Our Native Hedgerows – Walk & Talk, led by Neil Foulkes

Neil Foulkes is a Hedgerow Management Consultant who will share his understanding of the crucial role that native Irish hedgerows play in providing shelter and nourishment for wildlife. 

A strong advocate for hedgerow appreciation, protection and maintenance, he will lead a walk through the fields of Lackendarragh looking at recent planting by An Óige and Rewild Wicklow and inspiring people to take action to safeguard and restore this precious natural resource.

This Walk & Talk is in memory of Leesha O’Driscoll, a valued member of the Enniskerry community, who played a crucial role in drafting the groundbreaking Protection of Hedgerows Bill in 2023.

NEIL FOULKES

Neil's background is in practical conservation and traditional land management skills, including hedgelaying, scything and traditional woodworking. He has carried out hedgelaying works in most counties in Ireland and has conducted numerous county-wide and bespoke hedgerow surveys. Through Woodlands of Ireland, he was part of the group that developed the Hedgerow Appraisal System for recording and assessing the quality and condition of hedgerows. He was also privileged to be part of the group, led by the late Leesha O'Driscoll and working with the Climate Bar of Ireland, that developed a Hedgerow Protection Bill designed to help protect hedgerows of significance from removal.