The Hampshire Hedge

It was a much better day and not only did Peter  tortoise venture out but we saw two brimstone butterflies and one comma butterfly in the garden.
This evening we attended a very interesting talk (organised by Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust ) by Ellie Banks of the CPRE Hampshire Hedge Project. The project started last autumn, and runs for three years, with the objective of connecting the New Forest National Park with the South Downs National  Park, by means of a hedge planted across central Hampshire. Community groups  and landowners are all invited to get involved.Old hedges will be regenerated by laying or trimming, and new hedges planted using whips of native trees. 
The route is  from Copythorne in the New Forest to Compton just south of  Winchester.  Of course, it can't be completely continuous  because roads get in the way but it will as good as it can be. One aim is to plant 15km of new hedges over three winters. This  past winter 4.2 km has been planted.     
First, Ellie  talked generally about hedges, what makes a good one, and how they should be maintained (trimmed every 2 or 3 years but not always at the same height, and  relayed every 25-30 years). Then she went on to describe the specifics of the Hampshire Hedge Project.  
Many of us came away very  enthused by what she had to say, and  keen to get involved. I think we'll all be looking differently  at our local hedges,  and mentally assessing whether they are in good condition, or not.