Hedmann Conservation Trust
Annual Report
Year Ending 31[st] August 2025
After a previous year of consolidation, several projects were completed on the land own by the Trust.
Two areas of the land were fenced off to support and improve the vegetation and eventually provide a wildlife corridor.
The first fencing was approx. 100 metres long to the South of Eller Beck. It had been noted that sheep had been crossing the beck on to a parcel of land to the north of the beck, containing a row of mature trees, which are possibly coming towards the end of their lifespan. Any Saplings which were beginning to grow on the land were being eaten by the sheep, and would not therefore be able to naturally replace the mature trees.
A smaller length of fencing was located in the eastern corner, close to Crook Beck. of the larger field to provide a wildlife corridor. In Autumn 2024, approx. 100 saplings (whips) were planted in this fenced off area consisting mainly of Willow and a small number of Gelder Rose and Bird Cherry.
Both areas of fencing were covered by a grant through the Swinden Quarry Environmental Fund. While Saplings were obtained through the support of the YDMT.
Possibly the most significant project was the Restoration/Rebuilding of 130 metres of Dry Stone Walling, on the T-shaped field. Its restoration would provide a different form of wildlife corridor for small animals and was adjacent to the public footpath, providing a point of interest to walkers while being restored. The majority of the cost was borne by the Chair of Trustees with a small grant from the YDNPA.
Sheep grazing on the land has now ceased to improve the quality of the grasses and flora overtime and return the soil to a more natural form associated with the area. Future grazing will be provided by suitable Cattle.
Monitoring of the land, by direct observation and the use of camera traps, in terms of animal life continues to be undertaken and there has already been some improvements in numbers and variety.
Plans and meetings are already in place for 2025/2026 for additional fencing around the bridge linking the two fields, to allow cattle to safely cross. There will be restoration of over 100 metres of Hedgerow, using Hawthorn, Buckthorn and Blackthorn whips. The creation of two Scrapes, one on each field, are in advanced stages.
David Mann Chair of Trustees
Hedmann Conservation Trust Charity Number 1197602
Financial Records
For the Financial Year Ending 31 August 2025
31 August 2024 Balance brought forward £ 0.00 Income £ 0.00 Expenditure £ 0.00 31 August 2025 Balance Carried Forward £ 0.00
Account statement prepared by David Mann
11 January 2025