Durham Hedgerow Partnership

Hedgerows In County Durham

The results of a national survey of hedgerows suggest that for the first time in many years there is reason to be optimistic about the future of these key landscape features. The Countryside Survey 2000 estimated that the overall decline in the length of hedgerows has been halted and may even have been reversed. With the advent of protective legislation and increased funding for agri-environment funds this positive trend is expected to continue.

However there are concerns about the continued decline in the quality of the resource, particularly with regard to the wildlife value of hedgerows.

In County Durham we are particularly concerned with the issue of dereliction in hedgerows, extensive losses are occurring as a result of the steady increase in the appearance of and increasing extent of gaps in existing hedgerows.

The promotion of appropriate management is seen as a key issue. It has become increasingly apparent that the most significant threats to hedges today are neglect or overzealous management (for example, excessive trimming) and the incremental decline in plant vigour that results.

A recent survey of Durham's Hedgerows showed that over half of the hedgerows surveyed were being neglected and over 80% were found to be in unfavourable condition under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Gappiness and the canopy height at the base were the main factors causing the hedges to be classed as unfavourable. Hedgerow trees are also in decline; those which survive are now nearing the end of their lives and few new saplings escape the mechanical flail to grow on into trees for the next generation.

Hedgerows make an immense contribution to the character and beauty of the Durham landscape. Over much of our intensively farmed countryside they are our most important wildlife habitat, providing food and shelter for farmland birds, small mammals, amphibians, butterflies and moths.

Without a concerted and sustained effort to encourage the positive management of our existing hedgerows, and the planting of new hedges and trees, there will be a profound change in the landscape of County Durham.

Working Together Towards a Common Aim

The Durham Hedgerow Partnership has been set up to tackle these problems by providing a forum for action, bringing together organisations and individuals committed to promoting the appreciation and conservation of County Durham's hedgerows.

We are keen to promote management which optimises the landscape and wildlife value of hedges and associated habitats whilst maintaining them as practical features of the working landscape.

Objectives

The Durham Hedgerow Partnership is principally concerned with:

Raising Awareness and Promoting Good Practice

We have produced guidance sheets and cards on hedgelaying, hedgetrimming, coppicing, and hedgeplanting and restoration: see Technical Guidance Documents. We promote and sponsor training in hedgerow management and information on current courses can be found on our courses page. We also run the annual County Durham Hedgelaying and Drystone Walling Competition.

Generating Income through Sponsorships and Partnerships

The partnership will seek to attract financial resources from national government and the European Union together with sponsorship from local partners. Individual sponsors are being sought for events and publications.

Providing Grants for Hedgerow Planting and Renovation

Funding has been secured from Durham County Council, City of Sunderland, South Tyneside Council, Gateshead Council, Darlington District Council, and the County Durham Environmental Trust for the provision of grants for the restoration and planting of hedgerows. New sponsors are being sought to expand this programme. For information on the current grant scheme see Field Boundary Restoration Grant Scheme.

Undertaking an Audit of Hedgerows

Further studies are needed to provide more information on the county’s hedgerows to assist in targeting resources on important features such as ancient and species rich hedgerows and provide the basis for monitoring progress.

Assisting in the Production and Implementation of the Durham Biodiversity Action Plan for Hedgerows

The partnership assisted in the production of the Hedgerow Biodiversity Action Plan. This has identified priorities for action and helps to provide a focus for the partnership's activities.

Influencing the Development of Legislation and Policy

The partnership will seek to influence the development of national legislation and policies on hedgerow protection and conservation. Further information on the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 can be found on Defra's website.

Partners

The key partners include farmers and landowners and their representatives, local authorities and a range of nature conservation bodies. The following organisations are already committed to assisting in the fulfilment of the partnership’s aims:

• Durham County Council
• Tyne Tees Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
• County Durham Environmental Trust
• East Durham and Houghall Community College
• National Farmers Union, Department for Environment
• Food and Rural Affairs
• Natural England
• Durham Wildlife Trust
• Great North Forest
• ADAS
• Lantra
• Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services (UTASS)
• Sedgefield Borough Council
• Derwentside District Council
• Teesdale District Council
• Wear Valley District Council
• Easington District Council
• Chester-le-Street District Council
• Durham City Council
• City of Sunderland
• South Tyneside Council
• Gateshead Council
• Darlington District Council.

Further Information

For further information about the project, or grants for hedgerow work, please contact:

Landscape Section
Environment
Durham County Council
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ

Tel: 0191 3833426 or 0191 3834078
Email: Landscape