| Welcome to the Somerset Hedge Group Website |
What is a hedge? - a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs
Become
a member of the Somerset Hedge Group - Help to further the aims of
the group (see below).
There are two versions of the Membership Form.
Click here
for a form that can be completed electronically saved and emailed
to Heather Harley: HJHarley@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Click
here for a form that can be printed, completed by hand and posted
Please print, fill in and mail to Heather Harley, Conservation Officer
(Farming and Land Management), Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor
House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL. Tel: 01398 322277. Membership is
free but you may like to support the group by sending a donation with
your application. Please make cheques out to 'Somerset Hedge Group'.
New Photographic Competition:
The 2017 Hedge Group Photo Competition has the theme of: "Hedgerow Trees", so start taking shots through the year. Details are on the Entry Form (click here). The closing date is 2 October 2017 and winners will be presented with their prizes at a Presentation Evening in November. Entries will also appear in the 2018 Somerset Hedge Group Calendar in time for Christmas. See details of the 2017 calendar below.
2017
Hedge Group calendars
The Somerset Hedge Group 2017 desk / table top calendar
uses photos from the 2016 photo competition. Calendars cost just £4 each
including postage & packing. There are a small number left. so to get
your calendars please send a cheque made out to 'Somerset Hedge Group'
with your name and address to
Heather Harley, Conservation Officer (Farming and Land Management), Exmoor
National Park Authority, Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL.
Tel: 01398 322277. Heather Harley E-mail
HJHarley@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
To see the
2008 photo entries on 
,
click here.
To see the 2010 photo entries on ,
click
here.
To
see the 2012 photo entries on ,
click
here.
To
see the 2014 photo entries on ,
click
here.
New Book from the Deveon Hedge Group: Devon Hedges. Click here for details.
Progressing
the Somerset
Habitat Action Plan for hedges.
Celebrating
Somerset's hedges
Somerset has a rich network of hedgerows and field boundaries ranging from the upland beech hedges of Exmoor, the Blackdown and Quantock Hills in the west, to the lowland ancient species-rich hedges throughout central Somerset, rising again to the stone walls and hedges of the Mendip Hills.
The
Aims of the Group
| • | To promote good practice in hedge management |
| • | To raise awareness and appreciation of the value of hedges to farming and non-farming communities |
| • | To increase the conservation of the hedge network across the county |
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The Somerset Hedge Group was formed in 1997 to co-ordinate the efforts of individuals and organisations who are concerned about hedgerows. The Somerset Hedge Group promotes responsible hedge management through demonstrations; competitions; advice on training courses, management and grant aid; publicity and other initiatives. Numerous factors such as agricultural mechanisation, urban expansion, rural development and road building have affected hedgerows in the past 50 years. Between 1984 and 1990, it is estimated that the total length of British hedgerows declined by 23% (DETR, 2000). Not all of this decline is due to direct removal, in fact the main loss of hedgerow is now neglect and mismanagement. |
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The Somerset Hedge Group uses a farmer-orientated approach to promote good practice and listening to farmers is an important role for the Group. The Group also acts as a forum for discussion where academics and practitioners alike are given the opportunity to share findings and experience.
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For the latest
events, check Diary Dates
Count from 9/2/2008 16:00
 | Over 90% of Somerset is farmed and most hedges occur on farmland |
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