A PROJECT to enhance Dorset's corridor of hedgerows has reached another key milestone in the west of the county.

The Great Big Dorset Hedge (GBDH) is a county-wide campaign initiated and run by the Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) and aims to restore and extend hedgerows in the area.

It has taken more than a year to design the project, which aims to survey and assess the condition of the vast hedgerow network to determine if they can be improved.

Enhancements could include planting up gaps or identifying where new areas of hedgerow can be planted.

Funding, totalling £1,512 towards a pilot project in the Lyme Regis area has now been approved by the town council to help the green initiative move forward. 

This was approved at an environment committee meeting on January 25. 

Julie Leah, one of the co-ordinators of on behalf of the GBDH, said: “We really appreciate the town council’s support of our visionary project.

"It’s already been attracting national attention because of the scale of our ambition [and] it’s fantastic that it’s getting a much-needed kick-start in the Lyme area.

"Hedgerows are a key habitat for wildlife and are so important in providing protection against the effects of climate change”.

Participants in the project will survey hedgerows for their condition and map the results which may lead to new planting and hedgerow restoration projects.

No experience is required, added Ms Leah, with the aim being to involve people from all backgrounds and ages, with a key focus on engaging young people.

The pilot also seeks to include conversation with landowners and farmers to see if volunteers can help with plans for planting.

Ms Leah added: “The project aims to help with physical wellbeing by spending time outside and mental wellbeing by meeting new people, feeling part of a group and learning new skills.

"It can help with anxiety if people feel they are taking action to support the environment. It’s also good fun.

"The Lyme Regis pilot trial aims to create an understanding within the general community of what a healthy hedgerow looks like, the value of hedgerows as a key habitat for wildlife and their importance in providing protection against climate change.

"DCAN hopes the GBDH will help people to feel more connected with the places where they live and work, with nature, and with their communities through a shared scheme that actively helps nature recovery.

"For the project to happen we need teams of volunteers to help survey the hedgerows of Dorset and then to get involved in planting and other activities as the projects evolve."

The project will start by organising trips out to survey hedges in and near Lyme Regis.

If you’d like to get involved, have hedgerows you would like surveyed or would like a talk about the project, contact greatbigdorsethedge@gmail.com