Community joins together over vandalised hedgerow

A woodland hedge in Newtown damaged by vandals has already been repaired, thanks to a swift response from local volunteers, partners and schoolchildren.

Our sister site MyNewtown reported yesterday how newly planted hedge saplings, introduced to help tackle ongoing fly tipping in a woodland area, had been targeted, with a number of young trees and their protective guards damaged.

The hedge had been planted as part of longer-term efforts to create a natural barrier to discourage dumping, while also improving biodiversity and strengthening the local environment.

In an update following the incident, Open Newtown CEO, Stuart Owen, said: “We were somewhat disappointed to learn of vandalism to our new hedge saplings, intended to protect our woodland area from household fly tipping long term.”

Despite the setback, the organisation said the community's response had been immediate and positive.

He added: “We were extremely grateful when Ysgol Calon y Dderwen Eco Council children offered to support us in reinstating the tree protectors and planting another 120 saplings from The Woodland Trust.”

Pupils from the school’s Eco Council joined volunteers on site to help reattach damaged guards and plant additional saplings, helping to restore the hedge and strengthen it further following the incident.

The work was carried out in partnership with Tir Coed, working alongside Open Newtown, with support from Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council. The additional saplings were provided by The Woodland Trust.

The hedge forms part of wider environmental improvements aimed at protecting green spaces in the town and addressing persistent issues such as fly-tipping, which has affected a number of local areas.