Healthy Hedgerows
About The Project
Hedgerows are an important part of the Sussex landscape. They provide food, shelter and vital corridors for wildlife, while supporting farming and helping to create a more connected and resilient landscape.
Healthy Hedgerows will train volunteers to survey local hedgerows using the Healthy Hedgerows app, gathering information about their condition.
These surveys will give farmers and land managers practical information to help develop 10-year whole-farm management plans, identifying opportunities for improved management and restoration.
By combining citizen science with practical land management, Healthy Hedgerows will help us better understand the condition of Sussex’s hedgerows and where action can make the greatest difference.
Project Aims
Survey local hedgerows
Work with volunteers to gather valuable information about the condition of hedgerows across Sussex.
Support better management
Use survey results to help farmers and land managers make informed decisions about hedgerow management and restoration.
Restore and reconnect
Support our ambition to restore over 5 km of hedgerow, creating healthier and better-connected habitats across Sussex.
Build skills and involve communities
Give local people opportunities to learn practical citizen-science skills and contribute directly to nature recovery.
Become a Hedgerow Surveyor
No previous experience is needed! We’ll provide all the training and guidance you need to take part. Regular half-day survey sessions will give you the opportunity to learn new skills, explore Sussex’s landscapes, meet other people and make a practical contribution to healthier hedgerows.
Using the Healthy Hedgerows app, you’ll survey hedgerows on local farms and help us build a clearer picture of their condition.
Transport bursaries are available for volunteers under 25 years old.
Our First Survey Season
Our first survey season launched this autumn, but if you didn’t manage to come along, you can still get involved!
Whether you’re interested in wildlife, farming, citizen science or simply want to spend time outdoors making a difference, we’d love you to get involved. Book now using the button below.
Express Your Interest!
There will be plenty of opportunities to get involved across our hedgerow surveys across Sussex. Fill in the form below to and we’ll keep you updated about training and upcoming survey sessions.
Useful Resources
Prior to your first survey day it would be useful if you could look over the following resources that explain the methodology and what we will be doing in the field.
Collaborative Effort
The success of this project has been thanks to our amazing partners, who have contributed their expertise and resources to the scheme. Without them, nature recovery on a landscape scale would not be possible.
