700 metres of hedgerows in Canterbury: results of 2023-2024 planting season

Trees for All has planted 700 metres of hedgerows in the historic city of Canterbury, in England. A total of 2,000 trees and shrubs have been given a place on the school grounds of Junior King’s School. We planted them in partnership with forest management and consultancy Sylva Nova.

700 metres of hedgerows in Canterbury

The historic city of Canterbury, in England, is surrounded by various protected natural areas, like the Westbere Marshes and the Stodmarch National Nature Reserve. These forests and marshes are home to all sorts of rare plants and animals, including the sedge basket snail, which is an endangered species in England.

The areas are linked by the river Stour, which flows through Canterbury. Over the years, a lot of greenery has disappeared, due to urbanisation. And that has significant consequences. Not only is there less and less space for nature, but without trees and shrubs, the link between the natural areas is lost as well. The habitats for creatures such as beetles, crickets, mice and frogs becomes fragmented.

Our project is changing this situation. Along with forest management and consultancy Sylva Nova, we’ve planted 700 metres of hedgerows on the school grounds of Junior King’s School, thus increasing biodiversity along the river and providing greener surroundings for the pupils. And we couldn’t have done it without Hotels for Trees!

Pupils Junior King’s School greening school grounds

In the winter of  2023-2024, we planted a total of 2,000 trees and shrubs. These hedgerows were placed around the playing fields of Junior King’s School. Pupils and teachers rolled up their sleeves for the planting, along with Neil Dixon, Head of the Gardens. They planted the trees and shrubs 35 cm apart, which means nearly 286 plants per 100 metres. So that was quite a job!

More habitat for the nightingale

In this project, we chose for a variety of species: besides hawthorn, we also planted alder, hornbeam, beech, crab apple, bird cherry, blackthorn, dog rose, English oak, hazel and euonymus. These species of tree and shrub bear a lot of berries and blossom, which makes the hedgerow an important source of food for birds, insects and other small animals.

The hedgerow also provides protection. Birds like nightingales, reed buntings, robins and blackbirds will soon be able to nest again in the hedges. This means the project will contribute to more biodiversity in the surroundings.

Hedges connect protected natural areas

By planting the new hedgerow, we are creating a ‘green-blue corridor’: an interconnection of water, trees and plants. The hedgerow forms a physical barrier between the school’s playing fields and the River Stour, which means that wildlife can move more easily between the protected natural areas along the river.

In addition, a large area opposite the railway line is being redeveloped. Our green boundary will keep the new houses out of sight of the school and the pupils can enjoy a green view. The hedge will also keep the wind off, so it doesn’t interfere with the pupils’ sports activities.

And of course the trees and hedges contribute to a better climate. They sequester carbon and capture nitrogen and particulates. So the project has a positive impact not only on the local biodiversity, but also on the living conditions of the pupils and residents of Canterbury.