TWO hedgerows have been planted at a popular Dorset beauty spot as part of a new wildlife corridor, thanks to money left in the will of a National Trust member.
The National Trust team in West Dorset has been working with volunteers to plant two new hedgerows on the Golden Cap Estate.
The hedgerows, once established, will become crucial wildlife corridors, absorb carbon, create shelter and provide a food source for a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects.
One of these hedgerows was funded with a legacy donation left in a will to the National Trust in memory of Paul, who loved this part of Dorset.
Gifts left in wills or commemorative gifts play vital roles in helping the National Trust look after places in their care, and what better way is there to remember or celebrate a loved one than by donating a living tree or hedge which will provide so much benefit to future generations.
Funding for the remaining section of hedgerow was secured from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) project.
Claire Sissons, Countryside Ranger and Project Manager, said: "We have been planning this new hedge since April 2023, so it was amazing to finally see all the wonderful trees going in the ground.
"We planted a mixture of hawthorn, crab-apple, dog rose, field maple, dog wood and hazel; together these trees will make the most incredible hedge which will provide food, protection and homes to the wildlife which live here."
The team from National Trust West Dorset also chose tree species that will give a beautiful display of blossom in the spring, and which will be visible from Eype and to those walking this section of the South West Coast Path.
Claire continued: "I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers involved in this project, including the Great Big Dorset Hedge Project, Dorset Countryside Volunteers, National Trust volunteers, our donor, FiPL and anyone who just turned up on the day of planting and started to help.
"It was hard work planting all these trees at this time of year and we couldn’t have done it without volunteer help.’"
If you would be interested in donating to support projects like this, or other projects in Dorset, contact westdorset@nationaltrust.org.uk
More information on leaving gifts in your will can be found by contacting legacies@nationaltrust.org.uk, or by calling 01793 817699.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here