Hedgerow Campaign Launched
16/11/2009
The activity, organised by Jersey Trees for Life, involves youngsters in practical educational workshops, clearing, planting and maintaining the Islands vital hedgerow habitats. They are hoping local secondary schools and youth groups will support the project with hands on work.
In previous years campaigns have focused on areas important to local bat and squirrel populations. Hedgehogs have been chosen as the species to receive support this year.
Jersey Dairy’s Managing Director, Eamon Fenlon, said: “The preservation of ourIsland environment is critical for future generations and of course Jersey Dairy is a vital living and working part of that countryside. We have supported the Jersey Trees for life Hedgerow Campaign with these special ‘Jersey Dairy Day on the Hedge’ workshops, because we believe that this type of ‘hands on’ education is essential to help school pupils learn how important the environment is. This year’s focus, on protecting and helping hedgehogs, means that we have a whole new aim, which will hopefully appeal to youngsters and give them an even greater understanding of the many different creatures and inhabitants whose survival depends on our simple hedgerows.’
Hedgehogs are the only spiny mammal in Britain and they were introduced in Jerseyin the middle of the 19th century, around the same time as red squirrels. They are a very ancient animal and have been around in their present form for about 15 million years
The secretary of the Jersey Hedgehog Preservation Society, Dru Burdon, is delighted that the hedgehogs will be getting extra help over the coming months:
‘Bonfire night is always a time when we like to highlight the welfare of hedgehogs, but this campaign is a longer and more focused project. Hedgehogs have no natural predators in Jersey, except for man. One of the main problems for them is the amount of new development and building work going on in the island nowadays’, she said.
’Hedgehogs rely on hedgerows for cover to build their nests and for a good supply of insects for food. We have chosen an area in St Clement to focus this campaign work on, as there has been a considerable amount of development in that parish recently. We are thrilled that Jersey Dairy are supporting the campaign and look forward to working with them and Jersey Trees for Life who of course have the expertise for this sort of practical exercise.’
Michel Morel, the Education and Administration Officer for Jersey Trees for Life, will be leading the workshops and is appealing for teachers from secondary schools, and youth group leaders who would like their students to take part, to get in touch.
‘‘Hedges give vital shelter and sources of food for hedgehogs. We will be planting trees and hedgerow saplings specifically selected to be of benefit to hedgehogs’, he said. Oak trees in particular are good, as the oak leaves are just the right size for hedgehogs to build their nests. Other native species like hawthorn, blackthorn and elder are also useful. Anything which provides coverage and extra habitat is important. The planting season runs throughout the spring term and the maintenance activities take place during the summer term. We are delighted and grateful that Jersey Dairy has once again agreed to support this essential, educational and environmental project. The beauty of the ‘Jersey Dairy Day on the Hedge’ is that it encourages the students to get right into the natural environment. In today’s world of iPods, wii consoles and MP3 players, these Jersey Dairy Days on the Hedge help youngsters witness sights, smells and experiences they sometimes never realise exist.’
Any teacher or youth group leader who would like their students to take part in the educational activities, should contact Michel Morel, the Education and Administration Officer for Jersey Trees for Life on 857611.