About the event

Hedgerows are crucial habitats for wildlife as they offer connectivity across the landscape and abundant nesting and food supplies for a variety of birds, mammals and insects. Hedgerow condition data is very important as it allows us to make informed decisions on how a hedge should be managed in order to improve the quality of the habitat.

We are looking for a cohort of volunteer hedgerow surveyors who can carry out hedge surveys for us this spring/summer as part of the Reconnecting Bernwood, Otmoor and the Ray (RBOR) project. These surveys will help us to make informed decisions about where we carry out hedge restoration work across the landscape.

By becoming a volunteer hedge surveyor, the data you collect will focus hedgerow management work across the BOR area which will directly contribute to nature’s recovery. Each person will be assigned two survey sites in the BOR area in Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire (in the countryside between Oxford, Bicester, and Aylesbury), but you can conduct more surveys if you would like to. You can carry out the surveys alone, with friends or family, or with another volunteer. The sites will be on private farmland in rural areas, so access to a car will be essential. Surveys can be completed at your convenience, between April – July.

We are running a short course on the 29^th March for volunteers, teaching you the survey methodology. The course will include a blended approach of classroom and practical outdoor sessions.

Course breakdown:

• 9:45am - Arrive for tea/coffee
• 10am – Welcome and intro to the project
• 10:15am – Intro to hedges, management and surveying
• 11am – Break
• 11:15am – Hedge condition survey methodology
• 12pm – Lunch
• 12:30pm – Outdoor session to practice surveying
• 2:30pm – Head back inside to round up what we’ve learnt
• 2:45pm – Finish

All necessary equipment will be provided. Bring waterproof clothing in case of rain, and wear suitable footwear (e.g., walking boots or wellies) for the outdoor session, as the terrain may be wet and uneven. Bring suncream and sun hat. Wear old clothing that can get muddy. Parking is available at the site.

Please bring your own lunch. Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided.

By completing this course and becoming a hedgerow surveyor, you can expect to gain the following skills:

• Hedge Management: You will learn about the hedge management cycle and gain knowledge of what is required to keep a hedge healthy
• Survey methodology: Learn to conduct hedge condition surveys
• Hedgerow species ID: Learn to identify common hedgerow trees, shrubs and margin plants
• Data collection & handling: Recording data on paper and uploading to a website
• Communication: Interacting with landowners, volunteers, and staff 

This course is part of the Reconnecting Bernwood Otmoor Ray project, made possible thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund. You can find out more about the project on BBOWT’s website.