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- - Features
- - Features
Hidden hedgerows: the unsung heroes of the countryside
BASC’s Heather Warrender sings the praises of the humble hedgerow, which has more to offer than you might expect.
With the game shooting season now closed, we can reflect on the winter and the wonderful landscapes we have had the privilege to spend our time in over the past few months.Â
Within the landscapes frequented throughout the season by beaters, pickers and Guns, a prevailing feature will have likely been hedgerows. These twiggy (and sometimes thorny) field boundaries we’ve been tapping gamebirds out of for the last few months may have warranted the odd curse due to an occasional grab at your clothing, but the ecological value they hold is astounding.
Hedgerows aren’t just a means of dividing fields or keeping stock in place however, they’re powerhouses of biodiversity and crucial features of the British countryside. Â
Hedgerow research
A recent evaluation of agri-environment schemes (AES) has revealed valuable insights about how we can better manage our hedgerows for wildlife.
The study undertaken by UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology explored how agri-environment schemes – government initiatives that encourage wildlife-friendly farming have impacted the condition and extent of hedgerows in England. The study found that hedgerows under AES management options were in better structural condition than unmanaged ones. These hedges were wider, taller, and had better margins, benefiting a range of wildlife.
Farmers value hedgerows for wildlife, but also for practical reasons like stock-proofing and shelter for livestock. These environmental funding schemes helped improve hedgerow conditions, but financial and practical barriers still limit participation. Over half of England’s hedgerows still fail to meet good condition standards, highlighting the need for sustained management and restoration efforts.
What does a good hedgerow look like?
A good hedgerow is more than just a line of shrubs. It’s a thriving habitat that supports wildlife, stores carbon and connects landscapes. Here are the key features that make up a typical good hedgerow:
- Height: Ideally, a hedgerow should be at least two meters tall. Taller hedgerows provide better shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and mammals. Be aware however that if you have nesting waders then taller hedges and trees within your hedge are not beneficial as they provide perches for avian predators.
- Width: Wider hedgerows, with margins that include wildflowers and grasses, offer additional food and habitat for insects and small animals. These margins also act as wildlife corridors.
- Diversity: A mix of native woody species (such as hawthorn, blackthorn, and hazel) enhances biodiversity, providing varied resources for different wildlife.
- Structure: Well-managed hedgerows have dense lower branches to prevent gaps and maintain cover for ground-dwelling animals.
- Connectivity: Hedgerows that link habitats, such as woodlands and watercourses, create vital corridors for wildlife to move safely across the landscape.
How to improve your hedgerows
Healthier hedgerows mean better cover for not only gamebirds but also other wildlife. If the hedgerows on your shoot don’t meet all of the above criteria, here’s how you might improve them:
- Support hedgerow management
• Work with landowners: If possible, work with local landowners to ensure hedgerows are managed on a rotation, with cutting timed to avoid the bird breeding season and maximise berry production for wildlife.
• Promote taller, wider hedges: Hedges over two meters tall with wide margins provide better habitat for game species and other wildlife. Encourage planting and maintenance practices that prioritise these features. Remember though, nesting waders will not necessarily benefit from tall hedges and trees within them so this needs to be tailored to the species you’re looking to conserve. - Champion restoration
• Get involved in projects: Participate in or fund hedgerow restoration schemes. Filling gaps, coppicing, and laying hedges can make them functional and wildlife-friendly again.
• Advocate for grants: Follow these links to find out what finding options might be available to you or your local landowners. Countyside Stewardship Schemes are one option – BN11 planting new hedges; BN7 hedgerow gapping up; and BN5 hedgerow laying, to name a few. The Woodland Trust’s MOREhedges scheme is also available and hedgelink provides a summary and links to a range of other funding options available here. - Enhance margins and connectivity
• Leave wider margins: Margins with wildflowers and grasses provide additional food and cover for wildlife. Suggest leaving buffer strips alongside hedges.
• Create links: Support the planting of new hedgerows to connect fragmented habitats. This increases movement corridors for wildlife and boosts biodiversity. - Monitor and record
• Document changes: Keep track of hedgerow conditions and wildlife use. This data can support future conservation efforts and provide evidence of success.
• Promote Citizen Science: We encourage members to contribute to wildlife monitoring schemes such as the GWCT’s Big Farmland Bird Count which takes place annually in February.
Get stuck in
The study shows that AES have helped to improve our hedgerow network, but there’s still plenty of work to do. By promoting better management, restoration, and connectivity of hedgerows, we can create a healthier countryside that benefits both wildlife and shooting. Whether it’s rolling up your sleeves to plant hedges or raising funds for restoration projects, every action counts.
Let’s lead the way in practical conservation, both for the future of sustainable shooting and the biodiversity of our beloved countryside.
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Heather Warrender
Heather is BASC’s science advisor. She has a BSc in Animal Science and an MSc in Wildlife Management from Newcastle University. She has undertaken several research projects has been involved in the management and conservation of a small grouse moor from an early age.
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