One of the traditional images of the British countryside is an irregular patchwork of fields bounded by hedgerows and country lanes. Unfortunately this image has been threatened by the removal of hedges due to industrial farming practices. In the past farmers were even paid to remove hedges to create larger fields, this policy has now been reversed and hedgerows are protected. Hedges provide an essential refuge for many woodland and farmland plants and animals, and act as wildlife corridors allowing movement between different areas. Over 600 plant species, 1500 insects, 65 birds and 20 mammals have been recorded at some time living in hedgerows. Because of this it is important that they are managed with wildlife in mind and, for example, not cut during the nesting season or damaged by the use of a mechanical flail. At Occombe we have a programme of hedge-laying which our volunteers help with, if you are interested in volunteering opportunities contact us.