National Highways has dipped into an environmental ‘hedge fund’ to improve biodiversity and enhance the landscape across Dorset.
Almost £3,000 has been donated to the Great Big Dorset Hedge project which is working towards the improvement and extension of hedgerows across the county which will increase biodiversity and carbon capture.
The funding from National Highways was used in the Charmouth and Symondsbury areas supporting survey works and the re-planting of hedgerow. This has included planting whips, hawthorn, blackthorn and hazel species. 
The main thrust of the project is to recruit and energize volunteers to carry out hedgerow surveys at the invitation of Dorset farmers. The project helps farmers to obtain funding for the most appropriate maintenance of their hedgerows.
By September this year, some 400 volunteers had surveyed 1,000km of hedgerows in 36 months, clocking up 10,000 hours of their time.
And 120 farmers have invited the project onto their farms to undertake hedgerow surveys – most leading to the adoption of the Sustainable Farming Incentive hedgerow standards approved by DEFRA.
National Highways Service Manager for the South West, Andy Gale, said: “We are committed to improving biodiversity near our road network and enhancing the the landscapes that our motorways and major A-roads pass through.
“Working with partners such as the Great Big Dorset Hedge project we have been able to help restore habitats, support local communities and help create a healthier environment for now and future generations.
“Thanks to our Community Legacy Fund we are investing in the environment and local communities and this is a good example of the difference we can make.”
The funding came from National Highways’ Community Legacy Fund which helps to create positive change through its work. By integrating community legacy work into daily operations and collaborating with its supply chain, the company ensures that every project maximizes positive impact.
The four key themes of social value are economic prosperity, environmental improvement, community wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion.
A spokesperson for the Great Big Dorset Hedge project said: “Thank you, National Highways, for the vital money and energy you have thrown in our direction. The GBDH community are very grateful for this support.”
The Great Big Dorset Hedge project is sponsored by The Dorset Climate Action Network (CAN).
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