Bransgore Primary School pupils become 'hedgerow heroes'

A TEAM of Bransgore Primary School pupils have become 'hedgerow heroes' after getting involved in a local conservation project.

The youngsters were learning more about CPRE Hampshire’s project to improve hedges on the nearby Meyrick Estate.

Natalie Hargreaves, CPRE Hedgerow Heroes co-ordinator, recently visited the school to explained the work the charity is doing to create a home for wildlife and mitigate climate change.

She said: “Once I’d talked about the countryside and why hedgerows are such an important feature, I asked the children about how they used the countryside and why it’s important to them. I loved hearing their stories and suggestions about using it for exercise and fresh air.

“They certainly understood the importance of it for wildlife, talking about mice, hedgehogs and different birds. They told stories of hedgehogs hibernating in the bottom of hedges in their gardens and I answered questions about how to look after hedges and help wildlife establish a home there.”

A few days later a group of children were invited to visit a nearby Hedgerow Heroes project at the Meyrick Estate to take part in some hands-on activities. They were shown examples of a healthy hedge and a badly managed hedge and found out more about a hedge laying and planting project at the estate.

The children received a copy of The Happy Hedgerow book and signed a "hedge pledge" promising to look after hedges and become Hedgerow Heroes at their school. A new hedge is set to be planned at the school in January.