Volunteers plant 450-tree hedge to strengthen Newbury’s nature corridors

A new wildlife hedge has been planted in Wash Common, strengthening vital links between Newbury’s green spaces and creating a richer habitat for nature.

Residents, volunteers and environmental groups came together on Saturday 17th January to plant 450 saplings along a fence line in the Middle Close green space on Elizabeth Avenue.

The community effort was led by the Newbury Friends of the Earth Nature Corridors team and supported by local residents, Newbury Town Council officers and volunteers from council grounds maintenance contractor John O’Conner. In total, around 20 people took part.

The planting includes 450 native trees and shrubs across 14 different species, carefully chosen to support a wide variety of wildlife.

Community planting of a wildlife hedgerow

Newbury Friends of the Earth coordinator and project lead Dr Susan Millington said:

“The hedge will look magnificent, and be a boon for wildlife in just a few years.

“It is 25 per cent hornbeam, with field maple, beech, crab apple, spindle and many other beautiful species attractive to a range of wildlife.

“Many thanks to Greenham Trust for donating the majority of these lovely saplings.

“We look forward to seeing the hedge grow and blossom, and be filled with insects, birds, and small mammals in time.

“This is the latest activity in our project, and will be a significant contribution to the improvement of nature connectivity between our Lockdown Woods in Barn Crescent and Goldwell Park.”

Community planting of a wildlife hedgerow

Graham Forde, a member of Newbury Friends of the Earth who helped organise the event, said:

“It was a great opportunity for improving wildlife habitats in this attractive suburban environment, not just for the present but also for future generations of wildlife as well as people – a win-win.

“We will be mulching the new hedge next week with wood chippings to minimise competition from grass and weeds, and to retain moisture in the root zone.”

Once established, the hedge will be managed by Newbury Town Council and maintained at roughly fence height to preserve open views across the green space for nearby residents.