Durham Hedgerow Partnership

For centuries, hedgerows have been an important part of the Durham landscape from the dales to the coast. As well as serving as living fences and providing shelter for livestock, they provide an important habitat for wildlife. Recent studies show, however, that this important wildlife resource is declining through neglect or inappropriate management.

The Durham Hedgerow Partnership, made up of local authorities, farmers, landowners and nature conservation organisations, was set up in 1997 to tackle the problem of hedgerow loss. The Partnership area covers Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and Darlington as well as County Durham.

As well as providing advice to landowners on hedgerow management and developing training for contractors, the partnership runs an annual hedgelaying and drystone walling competition to promote these traditional management crafts. For details of the latest competition contact Simon Chivers.

The partnership also runs a grant scheme for landowners wishing to restore, replant or maintain hedgerows. Hedgerow Grant Scheme

A recent survey highlighting the state of Durham 's Hedgerows was published in May 2007. Durham Hedgerow Survey 2006