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'.
NEWS:
Covid-19:
Hedge Group acitvity is currently limited. Hopefully, we will be back
in action soon.
Photo
Competitions The Somerset Hedge Group Photogrpahic Competition
entries #somersethedgetrees
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.
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
The
need for the Somerset Hedge Group
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.
Somerset
has experienced less hedgerow loss than more eastern counties but it is important
to manage the existing hedge resource. Ancient and species-rich hedgerows
are a now a "priority habitat" in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK
BAP) to help address the loss. Grants are now available to encourage appropriate
management.
Farmer-orientated
approach
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.