Hedgerow Heroes Returns with Plans to Restore 2km of Hedgerows Across the County

CPRE Oxfordshire and Wild Oxfordshire have launched the fifth year of their successful Oxfordshire Hedgerow Heroes programme, with plans to plant and rejuvenate 2km of hedgerows across the county during the 2026/27 season.

Jessica Bouwer, Hedgerow Officer at Wild Oxfordshire, said: “Hedgerow Heroes 2026/27 marks another year of our longstanding partnership with CPRE Oxfordshire, as we continue our mission to create more hedgerow habitat and improve the health of those in poor condition. We hope to tackle 2km of hedge planting and rejuvenation with the brilliant residents of Oxfordshire!”

Hedgerows are vital for biodiversity, acting as essential wildlife corridors and providing food, shelter and nesting sites for a wide variety of animals. They also offer shade for grazing livestock, protect crops from high winds, support pollination and help reduce crop pests. As the impacts of climate change intensify, hedgerows are becoming increasingly important for regulating water during floods and droughts, as well as storing carbon.

“Healthy, connected hedgerows are a vital part of Oxfordshire’s landscape, providing a home and highway for wildlife while helping our countryside adapt to a changing climate,” said Marcus Gilleard, Director of CPRE Oxfordshire.

“Since 2021, the programme has planted and restored nearly 16km of hedgerow across Oxfordshire, and this year’s programme will contribute to CPRE’s national target of planting 100 miles of hedgerow across England to celebrate our centenary year. We’re delighted to be continuing this work, helping to restore nature, mitigate the effects of climate change, and give even more people the opportunity to learn traditional skills and play a hands-on role in caring for our countryside.”

Starting in November 2026, the programme will deliver around 1.5km of new hedgerow planting, alongside the restoration of existing hedges using traditional techniques such as hedgelaying and coppicing, as well as gapping up.

Work will take place at eight locations across Oxfordshire: Harwell, Dorchester, Knighton, Eynsham, Hill End Outdoor Education Centre, Charlbury, Stanford in the Vale and Ipsden.

The programme will also offer four hedgelaying workshops, giving volunteers the opportunity to learn traditional countryside skills while helping to restore and strengthen important wildlife corridors.

Through the Oxfordshire Hedgerow Heroes programme, CPRE Oxfordshire and Wild Oxfordshire are continuing their work to restore the county’s hedgerow network, support local wildlife and empower communities to take practical action for nature.