The regulations apply to hedgerows on agricultural land, which are important resources for wildlife such as Linnet, Yellowhammer, Cirl Bunting, and Hazel Dormice. The aim is to encourage a range of heights and widths of hedges and so support a range of habitats and the supply of pollen, berries and other food for wildlife. DAISY JOHN Farmers can choose whether to opt in or out of the scheme, but if they opt in, to get the DEFRA funding they need to adhere to quite detailed procedures: Cut in increments, increasing the height and width of each cut by at least 10 cm Cut once every two years, or even one year in three Leave trimming until late winter to allow birds to feed on berries over the winter Not cut all their hedgerows in the same year So you may see some changes in what happens to Shapwick’s hedges over the next few years! At the time of writing, 17 December, Shapwick has been blessed with 1032mm of rain this year. As mentioned previously, the long-term average annual rainfall for central Somerset is 800mm, and for the second consecutive year we are way above average. On the allotments we couldn't make any headway until April because the land was so wet, and over the next six months we endured 456mm of rain, compared to an expected summer average of 312mm. The insects and slugs seemed to be happier with the weather than the gardeners. On 8 January I recorded a minimum temperature of -2.8 degrees Celsius, and on 31 July a maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees. Our first frost of this winter occurred on the night of 19/20 November. Hedgerows and DEFRA payments Hedges matter. Everyone notices a tidy hedge or a straggly hedge, and the many issues around protecting farm animals and crops, respecting nature and wildlife, or even just “the look of the thing”, can divide opinion. So you may like to know that the criteria for payments to farmers from DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) to support hedge management will change from 1 January 2025. As part of the drive for sustainable farming, the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 call for: 5 WI NTER I S SUE | J ANUARY 2 0 2 5 From the Horse’s Mouth TRACEY LOCKYER Dovecote School Our Open Evening for prospective parents in September was an opportunity to showcase the unique environment and talents of our students and staff. As part of our commitment to creating a supportive and informed community, we held several theme days focusing on key issues such as anti-bullying, anxiety awareness, recycling, and World Diabetes Day. These days provided students with valuable opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with important topics. A 2-meter buffer strip from the centre of a hedgerow that must be kept free of cultivation, pesticides, and fertilizers A ban on hedgerow cutting from March 1 to August 31, with some exceptions Exemptions apply to hedgerows that are cut for safety reasons, to maintain access rights, or are newly planted As the festive season approached, the school was abuzz with excitement as students prepared for their performance of The Snow Ball. It was a magical production! Our Christmas fair, organised in partnership with the Dovecote Family Support Committee, was another highlight. The event was a fantastic success, raising valuable funds to support our students and bringing the community together in festive spirit. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making it so special and for the Shapwick residents to coming to support us! This term has truly been a time of reflection, learning, joy, and community spirit at Dovecote School. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates soon. In November, Dovecote School commemorated Remembrance Day with the entire school community joining together for a moving two-minute silence and Milo reading out 'In Flanders Fields' by John McRae to staff and students, reflecting on the sacrifices of those who served. Our students also created artwork to honour the day, showcasing our gate with their creativity and understanding of this important occasion. Shapwick Weather STUART DENNES
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