Youngsters in Greatham have shown plenty of respect to Elders as interest grows in a hedgerow project.

Around 20 green-minded villagers recently took to the streets in support of National Hedgerow Week.

There has been big push to plant more hedges around the village in recent years thanks to efforts by the school, parish council and the Hangers Environmental Network.

Part of the drive was borne out of lockdown as 200 native hedgerow plants – including elder, hawthorn, hazel, dogwood and hornbeam among others – were planted along the school section of Petersfield Road in 2020.

Villagers who took part in the scheme were given the chance to inspect their handiwork and the healthiness of the plants as part of a “celebratory” event.

The event was educational as children were encouraged to identify and find the species they planted four years ago. They were also shown how to look after hedgerows with grass, weeds and protective plastic tubing being removed during the community event.

“Everyone knows about trees and hedges being good for the environment, and particularly for a school that’s close to a road because it massively reduces noise pollution and improves air quality,” said former Greatham tree warden, Anna Dale-Harris.

“The species here were chosen because their wildlife friendly and it’s great to have such a real community mix of people helping out.”

The event also included a short walk to St John Trust Field as the site boasts a mature, roadside and ‘dead’ hedge with all offering different opportunities for wildlife.