The Service has been carrying out projects to raise awareness of the importance of Devon’s hedges for wildlife, landscape and agriculture. Events are run every winter to help people learn more about hedges and their management.

During Devon Hedge Week in landowners and farmers attended a steeping (hedge laying) training course, run in conjunction with Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group. With the availability of grant aid to carry out hedge laying, there is a good deal of interest from farmers wanting to carry out this skill efficiently and effectively.

Steeping training courses are run regularly for volunteers.  Please see our volunteer page for the lates volunteer programme or contact Tom Hynes by email:  tom.hynes@devon.gov.uk or telephone 01237 423655

Further information:

• Devon Hedge Group and Devon Hedge Week  
• Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group  
• British Trust For Conservation Volunteers
• Silvanus Trust
• Rosemoor Gardens  
• Devon Wildlife Trust  
• Ancient and/or Species Rich Hedges Habitat Action Plan