Surrey Wildlife Trust and West Horsley Place are promising a great day of music, food, craft and conservation when they will host the UK’s very first hedgerow-themed music and arts festival this autumn.
Designed as a celebration of the rich cultural and natural history of these ‘forgotten heroes’ of our landscape, Surrey Hedgerow Festival will feature folk, jazz and rock music from local performers as well as educational talks, guided walks, storytelling, art displays and roaming performances from Guildford Shakespeare.
Good sustainable food - including tasty items garnered from local hedgerows - and locally brewed refreshments from local Surrey Hills Enterprise businesses are guaranteed.
Visitors will of course also learn all about hedgerows, the wildlife they support and the skills we need to keep them healthy. Hedges and Hurdles will be creating an ornamental laid hedge with the help of festival goers. The Surrey Hedgelaying Group will be laying a hedge in the grounds, offering demonstrations and the opportunity to try out this traditional but much-needed craft.
The festival is the pinnacle event of the Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Hedgerow Heritage project, a four-year initiative funded and supported by the Heritage Lottery which seeks to engage a new generation in conservation and to promote and preserve the skills we need to keep our hedgerows healthy.
Surrey Wildlife Trust’s Hedgerow Heritage Project Manager Katy Fielding says:
“Conservation isn’t just about the serious work of saving and maintaining habitats. It’s also about enjoying the places and things we share with nature. Hedgerows have helped sustain people and wildlife for hundreds of years, so we want to reflect that by giving a platform for local bands and businesses while giving people an insight into the wildlife and traditions that need our help.
“If you are looking for a new way to enjoy the half-term holidays, please join us. A splendid time is guaranteed for all.”
Admittance costs just £5 and is free for under-16s.