Sir Christopher Chope, MP, visits Highcliffe School to learn more about CPRE Hampshire Hedgerow Heroes initiative in the area – and to plant a hedge

CPRE Hampshire were recently delighted to meet with Sir Christopher Chope, MP for Christchurch, at Highcliffe School, to talk about the benefits of hedgerows and to assist in planting a new hedge on the school site. The students had already been learning about hedgerows as part of their citizenship course.

Boyd McCleary, Acting Chair of CPRE Hampshire explains: “It was lovely to have an opportunity to talk to the students at Highcliffe about the value of hedgerows and to learn more about the project they have been doing on hedgerows as part of their citizenship programme. But the best part of the morning was the actual planting of a new hedge at the school. The students threw themselves into this task with great gusto and we had 50 metres of new hedge planted in not much more than an hour. Very impressive. The students each signed a pledge to look after the hedge as it grows over the next few years. It is important for young people to understand the many benefits of hedges, particularly as a mitigation measure in the context of climate change.”

Sir Christopher Chope went on to say: “It was wonderful to be hosted by the children at Highcliffe School to learn more about the CPRE Hampshire hedgerow initiative and consider the vital role hedges play in the health of our countryside, and indeed our climate. Essential for wildlife, such as bees, bats and butterflies, hedges also contribute to our planet by storing carbon and preventing soil erosion. I have learnt a lot.”

Hedgerows play an enormously important role in the health and diversity of our land, climate, and wildlife, and CPRE Hampshire are backing the Climate Change Committee’s call for a 40% increase in hedgerows by 2050. We urgently need to encourage more nature-based solutions if we are to tackle the ever-increasing climate emergency.