National Grid Volunteers Plant New Hedgerow in Ironbridge Gorge
The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust is a charity based in Ironbridge that manages over 700 acres of the World Heritage site for the benefit of people and wildlife. They were joined on the 18th of March by volunteers from the National Grid, with the aim of creating a brand-new hedgerow.
In late 2025 the Trust was approached by National Grid enquiring about corporate volunteer opportunities. They were keen to help with something that was going to make a real difference to the environment and offered to pay for the materials and equipment needed to create a new hedge, as well as two new benches for the Gorge and improvements to a pond.
On the 18th of March, a team of 8 volunteers joined 2 members of staff from the Trust to set about creating the new hedgerow. Helped along by some glorious sunshine, the group dug two neat rows for the hedgerow trees to be planted in, ensure they were firmly encased in the earth to help them survive changes in weather conditions. The species included hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, rowan and spindle, all great for providing shelter and food for wildlife. The site is positioned between two meadows on Crackshall Lane, north of Ironbridge, and will provide a connection between the woodland at Vane Coppice to other surrounding woodlands. As well as acting as a wildlife corridor, the hedgerow will become a valuable habitat in its own right, as well as providing additional shelter for the Trust’s flock of rare breed soay sheep.
By the end of the day the group had planted over 500 trees, as well as installing a new bench overlooking the fields for members of the public to enjoy. The trees were fitted with canes and guards, and given a good drink of water to give them a good start in their new home. Work on the pond within the fields will be completed when ground conditions have improved.
The Severn Gorge Countryside Trust is always extremely grateful for support from external organisations, in addition to its extremely dedicated team of local volunteers.