Welcome to the Somerset Hedge Group Website

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

2008 Somerset Hedge Group Photographic Competition
Closing in 3 months
Get out into the countryside now with your digital camera and see if you can capture the best of Somerset's hedges. There is a striking diversity of hedgerows in Somerset - thorn hedges, beech banks on Exmoor, the Quantocks and the Blackdowns, new hedges planted under Stewardship and in Environmentally Sensitive Areas, ancient parish boundaries - in winter frost, spring green, summer flowers or autumn colours. Open to amateur photographers only and a maximum of three entries. There are generous cash prizes. Closing date: 3 November 2008. For details, click here and print off the entry form.

Could this be an entry? or this?

 

NEW July 2008: Somerset Habitat Action Plan for Hedgerows & Hedgerow Trees published
Click here to read and/or download the pdf file

 

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