Why Do Our Volunteers Plant Hedgerows

CPRE Bedfordshire has a committed group of volunteers who turn out in all weathers to plant hedgerow plants by the thousand each winter.

There are many reasons why our Hedgerow Hero volunteers plant new hedgerows with us…

For many, it’s because they care about the countryside and want to help nature.

The sorts of comments we get include:

“I feel energised being outdoors, doing something physical that’s also productive and doing my bit for nature. You can’t beat a sunny winter’s morning planting whips, with lovely countryside views and with like-minded people all working together. I even saw a hare in the field last time I volunteered.” – Helen

“Getting outside in all weathers and creating a little something with like-minded individuals is an enjoyable and rewarding way to spend a few hours a couple of days in the week. I have now been to several villages that, until visiting for hedge planting, were familiar only from the names on signposts. So, fresh-air, convivial company, positive contribution to our local nature.” – Dave

“I volunteer with the CPRE because I am recently retired and wanted to give something back to a charity.

The CPRE is a charitable organisation close to my heart. It does an amazing job of maintaining and protecting the flora and fauna in our countryside.

I particularly enjoy it because the work is outside, keeps me fit, I get to learn new skills and its rewarding to see what can be achieved. The staff and volunteers create a friendly environment where you get to meet new people.” – Neil

“We volunteer to give something back to nature and to work with lovely, friendly people making friends and feeling good about the work we do.” – Gloria and Dave

Enhancing Bedfordshire Countryside

The UK hedgerow network has shrunk by about 50% in the last 70 years. Hedgerows make up our largest ‘nature reserve’, providing vital ecosystems, but are still under threat. Hedgerows have been removed, mismanaged, neglected or affected by development in the countryside.

The CPRE Bedfordshire Hedgerow Heroes project, with the help of the Forest of Marston Vale, means that new hedgerows can be planted that might not have been considered. We’ve planted new hedgerows at recreation grounds, village green spaces and field edges. Many of these sites were recommended by parish councils, and the project has enabled planting in places that will benefit wildlife and the communities alike.

In Campton our team contributed to a new informal greenspace, planting an extensive perimeter field hedgerow.

“We would have struggled to plant the 300 metres of new native hedge around our new wildlife community field without the help of CPRE Bedfordshire and it’s volunteers. They also enabled us to have all of the 90 or so local school children come and help plant the hedgerow – great for engagement with nature. It was so pleasing when a child from the school brought her grandparents to the area to show them the tree she had planted.” – John – Parish Councillor

CPRE Bedfordshire’s Hedgerow Heroes Planting

CPRE Bedfordshire has planted around 2000metres of hedgerows in the last few years and we intend to carry on!

You can read about our most recent planting season here.

Help us plant more hedgerows

We aim to plant more hedgerows next winter and need your help.

• You can register your interest to become a planting volunteer next winter using this link:

Register as a Hedgerow Hero Volunteer

• Suggest a location for a new hedgerow near you – contact your parish council so that we can liaise with them as the landowner.

• Support our fundraising – CPRE Bedfordshire will be fundraising this spring to enable us to continue the project.

The Big Give Earth Rise fundraising campaign runs from 22nd until 29th April. During this time, we receive double the value of your donation through a match funding opportunity.

So that’s two trees for the price of one!

Donate here

Every donation, no matter the size, will be doubled.