Miles of new hedgerows to be planted in winter

The planting of new hedgerows in Cumbria will begin in November

Volunteers are working with farms across the countryside to plant more than two miles (4km) of new hedgerows this winter.

The Countryside Charity is coordinating with 13 local groups across England, as part of the long-running Hedgerow Heroes project, to plant 220,000 trees and 27 miles (43km) of hedgerow.

The Friends of the Lake District (FotLD) group in Cumbria is already working with 13 farms and has already secured permission to plant hedges on 1.5 miles (2.5km) of their 2.5 mile (4km) goal.

Naomi Walker, nature recovery officer for FotLD, said the group would begin planting in November and would welcome any volunteers to help the "wonderful project" succeed.

She said: "Hedgerows provide a wide range of benefits such as flood alleviation, habitat and safe corridors for wildlife, and shelter for livestock.

"We are also committed to spreading good practice, and this winter will run three hedge-laying training days and three sessions focusing on the health benefits of hedgerows for livestock, proper management techniques, and how to survey hedgerow structure."

'Superhighways for nature'

The group is still looking for more hedgerow sites as November approaches.

The Countryside Charity chief executive Roger Mortlock said: "Hedgerows are a vital part of the landscapes we love.

"They shape our countryside, but they are also incredible carbon stores and superhighways for nature."

Hedgerows make up about 12,500 miles (20,116km) of Cumbria's landscape, and are important for grazing, providing shelter and improving the fertility of pasture by benefiting the soil and reducing the effects of cold, spring winds.

Mr Mortlock said more local groups than ever were taking part in the push to plant more hedges this year.

He hopes to deliver on their target of 100 miles (160km) of new and restored hedgerows completed during their centenary next year.