Hedgerow study looks to recruit gardeners

17:36 25th October 2010

Experts conducting a survey of the UK's hedgerow biodiversity are looking for garden and greenhouse enthusiasts who are willing to help out.

Participants in the Open Air Laboratories Project (OALP) study are being asked to choose a three-metre long piece of hedgerow and report on the life they find within, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reported.

OALP Biodiversity Observatory head Jonathan Silvertown explained that the team are particularly keen to hear from those in built-up areas.

He noted that while knowledge about rural hedges is fairly plentiful, information on urban environments is sketchy at the moment.

"They might be even more important in urban areas where natural habitats are more scarce," he suggested.

The information is to be made into an online map, which could potentially show some biodiversity hotspots.

In other news, the RHS recently reported that a tiny mite is putting the nation's fuchsia plants in danger.