THE Devon Hedge Group is to receive a grant of £41,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a new project to increase community involvement with, and access to, the county's hedgerow heritage. 

The project, called Green Veins and Lanes, includes an art competition for children and teenagers, an archive of old hedgerow photographs, organised in partnership with Beaford Arts, making the first map showing all the distinctive types of hedge in the county and an oral history of hedging. 

Other activities include establishing a series of hedgerow trails around the county, a photographic competition, laying on a range of training events to help people manage and understand hedges better, and an education programme to assist teachers make good use of hedges to help deliver the national curriculum.

Rob Wolton, co-chair, said: 'This grant gives us the opportunity to progress many ideas we've not had the money for before.  It'll take the Devon Hedge Group to a whole new level and help many more people to become actively engaged with Devon's hedges — which are the best in the world.'

The Hedge Group would like to hear from volunteers interested in helping with the project, including the oral history, photo archive, and art and photo competitions.  All expenses and travel costs will be paid. Contact: Rob Wolton, project manager, Locks Park Farm, Hatherleigh, 01837 810416.