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Our Hedgerow Heroes Project
CPRE Gloucestershire are now in the new phase of our Hedgerow Heroes Project. But what exactly are we doing, why is it important, and how can you get involved?
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our ‘Sponsor a hedge’ campaign as part of the next phase of our Hedgerow Heroes Project!
This exciting new initiative offers you the opportunity to match-fund a metre (or more!) of hedgerow in Gloucestershire. By sponsoring a hedge, you’ll be directly contributing to the restoration and protection of vital ecosystems, ensuring that these crucial habitats are preserved for future generations.
To see the impact of your sponsorship, you can view our project sites on site map here.
Find out more and sponsor your hedge today by clicking the link below!
Sponsor nowAbout the Hedgerow Heroes Project
Hedgerows have long been an integral part of Gloucestershire’s agricultural landscape, supporting both the local ecosystem and wildlife. Sadly, since the mid-20th century, hedgerows across the county, like many other areas in the UK, have seen a significant decline.
This issue is not unique to Gloucestershire. Across the country, CPRE groups have been working tirelessly to address this environmental crisis through the Hedgerow Heroes Project.
The call to protect hedgerows dates back to 1926, when CPRE’s founding manifesto first highlighted the dangers of ‘indiscriminate destruction’ of these vital natural features. The Hedgerow Heroes Project continues this mission, helping to restore and protect hedgerows nationwide.
To date, Hedgerow Heroes has successfully rejuvenated and created over 47 miles of hedgerow across the country, inspiring individuals and communities to understand the vital role hedgerows play in supporting biodiversity, protecting wildlife, and maintaining the beauty of the countryside.
Find out more about our hedgerows and their decline by clicking the link below.
Our project in Gloucestershire
Our first season: 2023-24
In 2023, CPRE Gloucestershire proudly joined the Hedgerow Heroes Project, led by Millie, our dedicated Hedgerow Heroes Project Officer, and the inaugural season was a resounding success! We not only met, but exceeded our target of 1km for hedge-laying and planting, working alongside local community groups, organisations, and volunteers to engage and empower them in protecting Gloucestershire’s countryside.
Our new season: 2024-25
Building on the success of 2023-24, we are excited to launch a new phase of the Hedgerow Heroes Project, running from September 2024 to April 2025.
We’ve set a new, ambitious target of 2.4 kilometres of mixed planting, hedge-laying, and management across Gloucestershire. This season, we will collaborate even more closely with schools, community groups, and individuals, offering hands-on experience in hedge-laying and planting. Our goal is to inspire participants to carry these skills forward, ensuring that the impact of the project continues long after its completion.
In addition to our practical work, we aim to build upon the Hedgerow Heroes legacy by encouraging schools to integrate countryside management into their curriculum. We hope to promote the importance of these skills as part of environmental education for the next generation.
Whether you’re a volunteer, a school, or a local community group, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved in the Hedgerow Heroes Project – find out more below!
Get involved
Join us in protecting and restoring Gloucestershire’s hedgerows!
From now until April 2025, we’re hosting hedgerow volunteering days across the county (view our project sites) to plant and manage 2.4km of hedgerow. These sessions offer hands-on experience in hedge-laying, planting, and maintenance, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds.
Why volunteer?
By volunteering, you’ll be helping us plant new hedgerows and care for existing ones, creating valuable habitats for wildlife. Hedgerows provide essential breeding spaces, food sources, and protection for a variety of species. Your support will contribute to the creation and management of 2.4 kilometres of hedgerows across Gloucestershire.
Book your FREE place now via the link below and become part of the Hedgerow Heroes movement!
Partnership opportunities & organisational volunteering
We are also excited to collaborate with local organisations, offering them the chance to take part in a day of learning, teamwork, and environmental action. This is an excellent opportunity for companies, schools, and community groups to get involved in practical countryside management and contribute to Gloucestershire’s environment.
To arrange a volunteering day for your group or to find out more about partnership opportunities, please contact Millie, our Project Officer: millie@cpreglos.org.uk.
Are you a landowner, or do you know of a special location that could benefit from our Hedgerow Heroes Project?
We are always excited to hear about potential sites in Gloucestershire that could gain from our hedgerow work. If you have a location in mind that would be suitable, we would love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Millie, our Project Officer: millie@cpreglos.org.uk. We look forward to exploring how we can collaborate to make a positive environmental impact together!
You can find out more about our current project sites for this season below.
