Community and Regeneration : Hedgerow planting at Woodoaks Farm with Epsom Rural
Harry Epsom, our lead consultant, planting hedgerow whips at Woodoaks Farm.
This winter, Epsom Rural worked with Woodoaks Farm, an organic farm owned by the Soil Association Land Trust, on an exciting hedgerow planting project.
Securing grant funding through the Countryside Stewardship, we partnered with a team of dedicated volunteers to bring this project to life.
Using satellite technology, we precisely mapped the planting lines and prepared the soil with a rotovator, cultivating a 1.5-meter-wide strip. This process ensured the soil was aerated and loose, fostering optimal conditions for root growth.
We selected a handful of native hedgerow plants to be planted as 60cm whips. These native plants play a crucial role in maintaining local biodiversity by providing essential food and habitat for wildlife. By marking out two rows, 50cm apart, and planting whips at a density of eight per metre, we created a thick, robust hedgerow that will quickly establish itself as an effective windbreak and wildlife corridor.
The entire area was then mulched with 25cm of woodchip which protects the soil surface, retains moisture, and suppressed weeds to reduce competition for the young plants. As the mulch breaks down it enriches the soil with organic matter to the soil, promoting long term soil health.
Stock fencing was installed on either side of the hedgerow to delineate new field boundaries and protect the young plants from grazing animals.
The sense of community was palpable as we all came together to install a native hedgerow that will serve to improve soil health, enhance biodiversity, and beautify the landscape. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in regenerative agriculture.
At Epsom Rural, we take pride in managing grant applications, designing innovative schemes, advising on the implementation and performing cost-benefit analyses to help a project like this to materialise. Equally, we cherish our hands-on involvement in planting trees and fostering a love for nature and farming alongside out wonderful team of volunteers.
If you are inspired by this project and interested in similar initiatives on your farm, please contact us. We are eager to work together to regenerate your soil and support your farming endeavours.