New Saplings for a Future Hedge

Last weekend saw residents from the Chilworth Gate Development, near Haddenham & Thame Parkway, working to restore of a stretch of hedgerow along the southern edge of the estate, facing onto Thame Road.

Much of the Hedgerow which bordered the Chilworth development at this location had to be removed in the Spring, as storms over the Winter had caused it to fall onto the highway in several places.

Over the summer the Chilworth Park management group had secured a grant to purchase replacement traditional hedgerow trees and shrubs from the Woodland Trust for the specific purpose of restoring the hedge. This generous grant led to the delivery of 420 saplings.

On Sunday 15th November a small group of residents managed to plant the saplings along the 90 meter hedge. ensuring that this area will, in time, return to the hedgerow it once was.

Haddenham Parish Councillor, Jim Brown, who was a keen advocate and active contributor for the project said:
"It was unfortunate that the hedge had to come down. The reason was purely in the interests of safety. Large sections had fallen onto the footway and, on inspection, the tree surgeons said that the old hedge had been severely choked by ivy with most of the trees being dead."

"With the new saplings we have the opportunity, in time, to restore the hedge in a sustainable way and we hope the new planting will thrive and be here for many years to come. This project has also helped bring the community on Chilworth together to build something for the wider village community and local wildlife to enjoy."