THERE is an opportunity for those who love the daffodils, primroses, and violets in a spring hedgebank, enjoy walking and have an interest in wildlife to become part of a team protecting hedges in West Devon and East Cornwall.

Volunteers are needed to identify hedgerows and banks of importance within the parishes of Calstock, Bere Ferrers, St Dominick and Buckland Monachorum. The project is being led by a team from the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Samantha Barnes, project officer for the Tamar Valley AONB, said: 'This study will appeal to anybody who wants to understand the evolution of their landscape, learn how to identify hedgerow flowers, trees and shrubs, meet like-minded people, and record local custom and tradition related to historic boundaries.

'As a volunteer, you will help us to understand the contribution hedgerows make to the development and character of the landscape, and will help to guide management decisions for landowners.

'We will also begin to assess the contribution that trees in hedgerows could make as sustainable wood fuel.'

The study is part of the Cordiale project, which has been selected under the European cross-border Cooperation Programme called INTERREG IVA France (Channel) – England, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Simon Bates, Cordiale project officer said: 'We have four goals for the study. Firstly, to provide the public with an enjoyable opportunity to gather some vital information on our superb and ancient hedges.

'Secondly, to accurately measure the renewable energy potential in hedgerow timber — historically a vital source of fuel from the land.

'Thirdly, to identify hedges that are wildlife hotspots and/or of historic value and fourthly, to provide local authorities with a map of important hedges that can be protected under the Hedge Act.'

Full training will be given in the survey techniques in late April.

To register interest contact Simon Bates or Samantha Barnes at [email protected]">[email protected] or 01822 835035 or [email protected]">[email protected] or 01822 835036.