Our Wildlife Corridor

I am immensely proud of the work we have done on our six-acre plot of land since moving there almost four years ago. In addition to renovating the property, which dates back to 1691, we have also planted trees and shrubs and created a wildlife corridor to encourage hedgehogs, rabbits and ground-nesting birds.

In the first year, we developed the wildlife corridor, which is approximately 160 metres in length. The three-metre-wide corridor runs along the bottom and side of our paddocks. The corridor is gated to ensure that our dogs can be kept out at certain times of the year when the ground-nesting birds are making their nests and laying their eggs.

The corridor is planted with over 1500 trees and hedgerows, including willow, hazel, holly, hawthorn, field maple, and bird cherry. In the short time it has been planted, it has thrived, creating a wonderful, safe place for wildlife. We often spot hedgehogs, rabbits, frogs, and nesting birds, including pheasants.

It is well-known that habitat loss is among the biggest threats to our endangered hedgehogs. Since 1940, the growth in intensive farming has meant that many hedges, woods and small fields have been destroyed. These were habitats where hedgehogs thrived. In addition, the trend to deck and pave gardens has also resulted in hedgehogs losing their safe havens, where mixed vegetation and fallen leaves provided a perfect place for them to live. By creating the wildlife corridor, we have developed a safe haven for wildlife; we have even included hedgehog houses along the corridor to ensure the hedgehogs have a warm shelter away from predators whilst the hedgerows become established.

‹›

Hedgerows are crucial for our wildlife. Not only do they provide shelter and cut down on wind speed, but the flowers, berries, and nuts are also vital food sources for invertebrates, birds, and mammals.

In addition to the wildlife corridor, we have planted half a dozen copses around our plot. The trees include silver birch, chestnut, acers, American ash, walnut, ornamental crab apples, and cherry. Once these trees become established, it is hoped that they will not only provide an eye-catching display of foliage, blossom and berries throughout the year but will also add to the habitat so desperately needed for wildlife who are suffering greatly from having their homes destroyed by the changes in agriculture, urbanisation and increased predators.

It will take many years before the trees and hedgerows become well-established, but I am pleased with our efforts and thankful that we have been able to do our bit to ensure the continued safety of our wonderful wildlife.

You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here