Hunt under way for best hedgerows

COUNTRYSIDE campaigners are searching for the best maintained hedgerow in the East Riding.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and East Riding Council have teamed up with HEYwoods, a tree and woodlands initiative, to celebrate the work of farmers, landowners and community groups who plant, manage and restore native hedgerows.

The awards scheme, which has been endorsed by Natural England, seeks to recognise best-practice, innovation and traditional hedgerow stewardship.

Eligible hedgerows must be made up of native species. There are no restrictions on length.

Margaret Cockbill, chairman of CPRE East Riding, said: “This awards scheme celebrates the very best in hedgerow conservation work in the East Riding.

“The winners of last year’s awards proved just how much good practice is taking place locally in terms of new planting, management and restoration of our native hedgerows.

“We hope this year’s nominations are able to live up to the high standard we judged in 2009.”

The deadline for nominations is May 31 and an awards ceremony will be held at Driffield Show in July. For details call 01482 393726.