National Trust Launches 10-Year Hedgerow Restoration Project

A significant hedgerow restoration initiative has commenced at the National Trust’s estate in Wimpole Hall, Cambridgeshire. This ambitious ten-year programme aims to plant or restore approximately 23 km (14 miles) of hedges across the 1,000-hectare (2,500-acre) estate. The project, designed to enhance wildlife habitats, also supports the operational farm by establishing firebreaks and mitigating soil erosion.

According to Dave Hassall, the farm and countryside manager at Wimpole, the restoration of each hedgerow section contributes to a more interconnected and resilient landscape. “Each section of hedge that we restore makes the whole network bigger and better,” Hassall stated. He emphasized the importance of these efforts in adapting to the changing climate, stating that the project improves “how the landscape functions as a connected system.”

The Wimpole Estate features a grand mansion, extensive parkland, and flourishing gardens, alongside its working farm. As part of this winter’s efforts, staff and volunteers have already planted 30,000 trees and managed 2.3 km (1.4 miles) of existing hedgerows through coppicing and laying techniques. These activities are intended to promote the growth of flowering and fruiting plants, which provide essential food and shelter for various wildlife species.

Hedgerows play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, particularly for red-listed farmland birds such as the corn bunting, yellowhammer, and linnet. They also offer vital winter sustenance for migratory species like fieldfares and redwings. Hassall noted the effectiveness of traditional restoration methods, stating, “Laying and coppicing hedgerows can seem quite extreme, but the hedges quickly grow back bigger and better than before.”

The long-term restoration programme was formulated in 2023, with plans to coppice about 10% of the existing hedges. The initiative includes laying 6.7 km (4.1 miles) of hedgerows and planting 13.8 km (8.6 miles) of new hedgerow, which translates to around 83,000 native trees and shrubs, as reported by the National Trust.

This extensive restoration effort not only aims to bolster the ecological integrity of the estate but also reinforces the National Trust’s commitment to enhancing natural landscapes across the UK. As the project progresses, it is expected to yield significant benefits for both wildlife and the agricultural community at Wimpole Hall.