There are so many ways that hedges can benefit your property, wildlife and the wider environment.
In October 2025 South Downs National Park held their first HedgeFest event – bringing together experts and hedge nerds, alongside partners, farmers and landowners to share information and the best management approaches so that hedgerows can live up to their impressive potential for nature, climate, well-being and farming.
There were practical demonstrations (planting, laying, coppicing, incremental trimming) and talks from experts on everything from good hedge management and its impact on individual farms, to how to fund it all.
More information and potential funding
We promised to include links to further information and potential funding sources. Please find links below:
- Megan Gimber – People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) gave massive inspiration describing in great detail all the benefits of hedgerows. See further detail on the Healthy Hedgerows website.
- Colin Hedley – Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group offered advice on the best sources of funding for hedgerows, including from the South Downs Trust. Find a copy of his presentation here.
