Help us plant and restore hedgerow across the South West

We are excited to announce that our next year of Hedgerow Heroes starts now!

From October 2025 – April 2026 we will be creating new hedgerows and restoring existing ones across North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Bath and North East Somerset.

Hedgerows are the unsung heroes of our countryside. Not only are they beautiful, with shifting seasonal colours, but they also provide homes and corridors for wildlife. Hedgerows are essential for tackling the climate crisis due to their ability to capture carbon, particularly when managed for nature.

However, we have lost 50% of our hedgerows since WW11. Most hedges have the capacity to be ecological powerhouses, but their wildlife value is entirely dependent on the way they are managed. A 2007 Countryside Survey found only 48% hedgerows nationally to be in good structural condition.

Along with 12 other CPRE groups taking part in Hedgerow Heroes, we’ll be planting and restoring hedgerows across England, whilst raising awareness of how landowners can manage hedgerows sustainably.

Since CPRE Avon and Bristol started Hedgerow Heroes in 2022, we have planted and restored 5.85km hedgerow across the South West with the help of volunteers. Our goal is to reach 10km by the end of CPRE’s Centenary year 2026. That’s 100 metres of hedgerow for every year CPRE has been caring for the countryside.

To reach this ambitious target, we need your help!

We are seeking volunteers to help us plant trees and hedgelay over this winter. Whether you can spare 1 day or many, or wish to join as an individual or a larger group (such as a work volunteer day). We provide all the tools, gloves and training, and most importantly, hot drinks and biscuits!

To join a volunteer day, find an activity on Eventbrite and follow the event instructions to register as a volunteer.

See all activities on our Eventbrite