Hedgerow planting in Runcorn – Hedgerow Heroes

Our 2025/2026 hedge planting and restoration project is now well under way across Cheshire, thanks to CPRE Hedgerow Heroes funding and expert practical support from The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).

So on the bright, crisp day of 20th November, communications volunteer Molly headed down to Wigg Island in Runcorn to see a hedge planting team in action and talk to volunteers and the TCV project officer. Here’s her report.

A peaceful haven

The first thing that strikes me on arrival is the peacefulness of Wigg Island, despite the site’s industrial past. A place that once produced mustard gas and fertiliser is now a haven of calm for dog walkers and nature enthusiasts. It makes perfect sense to me that this location was picked as part of our project, clearly benefiting wildlife and humans alike.

By the time I arrive, most of the planting has been done, with the team just adding top soil. The hedge runs alongside the estuary, overlooking the Mersey Gateway Bridge. Though the new saplings now stand separate, protected by biodegradable tree guards, they will grow to form a thick hedge over the coming years. The energy and time given today will provide a safe home for animals, bugs, moths and birds for years to come.

The planting team

I quickly proceed to introduce myself and chat to Bertie, the TCV project officer, and the volunteers. I want to find out what had brought them to help plant the hedgerow and what connection with nature means to them.

Bertie tells me that the project officer role is “the best job in the world”, as it involves being outdoors all day and contributing to nature recovery. TCV – a charity –  has teams in Chester, Merseyside and Manchester, connecting enthusiastic individuals with various projects, all benefitting nature.

I then talk with one of the volunteers, Hannah Duckworth. Hannah explains that she is completing a Masters degree in Biodiversity and Conservation, and loves spending time outdoors. As a city dweller, though, she has found it hard to find opportunities to physically connect with nature and get involved with nature-based organisations. She explained that projects such as Hedgerow Heroes and other TCV activities are giving her a chance to both enjoy hands-on outdoor work and get the practical experience she needs alongside her academic studies.

These sentiments are mirrored by another enthusiastic volunteer, Idris. Also a Master’s student, Idris is studying Environmental Science in Liverpool. Like Hannah, he had difficulty in obtaining hands-on voluntary experience within nature. He tells me that he sent many emails to environmental charities with no response, so was really glad to find the opportunities presented by TCV. He is now a regular volunteer with the local TCV team.

He also tells me that they had been lucky with the weather on this particular day, as the previous planting day at Wigg Island had been, whilst productive, very wet!

The third volunteer I speak to is Richard Lowry. Richard explains he is passionate about conservation. He loves to plant trees in the local area, because he understands the positive knock-on effect it has to all the other parts of the biodiversity ecosystem.

Lots more hedges still to come!

While the Wigg Island planting is complete, there are plenty more opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Other locations currently confirmed include sites in Ellesmere Port, Widnes, Macclesfield, and around Chester.

More information

Upcoming Cheshire Hedgerow Heroes sessions

Volunteering for TCV.

Volunteering with CPRE Cheshire

Why are hedgerows so important?