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Metal recycling and waste specialist Ward is pleased to lend its support to Derbyshire County Council’s (DCC) ‘Hedgerow Heroes’ campaign with the donation of trees and people power to support its local conservation efforts.

The Hedgerow Heroes project supports the CPRE’s national hedgerow campaign and aims to restore hedgerows across the country using traditional hedge laying methods. Volunteers involved in the campaign play an active part in supporting local conservation while improving the wildlife value of the hedge.

At the end of last year, Ward supported its client DCC, who is leading the project, with the purchase of saplings to contribute to the hedge laying activity. In addition, Chris Gibbons, Business Development Executive at Ward, spent a day volunteering at Williamthorpe Nature Reserve, as part Ward’s sustainability Roadmap to 2030, The Ward Way.

Work included cutting back some side growth and upgrowth around the hedge and then actual hedge laying. This involved cutting partly through the upright tree stems, carefully bending them over and weaving them between posts.

All the training and supervision was provided by a specialist team from Groundwork, a federation of charities that supports local environmental initiatives.

Heather Foo, Head of Purchasing (Metals) at Ward, said: “Ward takes its Environmental and Sustainability responsibilities very seriously, so when the opportunity arose to support Derbyshire County Council with the Hedgerow Heroes project, we jumped at the chance.

“WARD hopes to continue to support the Hedgerow Hero volunteering programme throughout 2023. England’s wildlife has been in long-term decline and the Climate Change Committees have called for a 40% increase in hedgerows by 2050 to help tackle the Climate Emergency. Planting and restoring hedgerows is immensely important for biodiversity, connecting habitats, protecting against pollution and fighting climate change. We place great value on working in partnership with our customers, and we’re delighted to be involved.”

For more information about the Hedgerow Heroes campaign, click here.