A local charity is on a mission to plant more hedgerows around Jersey’s agricultural fields in a bid to enhance the Island’s biodiversity – and it’s looking for landowners to get involved.
Jersey Trees for Life recently launched its latest hedgerow campaign, with the aim of reconnecting the Island’s natural habitats by creating new wildlife corridors.
The charity’s fundraiser, Nikolett Jones, said they had worked with various landowners in the past, but were now looking for new land they could transform to help ‘boost biodiversity’.
‘We would like to join up all wildlife corridors around the Island,’ she said. To do this, the charity is looking for landowners to give consent to planting hedgerows on their land.
‘There is no cost to the landowner,’ Nikolett said. ‘Our specialist arborists come out and visit to make sure the soil is suitable for planting. We can join up hedgerow to help them, or plant from scratch.’
Planting will take place between December 2022 and March 2023, and Jersey Trees for Life will continue to maintain the hedgerow for three years.
Hedgerows will be created by planting two rows of native woodland species such as hawthorn, elder, hazel holly and field maple, with the aim of providing year-round food and shelter for insects, birds and other animals.
Planting and protecting hedgerows can also help reduce soil erosion and improve carbon capture. ‘Hedges are also great at absorbing CO2, so everyone benefits,’ Nikolett added.
If you are interested in getting involved, contact fundraising@jerseytreesforlife.org
