Devon Hedge Week 2012

Devon Hedge Week runs every year at the end of October. In 2012 the series of events begins on Saturday 27 Oct and runs through until Sunday 4 November.

The week is run by a partnership of organisations lead by Devon Hedge Group with the aim of highlighting the fantastic wildlife resource that is the Devon hedge. This year's theme is 'Hedges for the Future'.

A haven for wildlife

Traditionally laid hedges in the Devon style are excellent habitats for a host of species and provide both shelter and food for much of the year. Once laid they have open banks which are a big draw for reptiles and are great for flowering plants too. At a farm near Chudleigh for example 293 flowering plants were found to occur in the hedge banks. Species such as birds and small mammals use hedgerows for shelter and feed on nuts and fruits that grow within them.

Management

The laying process helps to make the hedges stock-proof which is a big boon for landowners but in turn creates thick bushy growth which provides the perfect conditions for nesting birds and small animals. As part of a network across the countryside, hedges create effective corridors helping wildlife to move between habitats. For more information about the conservation and management of hedgerows download Devon County Council's Hedge pack or watch the video below.

Events

This year there are events covering aspects such as laying, walling, crafts, hedgerow foods and wildlife. The events are spread all around the county so you should be able to find something of interest near you.

DWT Hedgelaying Day for Beginners – 27 October.
(All day event) Near Holsworthy.
Celebrate Devon Hedge Week with an introductory training course on hedge-laying. Hedge-laying is a traditional way of maintaining a stock-proof and wildlife-rich hedge. This day is for adults and will teach the basics of hedge-laying involving the use of saws and hedging tools in the field.  Organised by DWT’s Working Wetlands team.  For more details please contact the Working Wetlands Project on 01409 221823 or working.wetlands@devonwildlifetrust.org

For more information and the list of other events, visit the FWAG website.

Informal Hedgelaying Group

If you are interested in helping us out by doing some hedgelaying, but are unable to attend the above event, you may be interested in joining our Informal Hedgelaying Group.  Alternatibvely, perhaps join in on one of our Conservation Work Parties which can include a variety of activities including hedgelaying.  See our Volunteer Opportunities on our website for more information.

Other links

Hedgelink is the UK partnership that brings everyone interested in hedgerows together, to share knowledge and ideas, to encourage and inspire, and to work with farmers and other land managers to conserve and enhance our hedgerow heritage.