If you find yourself on one of the walks around the Estate, you may spot some of the new hedgerows that have been planted this winter, with still more being planted.
There is over a kilometre of new hedging in various locations across the Estate, comprising native hedge species including hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, crab apple and dogwood.
Hedgerows don’t just look pretty. Planting hedgerows can:
- reduce soil erosion and flooding, by slowing water flow so it soaks into the ground more easily;
- provide forage and shelter from the wind for livestock;
- provide food, shelter and breeding sites for a wide range of wildlife including dormice, birds and bats;
- provide pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators;
- link habitats and allow wildlife to move across the landscape;
- improve water and air quality, by trapping sediments, particles and pollutants;
- absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood.
Look out for the new hedgerows as you are on your walks.
