Hedgerow Recovery Programme

What is it?

A large-scale hedgerow restoration initiative addressing significant habitat loss across Cheshire, aimed at improving groundwater recharge and regional water resilience.

The Hedgerow Recovery Programme is a large-scale habitat restoration initiative focused on the creation and restoration of hedgerows across Cheshire.

The programme aims to restore approximately 500km of hedgerows to strengthen ecological connectivity, improve water resilience and support biodiversity recovery across rural landscapes.

The initiative has been designed as a strategic regional response to historic hedgerow loss and increasing environmental resilience challenges.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Cheshire has experienced significant hedgerow loss over recent decades, reducing habitat connectivity, impacting biodiversity and weakening the landscape’s ability to manage water effectively.

Hedgerows play a critical role in supporting pollinators, birds and wildlife movement while also improving soil health, reducing runoff and supporting groundwater recharge.

The programme has been developed to create a scalable regional approach to hedgerow restoration that supports biodiversity, farming resilience and wider natural infrastructure objectives.

What is it going to deliver?

The programme will deliver:

Restoration and creation of approximately 500km of hedgerows
Improved biodiversity and habitat connectivity
Enhanced groundwater recharge and water infiltration
Reduced runoff and improved water resilience
Long-term carbon sequestration opportunities
Biodiversity Net Gain hedgerow habitat creation
Support for emerging hedgerow carbon markets
Improved resilience across agricultural landscapes

The programme also supports the development of future environmental markets linked to hedgerow carbon and natural capital investment.

Intervention:

500km Created or Restored

Hedgerow Carbon Code Under Development

Deep Rooted Hedgerows Help Water Infiltration
Recharge Aquifers
Regional Solution

Hedgerow Habitat Creation

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:

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Goal One

Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.

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Goal Three

Increase value of investment into nature.

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Goal Four

Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.

Estimated Cost:
Programme investment values currently in development.

Project Location:
Pan Cheshire.

Area Covered:
Regional hedgerow network across Cheshire landscapes.

Local Authority Area:
Cheshire West and Chester

How Long is the Programme:
Long-term phased restoration programme.

Lead Partner:

Project Partners:
Cheshire West and Chester.

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