Hedgerow Heroes – Myton School

Hedgerow Heroes is a wider CPRE project launched in 2021 to support the national campaign to increase the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050. To date, Hedgerow Heroes has seen 75.6km (47 miles) of hedgerow in England rejuvenated and created. This project also aims to inspire individuals and give a greater understanding of the importance of hedges to our environment and wildlife. CPRE Warwickshire became involved with phase 4 of the project in 2024.

As part of our Hedgerow Hero Phase 4 commitment to plant 1km of new hedgerow across the county, we have planted 170m of new hedgerow at Myton School. Over the course of the school week, we met with a variety of students from Year 7 and the Sixth Form, who worked brilliantly with our volunteers to deliver their new hedge.

Students across Year 7 entered into a competition to design their hedge. The winning design, drawn by student Elisa, represented the world and the different cultures and societies that exist within it. There were hundreds of brilliant designs, so we chose to incorporate elements of other students work within the chosen design. For example, one entry included pathways in and out of the hedge, which we duly adopted. The top ten designers were then given the opportunity to choose some friends to join them in our planting sessions over the week.

Planting began on Monday in the cold and wet. However, this did not deter the Sixth formers or the Year 7s who determinedly dug, planted, staked and guarded until we had finished planting for the day.

Throughout the week we were able to talk to the students about the importance of hedgerows for wildlife, and for tackling the climate crisis through carbon capture. Many of them knew lots about the benefits of hedgerows already!

Our student volunteers were very quick learners and by Thursday the hedge was all but finished.

On Friday we were joined by Matt Western MP who, alongside designer Elisa, planted the last two whips to complete the new Myton School Hedgerow. The students that had joined us for planting throughout the week were also given the opportunity to meet Matt and show him their hard work.

Thanks to all the students and staff at Myton School for their hard work and enthusiasm for the project.

Hedgerow Hero Phase 4 continues for CPRE Warwickshire, with hedges to be planted at two more sites to reach our target of 1km of new hedgerow this year. If you would like to volunteer for the project, send an email to office@cprewarwickshire.org.uk