Thousands of new hedgerow plants and trees planted so far to soften the impact of railway gantries on the Goring Gap landscape

Mend the Gap began in 2019 to improve parts of the Goring Gap landscape impacted by Great Western Railway electrification. The programme integrates the North Wessex Downs and Chilterns National Landscapes in the railway corridor between Reading and Didcot. The aim is to help soften the visual impact of the metal gantries that support the railway electrification. Initially a landscape architect assessed the visual landscape and prioritised views where trees and hedges could help mitigate the impact. In 2022, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South East began to manage the planting.

What we have achieved so far

By March 2026, FWAG South East has helped to:

  • Identify 60 sites with potential for planting
  • Engage with 95% of landowners
  • Plant on more than 50% of the identified sites
  • Plant more than 720 hedgerow trees or individual in-field trees
  • Plant more than 25,000 hedgerow plants

Most of the hedgerow planting uses a native mix, including 50% hawthorn and 10% blackthorn, plus at least five other native species such as Hazel, Holly, Dog Rose, Wayfaring tree, Spindle, Wild Privet, and Field Maple. We also offer landowners larger hedgerow trees or individual native trees that suit the local landscape, providing screening as they mature.

South Stoke

In 2022, planting began around South Stoke, one of the villages most affected by the railway infrastructure. Working with Oxfordshire Highways, South Stoke Parish Council and local landowners, more than 2.5 km of new hedgerow and over 100 trees were planted.

Goring to Purley

In 2023, work expanded south from Goring to Purley-on-Thames. Over 1.75km of new hedgerow and 475 new trees have been planted, including 300 trees as part of the Sulham Estate’s wood-meadow project Sulham Woodmeadows.

Find out more about Sulham Woodmeadows

Moulsford towards Didcot

The recent phase runs from Moulsford towards Didcot. The open arable landscape around Cholsey and South Moreton brings challenges, but landowners have been constructive in helping with planting opportunities. Over 100 trees and 0.5km of hedgerow have been planted here.

What we have learned along the way

  • Working with landowners is key to success. Each year, FWAG South East looks at planting options on the ground, considering the local landscape character, how the land is used, and what each landowner is hoping to achieve.
  • Adaptability is important. We cannot always plant in the locations recommended by the landscape architect. There are practical constraints as well as landowner requirements. These include land access which impacts the machinery we use, and underground utilities and sensitive features such as a Roman villa. We must choose the right tree for the right place, considering soil, landscape type, the appropriate mulch and the species’ future resilience. This flexibility means our planting supports the aims of Mend the Gap while ensuring it works for the people who manage the land day-to-day.

We are fortunate to work with many supportive landowners, and planting will continue this autumn. We hope these relationships will continue with both FWAG South East and the National Landscapes once Mend the Gap completes in 2028. We look forward to seeing the trees mature over time and have a positive visual impact on this landscape.

Belinda Bown, Senior Farm Environment Advisor, FWAG South East