The Suffolk Wildlife Trust is organising a course for community groups, parish councils and community activists looking to optimise their local hedgerows for wildlife or plant new hedges in the community.

The course will be led by Simon Hooton, long-time conservationist and Volunteer Conservation Adviser with Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Although a plan and timetable for the day has been created, every effort will be made to identify and cover particular examples and issues that participants bring to the day and so course content may vary slightly.

An indoor session will explore the history of hedges and how to date them; the typical hedge-dwelling species as well as why & how the wider range of plants, birds and animals such as hedgehogs, song-birds, dormice & pollinators rely on hedges to thrive.

The course will seek to cover native hedging plants and the best species to plant for the location and soil type; management techniques to employ to make the most of the hedging; and how adjoining habitats can add value.  

The course will briefly look at Hedgerow protection and awareness of protected species and touch on volunteer management and safety, as well as considering how to engage with the community and build enthusiasm so the hedges remain cared for over time.

After the indoor session, attendees will take a walk the various hedgerows in and around Old Hall to identify typical hedgerow species in different stages of growth and the best management approaches. Discussed will be planting options and issues and the possible strengths and limitations of volunteers.   

A brief indoor session will end the day to summarise learning and undertake some evaluation ensuring the course will be completed by 4pm.

Tea and coffee will be provided. Please feel free to bring your own re-usable mug, or a flask.

You will also need:
– A packed lunch
– Notepad and pen 
– A camera or binoculars if you wish

Please dress suitably for the weather and for walking around Old Hall in the afternoon. Thanks to the community at Old Hall for making this course possible in this beautiful location and for their support in sharing best practice and community engagement.

The cost of the event is £20. To find out more and book your place, please visit the Suffolk Wildlife Trust website.