The National Trust has welcomed a donation of £10,000 to plant and maintain two blossom hedges on the Golden Cap Estate.
The planting of the hedges has been made possible by a donation of £7,500 from the Golden Cap Association and was increased with a legacy of £2,500 from Derek Parsons, former Chair and President of the Golden Cap Association.
Over the next 3 years the National Trust is hoping to plant 1500m of native species blossom hedge, located along historic hedgerow boundaries on the coastal downland between Seatown and Eype.
The work to plant the hedge near Seatown will started on Wednesday 1st December 2021 with volunteers from the Association helping National Trust staff and other volunteers. The hedge will form part of a network of hedges and is planted with hardy, blossoming species such as Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Crab Apple and will be visible from neighbouring villages; the South West Coast Path; and the A35 Dorset to Devon trunk road. A second hedge is to be planted at Thorncombe Beacon.
Countryside Manager Leo Henley Lock said: “We are delighted that this project has been made possible by the generous donation from the Golden Cap Association and the legacy left by the late Derek Parsons. Hedgerows form an important part of our landscapes, connecting habitats and wildlife, whilst playing an important role in mitigating the future impacts of climate change.”
Chair of the Golden Cap Association, Mike Nicks, said: “The Committee and all the Members of Golden Cap Association are delighted to donate £7,500 to the local area National Trust for the planting and maintenance of two blossom hedges on the Golden Cap Estate. I feel it incumbent on all of us to help in a practical and physical way to help slow down the rate of climate change, and along the way to help our wildlife, whether it be animals, birds, insects or flowers to flourish for years and centuries ahead. The legacy of £2,500 from Derek Parsons is a very welcome addition to the Association’s donation and I know how pleased his family are to support such a worthy and important cause which will also be enjoyed future generations.”
