Betting on hedging in Titchfield

COMBATING climate change by promoting hedging is the basis of a project that is about to get underway near Titchfield and the countryside charity behind the scheme is asking for volunteers to get involved

CPRE Hampshire has obtained funding for the second phase of its Hedgerow Heroes project which will focus on planting and restoring about 2km of hedges – including on part of the public coastal footpath – in and around Upper Brownwich Farm, south-west Fareham.

The charity is working with Hampshire County Council’s Country Farms team and tenant farmer Richard Stiles, “to enhance the quality of the landscape, grow local community engagement and raise awareness of the importance of hedgerows for wildlife, climate and sustainable farming.”

Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Mr Stiles said: “We are working on lots of new plans for the farm and it will be great to engage with the local community on achieving some of these goals.”

team of volunteers led by experts

It is hoped the Upper Brownwich Farm scheme will get underway in August and the plan is to put together a small team of volunteers – led by experts – to carry out a range of practical tasks, including hedge-planting and hedge-laying.

There will also be an assessment of the quality and health of existing hedgerows and a survey to help find out more about the current wildlife value of the existing hedges.

CPRE Hampshire’s lead on hedgerows Boyd McCleary said: “It’s a great opportunity to gain practical experience as well as developing your knowledge of the humble hedgerow and all it has to offer.”

For more information and to express an interest in joining the Upper Brownwich Farm volunteer team, email ellie.banks@cprehampshire.org.uk by Friday July 29, 2022.

CPRE Hampshire has information and resources about hedgerows and the Hedgerow Heroes project on its website – or click HERE.

Photograph (top): aerial view of Upper Brownwich Farm. CPRE, reproduced with permission