CPRE, the countryside charity, has announced the latest phase of its 'Hedgerow Heroes' programme which tackles the climate emergency by planting and restoring hedgerows across England.
Hedgerows form an intrinsic part of the countryside and help prevent soil erosion, tackle climate change and improve local biodiversity.
Yet, they are under threat from poor management (including neglect, incorrect ploughing and inappropriate cutting), and direct removals for agriculture or development.
The patchwork beauty of England’s countryside is stitched together by hedgerows.
These ancient boundaries provide vital corridors for native wildlife, keep livestock in fields and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.
Over the past four winters, the Hedgerow Heroes project has planted and restored an impressive 66 miles of hedgerow across England.
This vital response to the climate emergency and nature crisis is made possible through close collaboration with farmers and land managers.
By restoring hedgerows, the project is helping to protect biodiversity, enhance rural landscapes and support sustainable farming.
We’ve campaigned for years for the government to set ambitious targets for growing our network of hedgerows and through Hedgerow Heroes we are practising what we preach.
Between November 2025 and March 2026, thirteen local CPRE groups will plant 220,000+ trees (27 miles of hedgerow) and train 2,000 volunteers - at least 200 in hedge laying, with CPRE additionally organising 400 events, and educating more than 1,000 children on the importance of hedgerows and the countryside
The CPRE groups involved are Avon & Bristol, Cheshire, Cumbria – Lake District, Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Shropshire, Sussex and Warwickshire.
They shape our countryside, but they are also incredible carbon stores and superhighways for nature.
"We’ve campaigned for years for the government to set ambitious targets for growing our network of hedgerows and through Hedgerow Heroes we are practising what we preach.
"This year, more local groups than ever are taking part, helping to deliver on our target for 100 miles of new and restored hedgerows completed during our centenary next year."
