Somerset
Hedge Group
Objectives
The Somerset Hedge Group is a forum of individuals
and organisations working to promote good practice in hedge management
and to promote the appreciation and conservation of the hedge
network across the county. The Group undertakes to highlight the
value of hedges for farming, wildlife, landscape and archaeology.
The Group's aims are to:
- Increase awareness of the value of hedges to farming and
non-farming communities
Farmer-orientated approach
The support of the farming community is central
to the activities of the Group. Many farmers are deeply concerned
about the countryside and manage the network of farmland habitats,
including hedgerows, to benefit wildlife, landscape and farming.
Task Group approach
Various Task Groups operate under the umbrella
of the Somerset Hedge Group. These are subject based, geographically
based or both. Currently task groups are set up to look at nature
conservation; Saxon hedges; Blackdown Hills hedges; Quantock Hills
hedges. events and publicity. Other Task Groups will establish
as the Group evolves.
Partnership approach
The Group evolved from the interest and concern
of various conservation and farming organisations as well as from
interest from Somerset farmers. The group was formed in 1997 and
presently enjoys the support of the Somerset Wildlife Trust, FWAG,
NFU, CLA, CPRE, RSPB, English Nature, BTCV, FRCA, MAFF, Somerset
County Council and the local authorities.
Contacts
Pete Grainger.
Somerset Hedge Group Co-ordinator
Ivy Cottage
Blagdon Hill
Taunton
Somerset, TA3 7SN
Tel 07906 724047
email: petegrainger@hotmail.com