This Autumn marked an exciting milestone for Weald to Waves, the beginning of our first planting season for the Hedgeways Connector Project. This is an important step in our long-term mission to restore and improve ecological connectivity across Sussex and support nature recovery at scale.

What is the Hedgeways Connector Project?

Healthy hedgerows are far more than field boundaries. They are living corridors that support wildlife movement, store carbon, protect soils and water, and shape the character of our countryside.

The Weald to Waves Hedgeways project focuses on mapping, restoring and creating hedgerows across the corridor. By strengthening these networks, we are helping wildlife move more freely through the landscape while supporting more resilient agricultural systems.

How the project works

The Hedgeways Connector Project delivers impact in three main ways.

Creating and restoring hedgerows – We are increasing landscape connectivity by planting new hedgerows and restoring ancient and neglected ones helping to link fragmented habitats.

Working with citizen scientists – Volunteer surveyors are helping us to build a clear picture of hedgerow condition across the corridor. The data they collect informs long-term management and helps improve habitat quality.

Supporting landowners – We are working directly with farmers and land managers to adopt restorative hedgerow management practices. Well managed hedgerows strengthen biodiversity, increase carbon storage, and improve resilience.

Why do hedgerows matter?

Hedgerows are one of England’s most important but most depleted habitats. Once totalling around 1 million kilometres, more than half have been lost since the 1950s.

Their decline has had major consequences. Hedgerows act as vital wildlife corridors, linking remnant woodlands and farmland. They allow species to move through the landscape to find food, shelter and breeding opportunities, while maintaining healthy genetic diversity. Without these connections, habitats become isolated and wildlife populations become more vulnerable.

Reconnecting hedgerows directly supports the three core goals of Weald to Waves:

• • Strengthening landscape connectivity across the corridor
  • Supporting farm and business resilience through ecosystem services
  • Protecting the cultural heritage embedded in our farmed landscapes

Results from our first planting season

With our first season complete, we are proud of what has already been achieved.

What comes next?

This first season is only the beginning. Over the next three years, the Hedgeways Connector Project aims to:

• • Create more than 7 kilometres of new hedgerow
  • Restore more than 5 kilometres of existing hedgerow

We are now looking for more Weald to Waves members who would like to take part in the next phase of Hedgeways. If you are interested in strengthening hedgerows on your land and contributing to a bigger, more connected landscape, we would love to hear from you.