United for Hedge Health: Spotlight on Hawthorn and Box

National Hedgerow Week 2024
Celebrate connecting hedgerows, 6 – 12 May

Join experts Lenka Cooke and Katie Smirnova for a special focus on threats facing common hedging plants, and why collective action is essential. Hosted by The Tree Council’s Jess Allan; Katie, from Hedgerows Ireland, will discuss the origins and symptoms of fireblight; while Lenka, Gardening Advisor from the Royal Horticultural Society, will share insights from RHS research into garden-ready evergreen box alternatives.

What is Hedgelink and what does it do?

Hedgelink is an active partnership that meets regularly and works together in the interests of the UK’s hedgerows. It is made up of individuals and organisations with a particular interest in hedges, including: nature charities, farming organisations, hedgelaying societies, ecologists, universities and researchers, policy-makers and regulators.

A voice for hedgerows – we champion our hedgerows by supporting initiatives like National Hedgerow Week. We hope to inspire and enthuse everyone to take action to protect and conserve our hedgerows for future generations.

Influence – the group includes representatives from government departments and agencies, and one of Hedgelink’s objectives is to help shape key policies that can protect hedgerows and support their expansion.

Collaboration and network-building – Hedgelink includes organisations with interests in farming, wildlife, landscape, and the historical and cultural importance of hedgerows. Hedgelink provides opportunities for joint working with a diverse range of organisations.

Education and knowledge sharing – we aim to help people find out more about hedgerows and how to manage them well. Our Hedge Hub is a brilliant one-stop-shop for hedge resources.

A forum for new research – many of Hedgelink’s member organisations are actively involved in research to help us manage and establish hedgerows better. The group provides a platform for disseminating research findings and sparking new ideas.