Devon Hedges
Green Veins and Lanes
Green Veins and Lanes – New Life for Devon Hedges
In May 2010, the Devon Hedge Group launched a major new project called Green Veins and Lanes – New Life for Devon’s Hedges which will run until June 2012.
The overall aim of the project is to increase public understanding and appreciation of Devon’s rich hedgerow heritage, and to promote active participation in the management and conservation of hedges.
The project will also document changes in the way that hedges have been managed and used over the last century, and show teachers how they can use hedges to help deliver the national curriculum.
The project is grant-aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Devon County Council, and by both the Blackdowns and the North Devon AONB Sustainable Development Funds.
The project consists of nine activities:
1. Distinctive Hedges Map.
Through identifying, describing and mapping the hedge types that characterise different parts of the county, this activity will celebrate the rich diversity of hedges in the county and help to maintain local distinctiveness. The map will be web-based and produced as a printed poster.
How you can become involved: Let us know what makes the hedges in your parish or community special. Are the banks stone or turf-faced in a particular way? Do they have any particular flowers, shrubs or trees in them? Are they managed in an unusual way? Do they look different?
Contact: Robert Wolton
2. Oral History of Hedges.
Through producing an oral record, woven into accessible stories, of the ways that Devon hedges have been managed within living memory and of the uses to which they are been put, this activity will document changes over the last hundred years or so.
How you can become involved: Do you have memories about the ways hedges used to be managed or used? Or know someone who does? If so, please contact us.
Contact: Sue Wheeler
3. Historic Hedgerow Photos.
By locating, collating and making publicly-available old photographs of Devon’s hedgerow heritage, we will provide a valuable historic and educational resource. The photographs will be exhibited alongside entries to the photographic competition in public libraries, together with a selection of James Ravilious images previously unseen by the public.
How you can become involved: Please let us know about any old photos or postcards you have showing Devon hedges, perhaps in the background, or if you know of any in someone else’s collection or archive.
Contact: Sallie Kaye or Malcolm Baldwin
4. Photographic Competition.
This photographic competition will encourage both children and adults to look closely at their local hedges, and at images of them, and so improve understanding both of their intrinsic appeal and of the great contribution they make to Devon’s landscape and cultural history. There will be two classes, one for young people and the other for adults. The photographs will be exhibited alongside those from the photographic archive in public libraries, together with a selection of James Ravilious images previously unseen by the public.
How you can become involved: Please enter and encourage others to do so! Details about the competition, including prizes, and how to enter can be found at Devon Hedges
Contact: Peter Preston
5. Childrens Art Competition.
This competition will help children, through exploration and art, to understand the cultural importance, conservation requirements and heritage value of Devon’s hedgerows. The paintings will be exhibited in public libraries with linked publicity. There will be three classes: Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3.
How you can become involved: Please enter and encourage others to do so! Details about the competition, including prizes and how to enter, can be found at Devon Hedges
Contact: Colette Rayment
6. Hedge Skills Training Courses.
Aimed at land managers, advisers and members of the public, this activity will produce a coordinated and enhanced training programme related to hedges. Topics included will include the management, restoration and conservation of Devon’s hedges, as well as their evaluation and use to society. Training courses will not only focus on practical skills but also look at innovative approaches to hedgerow management and the results of recent research. Full details of the programme
How you can become involved: Would you or your organisation like to hold a training course related to hedges – perhaps on bank management, hedgerow trees, using them for wood fuel, or increasing their wildlife value? If so, the project may be able to offer substantial financial help. Full details of the programme can be found on the FWAG website.
Contact: Craig Hodgson
7. Hedgerow Trails.
The first of three Hedgerow Trails has now been completed and it available to download 
(402KB - pdf help). Further Trails are currently being developed
How you can become involved: Would you like to volunteer to help lead guided walks along the new trails? If so, we can pay expenses and provide training.
Contact: Tom Hynes
8. Hedgerow Training Videos.
The project has made a short educational video, now on Youtube called The Art of Devon Hedge Laying. The video looks at how hedge laying is different in Devon from the rest of the country. The video was produced by students at Faculty of Media and Performing Arts, Exeter College, as part of their course work.
How you can become involved: We would like to produce further videos, for example on how to move a Devon hedge. If you have the necessary skills and equipment, please do get in touch with us.
Contact: Tom Hynes
9. Hedges as Educational Resources.
Existing learning and teaching resources relating to hedges will be adapted as a school improvement programme focussed on Key Stage 2 (children aged 7 – 11) and promoted through teacher training, by engagement with a specific Learning Community and by linking-up with established educational initiatives in Devon.
How you can become involved: Do you teach in a primary school and are you interested in finding out how you can use hedges to help deliver the national curriculum? Have you got a hedge in your school grounds or nearby, or are you interested in planting one? If so, we would very much like to hear from you. Find out more at Devon Hedges learning resources.
Contact: David Weatherly
For all general enquiries and more information about the project, please contact the project manager Robert Wolton
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