AN opportunity to harvest free firewood while learning how to lay hedges in the traditional way is now available.

Devon Hedge Group is offering free advice to people thinking of doing this together.

Rob Wolton, chairman of the group, says Devon’s hedges are world-renowned for their biodiversity and heritage value.

‘They also form a huge and sustainable source of woodfuel. The group has been helping people in rural communities learn how to harvest wood from hedges for their hearths, stoves and log burners. This saves them money, while helping restore overgrown hedges and reducing farmers’ costs.

‘We now have funding from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All, to help five more communities set up woodfuel groups, and reach agreements with farmers,’ said Mr Wolton.

The money can pay for holding a public meeting, with a Devon Hedge Group speaker, or for advice on the constitution for a woodfuel group, or to help reaching an agreement with a local farmer. It can also pay for the group’s insurance for the first year.

Anyone who would like to set up a group should contact Andrew Shadrake, at [email protected] or 07976743461.