A BOOK publisher based in Rugby has helped a different sort of leaf to flourish in the borough.
Nine Arches Press has pledged its support to help restore hedges in Rugby’s Diamond Wood Country Park.
Director and Editor Jane Commane and local poet Olga Dermott-Bond joined staff and volunteers from Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s (WWT) Dunsmore Living Landscape project to plant almost 200m of hedgerow at the park.
The work began a new ten year partnership between the WWT and the publisher, as part of its efforts to support local projects which contribute to combatting climate change and benefit wildlife.
Lucy Hawker, manager of the Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme, said: “This is a fantastic example of a local company taking long term action for nature which will support the work of the Wildlife Trust and benefit our local wildlife.
“The hedge will provide a valuable habitat for animals from tiny insects to birds and small mammals.”
Jane Commane said: “Nine Arches Press will pledge an annual ‘green royalty’ towards projects which aim to actively restore Warwickshire’s natural environments and habitats.
“We are determined to recognise the impact the publishing industry has on the environment and be active in taking steps at this critical moment when the climate emergency calls on us to take action now for nature.
“Warwickshire and its landscapes and wildlife are very close to our hearts, and we’re proud to play our part in working to address global climate change on a very local basis.”
John Howes, Rugby Borough Council’s Green Space and Biodiversity Manager, added: “Hedges are a vital component of any landscape in terms of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, connecting different habitats and creating opportunities for communities and volunteers to work together.
“This is especially poignant as hedgerows have declined rapidly in the last century and initiatives like this can reverse that.”
