Wildlife diversity continues to plummet in Oxfordshire. A survey (1980-2000) estimated that 27% of hedgerows around Banbury were lost and the remainder were in poor condition. This situation is widely comparable across the county. Hedgerows provide essential wildlife corridors but over time many have developed gaps due to poor management. Local communities want to help, many have declared a “Climate and Ecological Emergency”. Individuals and voluntary groups lack knowledge and expertise.

Hedgerows can provide a simple starting point to engage new people in local conservation. With extra staff time and additional funding, we will support more grassroots groups to improve their local hedges: • Run training courses for surveying, planting and managing hedgerows. • Provide advice on local hedge and tree planting, eg; ‘right tree right place’ • Link local communities with funders • Produce free materials for community groups to use.