Bellway Homes
Witham, Essex
With Bellway Homes keen to create a visibility splay at the entrance to its new housing development near Witham, Essex, and allay concerns from local residents that the required removal of a 100-metre hedge would disrupt the area’s rural characteristics, the property developers turned to us for our specialist transplantation solution.
As the UK’s leaders in mature tree, hedgerow and shrub health since 1986, we were entrusted with identifying an effective and sensitive way of overcoming the complex landscape challenges and local opposition.
With that in mind, we chose to avoid the traditional approach of coppicing down to stumps and replanting – which would destroy all the benefits of the hedge for decades – and utilise an innovative transplantation method instead.
We therefore moved the entire 100-metre-long, four-metre-high, and two-metre-thick hedgerow back from the road, while preserving its biodiversity and integrity.
Results
No other operator can move hedgerows as efficiently as we can. Our work not only preserved the appearance of the original stretch of hedgerow, but it also retained an important habitat for local wildlife. The transplanted hedgerow was fully operational within hours, a stark contrast to the 30 years needed for a newly planted hedge to reach similar maturity.
This project showcases our ability to solve complex challenges while prioritising environmental stewardship. The preserved hedgerow remains an essential feature of the landscape, fulfilling both aesthetic and ecological functions and preserving the street scene of hedgerows.
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100-metre
hedgerow successfully
transplanted -
Results
within hours
Challenges
We regularly overcome complex landscape challenges for public and private sector clients. This project required us to address the following:
1. Local opposition
Residents feared destroying the hedgerow would change the rural appearance of the road.
2. Line of sight
People driving out of the new estate needed a visibility splay that allowed them to exit safely.
3. Wildlife preservation
Coppicing the existing hedge or planting a new hedge would have destroyed the habitat for wildlife and reduced its ability to be a wildlife corridor.
Solution
Our strategy centred on safely transplanting the entire hedgerow while ensuring its health and continuity:
Successful transplantation
The height and width of the hedge was maintained, and the look of the street scene preserved, as local residents had requested.
Cost-effective
Our unique method of transplanting the hedge at its original size, saving up to 90% compared to planting the same size hedge.
Junction visibility
The transplanting of the hedgerow meant homeowners in the new estate could emerge safely onto the main road.
“The team could not have been easier to work with. We were all delighted with their enthusiasm and professionalism… I will enjoy singing your praises and encouraging colleagues to make use of your services”
Environmental Advisor to largest urban re-generation project in U.K.
Call us on 01277 849990
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Please note that in most cases we can provide a outline quotation by telephone, that will be confirmed during a site visit.