Launch of Hedgerow Heroes - 17th November at 9am
Bertram Bees, Guildford Road, Westcott, Dorking RH4 3QG
Hedgerows are one of the most important habitats in Surrey – they are both homes and wildlife corridors. However since WWII, around half of the UK’s hedgerows have disappeared. Whilst this decline has now stabilised, their condition is deteriorating. Hedgerow loss and degradation has been identified as a contributory factor in the decline of many species, especially those associated with farmland. Hedgerow habitats are associated with over 130 Species of Principle Importance for Nature Conservation; in the light of the recent findings of the State of Surrey’s Nature report (which showed a third of our species extinct or in decline) healthy hedgerows will be essential to help turn this around. Hedges also play an integral role in preventing soil loss from wind and water erosion, reducing flooding and local air pollution, providing shelter, and acting as a buffer strip to protect our watercourses from agricultural run off.
Working with landowners, Surrey Wildlife Trust wants to restore these networks. We believe in supporting local people to become actively involved in caring for their local areas, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to look after local habitats. Our Hedgerow Heroes project aims to restore, monitor and protect local hedgerows. We will do this by creating a network of trained volunteers, who will conduct surveys, help identify problems and work with you to help maintain your hedgerows for the benefit of wildlife.
Please join us for a breakfast presentation about this exciting project, followed by a tour of some fantastic hedgerows at Milton Court Farm. Please RSVP including any special dietary requirements to [email protected].
We look forward to working with you.
Kind regards
Sarah Jane
Sarah Jane Chimbwandira CEnv MCIEEM
Director of Biodiversity, Evidence & Policy
Surrey Wildlife Trust
School Lane
Pirbright
Woking
Surrey
GU24 0JN
Tel: 01483 795484
Mob: 07967 575252