Southern Water Biodiversity Grant funded - Hedging Our Future Project
A new hedge - a newish landscape feature
We have been working since mid-November on the new hedges across the very open field on the 89-acre South Mundham field. This field was chosen for planting as it was typical of the area, devoid of hedges, and windswept with the soil seen polluting an adjacent pond and contributing to local flooding. A discussion with the farmer resulted in his agreement for us to carry out this planting project and he suggested the infield hedges while he would work on the periphery.
However, we didn't realise that this hedge would be locally controversial. Firsty, some residents have told us that they like the open vistas, being able to see up onto the downs in clear weather. This hedge won't prevent the view being seen for many years to come and the intent is that it will be managed to keep it low.
One person told me that it should be kept open as it has always been like that. However, this field was originally subdivided into smaller fields and had the hedges removed sometime after 1846 when there was a drive by government to maximise food production. The fields were fringed with Elm trees and it was only when Dutch Elm disease killed these classic British trees off that the area was suddenly more open.
Change is part of the cycle of life, our environment is mainly changed by us directly, indirectly, or inaction. A rather angry resident said to me that he didn't want anything to change, why did it have to, and it was difficult to explain that it was inevitable, even necessary.
We have also had many people walking along the footpath tell us that they like the idea of walking along an avenue of trees in this featureless environment and have thanked us for our hard work. Two people have subsequently joined us as a result of seeing us planting these trees. I have found out that three local people have been out to repair our tree lines after heavy winds and storms have blown them about so there is a real appreciation for what we are doing, installing a new(ish) landscape feature.
The other issue that has had an impact is the locally proposed solar farm and the misguided belief that the hedge we plant will fast track a similar land use on the adjacent fields. The hedges we plant will have multiple wildlife benefits and connects up two areas across a desert of farmland, regardless of what is happening on the fields. So we continue on, acknowledging people's concerns while trying to allay their fears. So far we have had far more positive interactions than negative, but is shows that there are differing points of view.
There will be a last few planting sessions this month and then we will be looking at mulching the base of the trees to suppress grass growth, and to help retain soil moisture. Do come and help out.
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