Welcome to the Somerset Hedge Group Website

What is a hedge? - a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs

NEW: Announcing the 2010 Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition
Following the success of the 2008 photo competition, a new photopgraphic competition is being held in 2010. So, start taking photos now! The subject for the competition is "Wildlife in Somerset hedges" - wildlife within a Somerset hedge or clearly associated with a Somerset hedge. Amateur photographers only and digital images only, please. Any digital enhancements allowed. Open and Junior (U15) classes. Entries close on 1 October 2010.
Cash prizes of up to £100! Have fun!!

For views of some of the last competition photos, go to BBC Somerset and the THINGS TO DO: Showcasing Somerset's hedgerows link!

For an entry form and further details, click here.
Enquiries: 01934 844844 or jon.marshall@agroecol.co.uk

 

For Sale: 2010 Calendars derived from the succesful 2008 Photographic Competition

Contact Joy Williams, Countryside Project Officer, Environment Directorate, Somerset County Council, Tel:01823 355663, Email: jewilliams@somerset.gov.uk
Cost, including p&p is £3.00.

Hedge Habitat Champion - Peter Grainger. E-mail: petegrainger@hotmail.com
Progressing the Somerset Habitat Action Plan for hedges.


ThornflowerCelebrating 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

Hedge LayingThe 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.

Hedge EventSomerset 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.

CowFarmer-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.

 

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