December 15th 2020
The Tree Council and its partners; Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Moor Trees, University of Reading, Hedgelink and Future Gardeners (Worshipful Company of Gardeners) have received a grant of £1.8M.
The grant was awarded to the 'Close the Gap' joint environmental project from the government’s £80M Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
'Close the Gap' is an 18 month programme focused on achieving bigger, healthier and better-connected hedgerows in England.
Sara Lom, CEO, The Tree Council said:
“The Committee on Climate Change called for 200,000km of new hedgerows to help achieve net zero carbon – but hedges are often forgotten in conversations about a greener future. 'Close the Gap' will boost the immense potential of our hedgerows – for biodiversity, carbon-capture, conserving our natural cultural heritage and more.
We want everyone to understand and value their local hedgerows and for more young people to consider the exciting land-based careers they offer. We’re grateful to National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding this partnership of leading organisations to improve the future of UK hedgerows.”