The Hampshire Hedge Returns: Final Phase to Link New Forest and South Downs Begins

CPRE Hampshire’s much-loved Hampshire Hedge project is entering its final phase, marking the culmination of a three-year effort to connect the landscapes of the New Forest and South Downs with a thriving network of new and existing native hedgerows.

This ambitious initiative aims to plant and restore over 15km of hedgerow, creating vital wildlife corridors that link fragmented habitats and support biodiversity across the county – connecting Shawford and Compton in the South Downs with Copythorne on the edge of the New Forest.

The project brings together volunteers, landowners and conservation partners to plant, restore, and lay hedgerows using traditional techniques that benefit both people and nature.

The Hampshire Hedge forms part of the national CPRE Hedgerow Heroes Project (Phase 5), which supports communities around England to restore these important features of our countryside.

‘Hedgerow Heroes sums up what CPRE is all about. What started as a campaign to push government to set ambitious targets for hedgerow restoration and creation has led to CPRE branches around the country ‘walking the walk’ and demonstrating that change is possible.’ Roger Mortlock, Chief Executive, CPRE, the countryside charity

The project also receives funding from Defra through The Tree Council’s Trees Outside Woodland (TOW) Fund, which provides grants of up to £40,000 for local authorities and larger charities to plant and care for trees and hedgerows on land that is publicly accessible or of public benefit.

Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “Trees bring us peace, shade and joy, and people feel deeply connected to them across the country. This funding will see thousands of trees planted as part of our Plan for Change, to bring nature closer to people.”

The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said: “Trees outside woodland are the trees we all come across most often – those in our parks, on our streets, and even the hedgerows that help capture carbon and act as heritage highways for a rich array of wildlife.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Defra to offer this additional Tree Council grant opportunity to benefit people, wildlife and our planet, and especially CPRE Hampshire.”

“Hedgerows are the lifelines of the countryside – vital for wildlife, climate resilience and rural heritage,” said Ellie Banks, Hedgerow Project Officer at CPRE Hampshire. “This final phase represents years of collaboration and community effort, and we’re excited to see Hampshire’s countryside reconnected one hedgerow at a time.”

Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, around 51,000 trees have been planted so far, with that number set to rise to 75,000 by the project’s completion. Each new hedgerow and tree strengthens the links between woodlands, meadows, nature reserves, and SSSIs, creating a living network for wildlife to thrive.

Alongside the planting programme, the Hampshire Hedge will continue to engage local communities through volunteer action days, hedge laying courses and community events, helping to keep traditional countryside management alive for future generations.

For more information about how to get involved or volunteer with the Hampshire Hedge project, visit https://www.cprehampshire.org.uk/hedgerows/

We extend our appreciation to our funding partners whose support has been instrumental in delivering the Hampshire Hedge project. This includes:

• National Office CPRE
• Big Give
• Linbury Trust
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• South Downs National Park
• The Tree Council

Together, we are creating a lasting legacy for Hampshire’s countryside and helping both people and planet thrive side by side.