New Forest hedgerow created in memory of late Queen
It's hoped it'll attract more wildlife to Rockford Common
Last updated 26th Jan 2023
Volunteers in the New Forest have come together to plant a new hedgerow in honour of Her late Majesty, The Queen.
It's been put in at Rockford Common, near Fordingbridge, within the Site of Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation.
Hawthorn, hazel, rowan, birch, and oak have been planted, with stakes and protectors, to stop rabbits from destroying their growth, along with chipping to prevent weeds.
The National Park Authority and the New Forest Trust have taken on the work, as part of a Woodland Trust scheme within the Queen's Green Canopy initiative.
That aims to plant a million trees and hedgerows nationally as a living legacy to Queen Elizabeth II.
Paul Walton, the National Park Authority’s Head of Environment and Rural Economy, said:
"Hedges are a vital part of the countryside’s ecosystem, offering berries and nuts for wildlife whilst also providing a protective corridor for animals to move between habitats.
"A healthy hedgerow will be rich in species, including native shrubs and can provide bird nesting sites as well as a home for some of our rarer animals including hedgehogs and newts."
Trustee of the New Forest Trust Diana Westerhoff said:
"Once grown, the new hedgerow will fill a gap previously overtaken by bracken along the boundary of the site and will help our wildlife for generations to come.
"This project demonstrates a perfect example of collaborative partnership work across the New Forest. We would like to thank the volunteers for their hard work, alongside The Woodland Trust which provided the plants as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project and The Tree Management Company for contributing the chippings."