Help save Devon's hedges with Devon Hedge Watch

On 13th March the Devon Hedge Group launches the Devon Hedge Watch, which asks the people of Devon to find the finest and most distinctive hedges in the county. We want to know where these hedges are, so we can work with farmers and local communities to look after them for the future. Can you help?

Do you know of a particularly fine example of a Dartmoor hedge with a massive granite boulder-faced bank? Or of a fine tall hedge of beech trees on Exmoor or in the Blackdowns? Or one with intricate stone patterns inlaid into the side of the bank, or exceptional stone gate posts? Or any other special hedge?

Do you have a favourite hedgerow that is full of many different types of flowers and berries? Do you know of one that is a picture of spring flowers, perhaps primroses or bluebells? Or one, maybe on the coast, that is a splash of vivid yellow gorse? Do you know of an extraordinary ancient oak, ash or other tree growing on a hedge? Or of a hedge with a great many different shrubs and trees growing in it?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, please log onto the Devon Hedge Watch website www.devon.gov.uk/hedges and complete the simple form on-line, or print it off and sent it to us. You will find a list of native woody trees and shrubs there, and a photo library to help with identification.

In commenting on the launch, Rob Wolton, Chair of the Devon Hedge Group, said: "Working with the people of Devon and with the support of the County Council, we hope to highlight some of the finest examples of Devon's magnificent hedges. This project will improve our knowledge of this important element of Devon's beautiful natural environment.”

The first 50 entries will receive free copies of a book containing a wealth of information about Devon’s Hedges, and the first five a copy of the acclaimed film about hedgerow management, A cut above the Rest.