Firewood, hedges and hedge-laying event

The Donkey Sanctuary and Devon Hedge Group are holding a community woodfuel-from-hedges day at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth on Thursday 17 December 2015 from 9:30am until 4:30pm.

The Donkey Sanctuary’s collaboration with Devon Hedge Group, to create traditionally managed hedges, is one of a number of new initiatives underway to optimise conservation and restore natural habitats at its Devon and Dorset-based farms, where many thousands of donkeys are cared for.

“This is a terrific opportunity for people with woodfuel heating to learn how to harvest their own wood from hedges.” says Rob Wolton, Chair of the Devon Hedge Group. “There will be a chance for people to try their hand at hedgelaying, which helps to restore habitat for wildlife and plants.”

Hedge-laying is a traditional technique to managing hedgerows which promotes regrowth from ground level, giving a dense bushy hedge. This helps to ensure the health, longevity and function of a hedgerow as well as providing valuable foraging, commuting and nesting habitat for birds and mammals.

Devon has 33,000 miles of hedges, which have the potential to supply huge amounts of local woodfuel, and are recognised worldwide as unique. People will have the chance to hear about their special place in the farming landscape, and how they form a huge woodfuel resource.  They will also be shown how to lay a hedge before having a go themselves.

“The day is one of a series of Lottery-funded events across Devon”, said Andrew Shadrake of Devon Hedge Group. “We hope that they will inspire people to form local groups to manage hedges in partnership with farmers, with benefits for both.  The Devon Hedge Group can help with lots of advice, and pay the first year’s insurance for a new hedge woodfuel group.”

Tools and lunch will be provided. Limited places so book now by emailing Ruth Angell at ruth.angell@thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk or phoning 01395 573162.