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West Hunsbury Country Park Whip Planting

Northampton Borough Council
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Northampton Borough Council | 2022 | Northampton

West Hunsbury Country Park Whip Planting

idverde’s Midlands Horticultural Development Manager, Nicola Clarke, was delighted to support The Friends of West Hunsbury Country Park and The Rotary Club, Northampton with the planting of over 300 native hedgerow whips at West Hunsbury Country Park on the 7th of February, 2022.

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About the project

The whips were donated by the Northampton Rotary Club as part of their ongoing centenary celebrations and were planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, celebrating the Platinum Jubilee. Children from Hunsbury Park Primary school, who use the park as part of their Forest School outdoor classroom, joined the planting session for the morning. The aim was to replant and restore an old part of hedgerow by the ironstone railway which had declined over the years.

Hedgerows are an extremely valuable habitat for wildlife as well as providing a natural barrier or boundary. Many species of birds depend on hedgerows and their margins for survival, particularly in areas with relatively few woodlands.

Together with their associated habitats, such as ditches and banks, hedges also provide a haven for many insects, wildflowers, small mammals (particularly the hedgehog), reptiles and amphibians. As they often link habitats together, they provide natural green ‘corridors’ along which wildlife can travel. By restoring the old hedgerow, it is hoped to extend these vital links and increase the benefit to local wildlife in the area.

Hunsbury Country Park

The result

Everyone worked really hard not only planting but also staking the young whips and placing protective rabbit/deer guards around them. It was a great collaborative effort and by the end of the morning, all of the whips were safely in the ground. The mixed hedgerow consists of Rowan, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Dog Rose, Elder, Hazel and Oak.

Chair of the Friends of West Hunsbury Parks, Phil Foster, said:

“We are really grateful to the Rotary Club, Northampton for their donation of the whips which will enhance the park for everyone. As usual, Mrs Hughes and the children from Hunsbury Park Primary school have worked amazingly hard in getting the whips in the ground. We will all monitor the hedge as it grows and look forward to observing the wildlife that uses it as it matures.”