Re-connecting Woodlands and Hedgerows

What is it?

The Re-connecting Woodlands and Hedgerows project is a county-wide habitat restoration and landscape connectivity programme focused on restoring, creating and reconnecting Cheshire’s native woodlands and hedgerows.

Ancient woodland and hedgerow networks across Cheshire have been significantly impacted by agricultural intensification, development and historic land management changes, leaving many habitats fragmented and degraded. Important native species including black poplar, wych elm and wild service tree are now locally rare or declining. 

The project will establish new high-biodiversity woodland and hedgerow habitats while improving the condition and long-term management of existing landscapes. Delivery includes a combination of tree planting, natural regeneration and habitat management planning designed to strengthen ecological resilience and improve landscape-scale connectivity. 

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

Woodlands and hedgerows play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, improving water resilience and connecting fragmented habitats across the landscape. 

Many of Cheshire’s woodland habitats are isolated or in declining condition, reducing their ecological value and weakening the movement corridors needed for wildlife recovery. At the same time, important native tree species and woodland flora are at risk of local decline or extinction. 

The project has been developed to strengthen Cheshire’s ecological network while supporting climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and community stewardship. 

What is it going to deliver?

By 2030, the project will deliver: 

• Creation of approximately 150 hectares of new woodland
• Improvement and restoration of approximately 250 hectares of existing woodland
• Creation and restoration of hedgerow networks
• Propagation and reintroduction of rare native species
• Locally sourced native tree and woodland flora planting
• Long-term woodland and hedgerow management plans
• Advice and engagement for landowners
• Community and volunteer involvement in habitat restoration
• Traditional conservation skills including seed harvesting and propagation
• Improved biodiversity connectivity and ecosystem resilience 

The project aims to create a better connected, climate-resilient landscape that supports both wildlife recovery and long-term environmental resilience across Cheshire. 

LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:

LNRS priority species supported through the project include: 

• Willow tit
• White-letter hairstreak butterfly
• Common clubtail dragonfly