A hedgerow project aiming to restore wildlife corridors in Lyme Regis has been hailed a success.
Environmental education company Little Green Change, and Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN), announced the launch of the project in April as part of Dorset CAN’s Great Big Dorset Hedge campaign to facilitate the restoration and extension of hedgerows across Dorset.
Hedgerows play an important role in both the countryside and in towns/cities, providing nesting habitats, food sources, and routes of safe travel for a variety of small mammals, birds and insects.
The project was funded by Lyme Regis Town Council and aimed to engaged local schools, community groups and residents.
Hedgerow surveying sessions took place throughout May with 37 children under 16 from The Woodroffe School and the 1st Lym Valley Cubs taking part to learn about what makes a healthy hedgerow, identifying common hedgerow plant species, and the insects and animals that rely on this habitat.
There were also tailored assemblies created and delivered at St Michael’s CE VA Primary School, The Woodroffe School, and the 1st Lym Valley Cubs.
Aliana, from 1st Lym Valley Cubs, said: “I learnt that hedgerows can help climate change and soil erosion."
"It was fun and I enjoyed measuring the width and length of the hedgerow and finding insects and animals."
Clare Matheson, founder and director of Little Green Change, said: “It’s been wonderful working with Dorset Climate Action Network (Dorset CAN) on this project.
“A huge thank you to them, and to Lyme Regis Town Council and the members of the Town Council’s Environment Committee for funding this valuable education project, thereby recognising the importance of hedgerows as vital wildlife habitats and food sources, as well as their benefits in relation to natural flood mitigation and air quality improvement.
“It’s also given opportunities for interested children, students and adults to gain new surveying skills, and to meet new people through volunteering.”
Earlier this year, Little Green Change won a Jurassic Business Award and worked on several projects to engage young people on topics surrounding the environment, including the creation of a young persons' magazine and offering student work experience.
More information about the company can be found on its website: https://littlegreenchange.com/
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