Our Hedgerow Heroes Project enters its next phase

CPRE Gloucestershire is excited to announce the launch of the next phase of its Hedgerow Heroes Project, which will see 2.05km of hedgerow planted and laid across the county during the 2025–26 season.

Hedgerows are one of the most important features of our countryside. They provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, act as natural carbon stores, protect soils, and help define the patchwork character of Gloucestershire’s landscape. Between October 2025 and April 2026, CPRE Gloucestershire will work with farmers, landowners, and volunteers to restore and create hedgerows that bring lasting benefits for people, nature, and climate.

This new phase builds on the success of previous years, further connecting habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals, while strengthening biodiversity and improving the resilience of the county’s landscapes. The work will also contribute to tackling climate change by sequestering carbon and safeguarding natural resources for future generations.

To lead this initiative locally, CPRE Gloucestershire is delighted to welcome Eve Gilbert as Project Manager, who will oversee delivery and work closely with partners, volunteers, and landowners.

Get involved

Over the coming months, CPRE Gloucestershire will host a programme of hedge laying* and hedge planting sessions across the county – and we warmly invite you to take part.

No prior experience is required – just an interest in nature and enthusiasm for protecting Gloucestershire’s countryside. Volunteers will have the chance to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and make a tangible difference to the future of our landscapes.

Click below to see and book our upcoming hedgerow volunteering days:

Get involved

*What is hedge laying?

Hedge laying is a traditional countryside craft that involves carefully cutting, bending, and weaving the stems of trees and shrubs to form a living, stock-proof barrier. This time-honoured technique not only strengthens the structure of the hedge and encourages new growth but also creates an improved habitat for birds, insects, and other wildlife.

Other ways to support – Sponsor a Hedge! 💚

Alongside volunteering, you can also support our project through our ‘sponsor a hedge’ campaign.

From October 2025 to April 2026, we will plant and restore 2.05km of hedgerow across Gloucestershire. By sponsoring a hedge, you’ll be helping us bring back these living, breathing corridors of nature to the county’s countryside. As a thank you, you’ll receive a special e-certificate, making it a meaningful gift for any nature or countryside enthusiast! Sponsor a hedge today – and become a Hedgerow Hero!

Sponsor a hedge

Part of a national initiative

The Gloucestershire project forms part of CPRE’s national Hedgerow Heroes Project, a flagship programme that connects people with the outdoors while protecting and enhancing the countryside.

This season marks the start of the initiative’s fifth and most ambitious phase to date, with Gloucestershire one of 13 CPRE groups across England taking part.

Between November 2025 and March 2026, the national programme will:

• Plant and restore 27 miles of hedgerow
• Plant 220,000 trees
• Engage more than 2,000 volunteers
• Deliver 400 community events
• Help over 1,000 children learn about hedgerows and the countryside
• Train at least 200 people in the traditional craft of hedge laying

Since it began in 2021, Hedgerow Heroes has already restored 66 miles of hedgerows nationwide, helping to protect biodiversity, enhance rural landscapes, and support sustainable farming.

Roger Mortlock, chief executive of National CPRE, said:

“Hedgerows are a vital part of the landscapes we love. They shape our countryside, but they are also incredible carbon stores and superhighways for nature. We’ve campaigned for years for the government to set ambitious targets for growing our network of hedgerows and through Hedgerow Heroes we are practising what we preach. This year, more local groups than ever are taking part, helping to deliver on our target for 100 miles of new and restored hedgerows completed during our centenary next year.”