Ealing Transition needs volunteers to help with hedge planting at the Lammas Enclosure Community Forest Garden. They will be planting on Thursday 27th February 2025 from 10.30am. Plus again on Saturday 8th March 2025 (time to be announced). The new hedgerow will restore some of the existing forest garden site and create an important new natural space for hedgehogs. If you would like to help out, contact Ealing Transition at steering@ealingtransition.org.uk.
Why are hedgehogs important?
Hedgehogs’ favourite food is insects, slugs and other garden pests. They perform a huge service for gardeners by hoovering up these less welcome visitors. So keeping the garden and local ecosystem in balance.
Hedgehogs are important as they are an indicator species in the conservation world. Because hedgehogs feed on soil invertebrates, a decline in hedgehogs also indicates a decline in the quality of our environment and the health of the natural world.
Pressures on hedgehog populations include the destruction of nature corridors, and a lack of hedgerows for nesting, the use of pesticides (including slug pellets). Since 1995 the number of hedgehogs are declining in the UK and decreasing by more than 65%. Hedgehogs are now seen as endangered.
Sites like the Lammas Enclosure Community Forest can provide a vital refuge and habitat for these marvellous animals. The hedge planting will add more suitable habitat for hedgehogs and other creatures, increasing the biodiversity in the area.
You can find out more about these important animals at British Hedgehogs.
What is the Lammas Enclosure Community Forest?
In February 2011 local children planted 21 fruit trees in the overgrown tennis courts in the Lammas Enclosure, between Lammas and Walpole Parks. Since then, and with some help from volunteers to keep the brambles and trees in balance, nature has reclaimed this space. The resulting re-wilded area has become popular with local families and is used by a forest school for outdoor lessons.
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