Dartmoor National Park Authority

11 November 2008

Free Hedge laying courses in Dartmoor National Park

Learn to lay hedges using traditional methods on one of Dartmoor National Park Authority’s popular free courses to be held at Holne on Dartmoor during January 2009. Dartmoor National Park Authority runs the courses in partnership with the Devon Rural Skills Trust whose Master Craftsmen provide the technical training. The courses are each of two days duration and will be held on 12/13 and 19/20 January 2009, at Holne village playing field.

Sue Halse, Land Management Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: ‘Dartmoor’s hedges are important as stock barriers and wildlife habitats with old hedges often supporting hundreds of species. The sheer extent of the habitat, particularly in rural areas like Dartmoor, means that it is of great importance for the survival of many species. The variety of trees and shrubs found in Dartmoor’s field boundaries are a characteristic feature, and often confirm the age of the boundary in the landscape.

By using traditional methods we can help to preserve hedges, encouraging new growth to form a strong and resilient barrier dense enough to keep stock in, while enabling wildlife to thrive.’

No previous experience of hedge laying is necessary, but you should be aware that it is a physically demanding activity and requires a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.  

Priority for places is given to Dartmoor residents on a first come, first served, basis. However, if there is space, applications will be accepted from interested people who live outside of the National Park boundary. Demand is usually high, so early booking is advisable.  More details can be obtained from Sue Halse, Land Management Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9JQ Tel: (01626) 831014, or e-mail: shalse@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.

Ends

For further information

Sue Halse, Land Management Officer

Mike Nendick,, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Over 600 flowering plants, 1,500 insects, 65 birds and 20 mammals have been recorded as living or feeding in hedgerows. Species rich hedgerows are the most valuable to wildlife and are used by rare species such as cirl bunting and the greater horseshoe bat, as well as rapidly declining species such as the brown hairstreak butterfly, dormouse and song thrush. Primrose, early purple orchid and bluebell are amongst the most characteristic plants of hedge banks.

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National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland.  They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.

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Page updated 10 November 2008