In 1998 members of Bergh Apton Conservation Trust decided to carry out a survey of all the hedges within our village boundary. We first surveyed the whole village and compared the field boundaries on 1905 maps with what still existed in 1998. Every year since then, over two evenings each summer, we have surveyed existing hedges, in 30 more sections, recording the species of plants present. Shrubs are shown as ‘S’ on the recording sheets and trees as ‘T’. We also record ground flora, the height and condition of the hedge and many other features, such as whether a ditch or bank is present and if there are any ancient trees present. By the end of 2009 we had surveyed 15,780 metres of hedge. So far 27 people have taken part in the survey with up to 12 on any one evening. Our aim is to survey every hedge in the village.
In 2001 the project was extended to replanting sections of hedge each winter. The 1998 original survey was used to idnetify important hedges (such as along footpaths and parish boundaries) that have been lost since 1905, and replanting them. Since 2001 we have had 16 planting days with over 50 individuals taking part, and have replanted over 2,000 metres of hedge.
We have found the project to have many benefits. We have shown you do not need to be an expet as long as you have good plant identification books and maps. You can also start with just one or two people as others will almost certainly join in. We now know the village far better that we did in 1999 and where the best hedges are in terms of condition and species present. The records form part of the village archive and will be invaluable to future generations and the landscape and wildlife has benefited from the new hedges we have planted. Most importantly the project has been great fun and very rewarding, and as it has involved so many people, has enhanced the community spirit of Bergh Apton.
You can find out more details about Bergh Apton Conservation Trust by visiting their website at www.berghapton.org.uk.