Wildlife Hedge Planting: February 2026

On Sunday 8 February, Green United’s Youth Board planted 775 native hedge whips along Ham Lane, next to Priory School, Lewes, completing the 225-metre wildlife hedge in just two hours. Youth Board members were joined by parents, carers and siblings, showcasing a fantastic example of community spirit in action. One Youth Board member said it was “very fun,” while Héloïse commented that “it was very nice to see how many people came.”

The hedge project was first proposed to Priory School Governors in December 2024, when Youth Board members Héloïse, Molly and Rosa presented a plan to plant a hedge along the school’s sports boundary on Ham Lane. The governors unanimously supported the initiative, recognising its environmental and educational value.

Funded through a Tesco Community Grant and planted in collaboration with Lewes Urban Arboretum, the hedge is designed to grow to approximately 1.2 metres in height. Planted at three whips per metre in a single row, it will be easy to maintain while promoting dense sideways growth, creating a thick wildlife corridor for birds and insects. It will also help absorb car pollution from the adjacent road. The planting includes a diverse mix of native species, including field maple, hazel, common dogwood, alder, and hornbeam.

Members of the Trees Committee of Friends of Lewes, who manage the Lewes Urban Arboretum Project, provided essential support on the day, sharing the project risk assessment and demonstrating correct planting techniques. Special thanks also go to Aspen Tree Care and Mark Smith for preparing the site and helping the morning run smoothly.

Youth Board member Sam said it was “such a great thing to do — the community spirit of everyone being involved,” and another participant reflected that the hedge is something the group will be able to “look back on and be proud of.”

A Green United spokesperson added that “planting over 700 whips in just two hours is an incredible achievement. This hedge will grow into something that benefits wildlife, improves air quality, and stands as a lasting reminder of what young people can achieve when they lead environmental action in their community.”