How old is this tree, is it a veteran?


Hoxne
 
and

The Suffolk Hedgerow Survey

The survey teams and there are three of them, are now at work.

The background to the task was set out by Guy Ackers, the leader of the Suffolk Survey. He advises that the work is part of "A Bio-diversity Action Plan". Hedgerows are regarded as a No. 1 priority. Their history, in some cases, goes back at least 4000 years and shapes the Countryside as it is today. Suffolk Survey involves 385 parishes of which 79 are still to be started.  This type of survey has never been done before and aims to provide a detailed picture of the location and diversity richness of the tree species in the Hedgerows across Suffolk and as a basis for future development.

Hedgerows are now Protected by Law and are vital corridors for the movement of wildlife. e.g., Glow worms are in decline because the females, who cannot fly, are losing the habitat necessary to breed and diversify.

  The survey will not include trees/hedges located within towns or villages or the boundaries of woods or coppices.

The Start has been made with sites accessible by public rights of way as these can be revisited if necessary, before going onto private land.

·  The Hedgerows on Private Land should only be surveyed once full permission of the farmer or land owner has been obtained. Work is ongoing to obtain the necessary permissions and in providing the survey teams with the relevant information.