Volunteers learnt the ancient skill of hedgelaying on a one-day training course led by North Devon Biosphere and supported by North Devon AONB. The course was held at Little Comfort Farm, near Braunton, and will directly benefit the colony of rare greater horseshoe bats living nearby, as Helen Parr, Community Engagement Officer for the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project, explains;
“A well-managed hedge provides an excellent home to lots of insects, which in turn are vital food for the bats. Hedgerows also help bats to navigate their way around the countryside at night using echo-location, so are a vital habitat for bats. Thanks to our project partners at the Biosphere and AONB for their support in making this event such a success”.
Tom Hynes, of the North Devon Biosphere, said;
“Hedge Laying is not only an important part of the long term management cycle of a hedge, but it is also a great time to establish new hedgerow trees, which are not only an integral part of our landscape but are also p really important for bats. All the trainees learnt new skills and hopefully many of them will be inspired to continue with this wonderful country craft.”
The Project works with local communities to secure a future for greater horseshoe bats in Devon, their northern European stronghold. It is a partnership project of 19 organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust and is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as other funders. Braunton is one of only 11 key roosts across Devon.
“A well-managed hedge provides an excellent home to lots of insects, which in turn are vital food for the bats. Hedgerows also help bats to navigate their way around the countryside at night using echo-location, so are a vital habitat for bats. Thanks to our project partners at the Biosphere and AONB for their support in making this event such a success”.
Tom Hynes, of the North Devon Biosphere, said;
“Hedge Laying is not only an important part of the long term management cycle of a hedge, but it is also a great time to establish new hedgerow trees, which are not only an integral part of our landscape but are also p really important for bats. All the trainees learnt new skills and hopefully many of them will be inspired to continue with this wonderful country craft.”
The Project works with local communities to secure a future for greater horseshoe bats in Devon, their northern European stronghold. It is a partnership project of 19 organisations led by Devon Wildlife Trust and is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, as well as other funders. Braunton is one of only 11 key roosts across Devon.
Greater horseshoes are one of the UK’s biggest bats with a wingspan of almost 40cm. They were once common across southern England but changes in land-use such as urban development and a move away from cattle grazed pastures and hay meadows has led to their disappearance from much of the countryside.
Anyone who wishes to help should contact the project’s Community Engagement Officer, Helen Parr on 01392 279244 or by email on hparr@devonwildlifetrust.org. The Greater Horseshoe Bat Project has its own website www.devonbatproject.org where you can get lots more information including bat facts and video of the bats in their summer roosts. The project still needs to raise further funds to meet its targets for the next five years and welcomes any donations or support.
For more information about Devon Hedges visit the Devon Hedge Group's new website http://devonhedges.org
Anyone who wishes to help should contact the project’s Community Engagement Officer, Helen Parr on 01392 279244 or by email on hparr@devonwildlifetrust.org. The Greater Horseshoe Bat Project has its own website www.devonbatproject.org where you can get lots more information including bat facts and video of the bats in their summer roosts. The project still needs to raise further funds to meet its targets for the next five years and welcomes any donations or support.
For more information about Devon Hedges visit the Devon Hedge Group's new website http://devonhedges.org