East Devon District Council celebrates Devon Hedge Week

As part of Devon Hedge Week (Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October 2017), East Devon District Council’s Countryside team is running a hands-on hedge laying course at Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve, on Wednesday 25 October from 10am to 4pm.

Participants will learn the traditional art of laying a Devon hedge from the Countryside rangers and will help restore a section of hedge in the reserve. Spaces can be booked for £25 per person online at www.wildeastdevon.co.uk

Devon Hedge Week is run by the Devon Hedges Group and its aim is to raise awareness of the important role Devon hedges play in conservation.

East Devon District Council's Countryside ranger, Nathan Robinson, who will be leading the course, said: "Hedge laying is a rural skill traditionally used in the countryside to enclose livestock. Continuation of this historic craft is important to maintain the wildlife and heritage value of our wonderful hedgerows. Restoration of hedgerows through hedge laying creates corridors of valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife including farmland birds, bats and dormice. We hope lots of people will join us on Wednesday 25 October, or take part in other Hedge Week activities, to find out more about this traditional art.’’

Anyone interested in attending the East Devon District Council Hedge laying course must book online at wildeastdevon.co.uk. Further information about this event, and other events run by the Countryside team can be found by contacting the team on: 01395 517557 or email: countryside@eastdevon.co.uk

Further information about Devon Hedge Week and the Devon edge Group can be found online at devonhedges.org where a list of the week’s activities can be found.