The Eco Therapy Garden, nestled in the heart of Kirkby, Liverpool, is a vibrant hub for eco therapy and community engagement. Our mission is simple yet profound: to promote well-being through immersion in nature while fostering environmental stewardship. In pursuit of this vision, we are embarking on an exciting new project to establish a native hedgerow within our garden space. This endeavor not only enhances the natural landscape but also contributes to biodiversity conservation, wildlife habitat creation, and ecological resilience. The core objective of our project is to plant 690 native shrubs across a 138m stretch, creating a diverse and thriving hedgerow. This hedgerow will serve as a vital ecological corridor, connecting fragmented habitats and providing refuge and sustenance for a plethora of wildlife species. By selecting native plant species, we ensure compatibility with local ecosystems, enhancing the hedgerow's ecological value and long-term sustainability.

What we'll deliver:

• 138m hedge 5 plants per m, 690 hedges in total, easy wrap guard and cane.
• Volunteer training on sustainability and wildlife habitat

Why it's a great idea:

Biodiversity Conservation: Native hedgerows are biodiversity hotspots, providing food, shelter, and nesting sites for a wide range of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. By establishing a diverse hedgerow, we aim to support local biodiversity and contribute to the conservation of native species. Eco Therapy: Nature has a profound impact on mental health and well-being, offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection. The hedgerow will serve as a tranquil retreat within the bustling city, providing visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, recharge, and find inner peace. Environmental Education: Our project provides a unique platform for environmental education and community engagement. Through volunteer planting sessions, educational workshops, and interpretive signage, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of hedgerows, native plants, and biodiversity conservation.

Steps to get it done:

• Project Managing / Risk assesment
• Preparing the area, landscaping, promoting the project
• Planting of the hedgerow & volunteer education
• Project Evaluations and monitoring wildlife
• Open day celebration / marketing

Additional Benefits: Soil Erosion Control: Hedgerows play a crucial role in soil conservation, helping to prevent erosion and sedimentation. The deep-rooted native shrubs will stabilize the soil, reducing the risk of erosion and enhancing the garden's resilience to extreme weather events. Wildlife Corridor: In an increasingly fragmented landscape, hedgerows serve as vital wildlife corridors, enabling the movement of species between habitats. By establishing a hedgerow within the garden, we contribute to the creation of a network of green spaces, enhancing connectivity and supporting biodiversity across the urban landscape. Community Involvement: Community engagement is at the heart of our project. We invite local residents, schools, and community groups to participate in every stage of the hedgerow establishment process, from planning and planting to maintenance and monitoring. By involving the community, we foster a sense of ownership and pride in the garden.