Colin Davidson•3 years ago Hedgerows offer space and sanctuary for a range of species in a way that grass and specimen trees do not. By providing tangled, diverse, sheltered space for a range of plants, trees and shrubs that form the backbone of the hedgerow provide homes for a multitude of insect species, creating n ecosystem in which birds and mammals can thrive. Further, hedgerows form a link between our local environment in the modern era and that of centuries gone by, and by planting new hedges linked with older hedgerows further protects species therein in a changing world. Hedges also provide an organic, sympathetic way of subdividing space in a low maintenance, sustainable way. They provide shade, shelter from the wind, and a colourful and diverting point of interest in open spaces as a focus for people friendly spaces for recreation, play and relaxation.Why in Kings Hedges?While Kings Hedges has less green space than some other wards in Cambridge most green space in Kings Hedges is publicly accessible in a way that is not true of most other wards in Cambridge. Many are well used and valued by residents. There is however scope to improve these spaces with interesting and diverse planting plans. Within the ward there are only a few locations where hedges have been in place for longer than the extant housing, and these precious locations can act as a springboard for more hedgerow planting. This is, after all, Kings Hedges, what could be more appropriate than hedgerows as focal points?The Urban Forest, The Urban Meadow, and the Urban OrchardBritain suffers from a huge deficit in natural habitat, often being described as the most nature depleted nation in Europe. This is exacerbated by social inequalities, where those who are least prosperous are also least able to access wild spaces. The capacity to travel to green spaces and to be in diverse habitats is important for our physical and mental health, and maintenance of such space is crucial both for our welfare and happiness.The phrase “urban forest” has become increasingly popular in recent years, describing the stock of trees and wildlife associated therewith in cities. Specimen trees planted on roadsides and in fields are part of the urban forest but they are not the best way of creating a diverse habitat. The complex mix of shrubs and trees in hedgerow provides a robust space, supporting a higher species diversity than specimen trees. Indeed, hedgerows form an organic interface with the grassy spaces that are increasingly managed for the benefit of pollinators, being allowed to grow and flower through spring and summer. Traditionally hedgerows have not only been places of boundary but also of utility, with different tree species being selected to provide a barrier and for a wide range of other uses. The species still found there reflect this and here, in North Cambridge, the history of land use can be seen in remnants of fruit farming that still show up in hedgerows, with cherry, plum, greengage, damson, apple, raspberry, currant and gooseberry being found. Incorporating fruit shrubs and trees at regular intervals in new hedgerows, as well as reflecting the agricultural history of the space, can also contribute to resilience in a changing world, providing a resource for wildlife and for animals. The contribution of a hedging scheme in Kings Hedges would, in a real sense, use the urban forest concept to create an urban orchard.Who Supports ThisAll three ward Councillors (Councillors Smart, Gawthrope Wood and Hossain) have all expressed support for this, as have Cambridge City Council officers responsible for biodiversity, and the Green and Independent Group spokesperson for Open Spaces, Councillor Glasberg.Where?There are man locations that can benefit from this scheme, and it should be envisaged that in coming years we can extend this to many other locations. In this phase, four locations are proposed.(1) The large area of Hanson Court, where a concrete area was removed a few years ago and a large cherry plum tree blew down two years ago. This central part is little used, but adding new hedging facing the older hedge running along the south side of the space (probably curved rows of hedging plants to make new spaces) can provide shelter and some privacy for play or recreation.(2) Arbury Town Park, which is a much loved space and home of Arbury Carnival. Addition of banks and hedging around the outside could create both a sheltered space for wildlife and a gated entrance for the annual carnival parade. Much of the extant hedging in this space is tired, made up of non-native species and in need of some replacement.(3) The Pulley, close to the old hedging at the Apollo Way end. While the main play areas of the Pulley are well used, with the playground area being popular, children also have a lot of fun running around under the trees on the banks around that area. It is proposed that further such spaces delineated by hedging close to the older hedge that remains at one end of the space would create both valuable habitat and new opportunities for play.(4) Grass bordered by Roxburgh Road, Northfield Avenue and Sackville Close. This is quite a big space but not one very often used because it's bordered by three roads. By sheltering this space from at least some of that, we may make a space that is far more enjoyable and useful.
