Funding to pilot a project involving the Lyme area community in the creation of the Great Big Dorset Hedge has been approved by Lyme Regis Town Council.

Julie Leah from Charmouth, who is one of the coordinators of the project on behalf of Dorset Climate Action Network, said: “we really appreciate the Town Council’s support of our visionary project. It’s already been attracting national attention because of the scale of our ambition. It’s fantastic that it’s getting a much-needed kick start in the Lyme area. Hedgerows are a key habitat for wildlife and are so important in providing protection against the effects of climate change”.

Participants in the project will survey hedgerows for condition and map the results which may lead to new planting and hedgerow restoration projects. No experience is required – the aim is to involve people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities to find out how best to engage them. The project aims to include liaison with landowners to see if volunteers can help with ongoing plans for planting.

Julie Leah said: “The project aims to help with physical wellbeing by spending time outside and mental wellbeing by meeting new people, feeling part of a group and learning new skills. It can help with anxiety if people feel they are taking action to support the environment. It’s also good fun !”

The project will start by organising trips out to survey hedges in and near Lyme. If you’d like to get involved, have hedgerows you would like surveyed or would like a talk about the project for your local group, church, school please contact: greatbigdorsethedge@gmail.com