and promote the value of hedgerows. It is extremely important that the public are involved, as we hope that by making them aware of the threat trying to improve their knowledge of the hedgerow, they will come to appreciate and value this unique habitat even more.

The Pilot Project will take place this summer between June and October in three areas of Hampshire: East Hampshire, Fareham (South Hampshire) and Basingstoke and Deane (North Hampshire). This will give the project a trial in both rural and urban landscapes. The Pilot is the trial for the larger project which will begin in Spring 2005 in every District of Hampshire. Anyone can volunteer to take part in the Survey. You do not have to be a member of CPRE or come from the trial areas. We are looking for three types of volunteers: team leaders, surveyors and people interested in doing the historical research. The Project has a role for everyone.

The Team Leaders will be responsible for co-ordinating their Team of around ten people. Each team will be assigned a Parish and the Team will survey a random selection of hedges in the Parish. The Team Leader will conduct this random selection which is a simple process using aerial photos and an overlay; they will also, with the help of the Team, input data into a database. The Surveyors will then be assigned hedges to survey by the Team Leader. Each Volunteer will survey about ten hedges over the summer which is a commitment of around 10-15 hours. The Historical Researchers will at the same time be researching the history of the hedge from aerial photos and old maps and comparing them. All these maps are available from the Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre. The Project is very flexible as Surveyors can also do the Historical Research and vice versa.

There will be a Hedgerow Surveyors/Co-ordinators/Researchers Meeting at the Hampshire Wildlife Trust's Testwood Lakes Wildlife Reserve, Totton, at 7pm on Thursday 22 April, for those who might be interested. There will then be a Training Day on Sunday 16 May at Jubilee Hall, Horndean (TBC).

Are you interested in hedgerows and do you want to help protect this highly valuable and important English habitat? Why not volunteer as a Team Leader, Surveyor or Historical Researcher? No experience necessary. Why not come along to the County Branch AGM at Sparsholt College on Saturday 8 May, where there will be a Hedgerow Project stand. Complete the Hampshire Hedgerow Survey proforma and return to the Branch Office.

March 2004