Sustainable Warwickshire

The parish of Luddington in Stratford-Upon-Avon is set to get a lot greener thanks to Warwickshire County Council’s Green Shoots Community Climate Change Fund.

In November 2021, Luddington Parish Council Climate Emergency Working Group commissioned the planting of approximately 140 metres of mixed native hedge and three Sorbus Lutescens (Whitebeam) trees along the boundary of a wide pathway that runs between Manor Field and All Saints Church. This permissive path is used regularly by walkers accessing the riverside marina and lock and so the planting can be enjoyed by all those passing on their way to the river. It is also an attractive and ecological way of creating a barrier to prevent sheep in the adjoining field from escaping.

It is hoped that the trees and hedge will encourage biodiversity. The hedgerow of hawthorn, blackthorn, dog rose, hornbeam and crab apple will increase diversity of plant species and create vital new habitat for wildlife birds, insects, and small mammals. Its blossom and flowers will attract pollinators such as honeybees.

Luddington Parish Council is grateful to WCC Green Shoots for funding both this project and the two new Prunus Subhirtella (Flowering Cherry) trees planted on the verge at Stannells Close, Luddington Road, Stratford.

The Green Shoots Fund will soon be open for applications for its second round of funding, find out more on the Green Shoots Community Climate Change Fund page.