TRADITIONAL HEDGELAYING BRINGS BACK HERITAGE SKILLS TO SHERFORD

Volunteers from Friends of Sherford Country Park are breathing new life into overgrown hedgerows using centuries-old conservation techniques learned through a Heritage Skills Training Programme, made possible by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A successful hedgelaying workshop took place in November, led by a skilled instructor, with on-the-ground support from Alex Whish, the Principal Urban Fringe Green Infrastructure Officer from South Hams District Council, and with the consent of the Sherford Consortium.

The volunteer group will continue this important conservation work throughout the winter months, rejuvenating the overgrown hedgerows along some of the boundaries of the Country Park. This work continues in the vein of best practice Devon Hedge management, building on the skills learned through the Heritage Skills Training Programme.

The traditional craft of hedgelaying creates natural boundaries that provide important wildlife corridors and habitats. Using traditional tools, volunteers are carefully preparing and laying the hedgerows to extend their life long into the future.

As part of the conservation work, the team is constructing temporary 'dead hedges' using cut material alongside the laid hedges to protect them during rejuvenation. These structures are recognised as excellent habitat for wildlife. Over time, further coppicing will provide useful products like bean poles for the community to use in their gardens and once the allotments have arrived.

The specialist training programme has already introduced volunteers to traditional crafts including coppicing and hedgelaying. It has been hugely successful this year - and you can read more here.

It is part of a vision to connect Sherford residents with the land's rich heritage and promoting environmental stewardship. The conservation activities are being carried out in partnership with the Sherford Consortium, which owns the land and manages the public spaces.