Landscape News and Events

Hedgelaying and Drystone Walling Competition

This annual event, organised by Tyne Tees Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) and The County Durham Hedgerow Partnership takes place on the first saturday in November. The venue for the 2009 competition is yet to be confirmed.

The Hedgelaying and Drystone Walling Competition aims to raise awareness and promote good practice in the skills and techniques of field boundary management. It is open to both experienced and novice hedgelayers and drystone wallers. The event plays a crucial role in attracting 'new blood' to the profession and provides spectators with the opportunity to observe these ancient rural crafts which are essential to the conservation of our landscape heritage.

Further information can be obtained from the Landscape Section, Environment on tel: 0191 3834078 or tel: 0191 3833426 or Tyne Tees Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group on tel: 01833 696634.

Tree Week

National Tree Week is the Tree Council's festival to mark the start of the tree planting season, and a nationwide celebration of trees and woods. Durham County Council takes part in the event every year providing grants of £150.00 to schools, community groups and parish councils. Applications forms are normally available in September each year.

For further details about 2008 Tree Week, click on the link for National Tree Week or contact Simon Chivers in the Landscape Section, Environment on tel: 0191 3833426.