Hedgerow

Hedgerows are important both as landscape features and as wildlife habitat across lowland Britain, especially when associated with features such as grassy field margins. Classic hedges are linear, shrubby, mostly continuous features though hedges which have developed into lines of trees retain landscape value and some wildlife value. Over 600 plant species, 1,500 insects, 65 birds and 20 mammals have been recorded at some time living or feeding in hedges and they are especially important for butterflies and moths, farmland birds, bats and dormice. They also play a crucial role in landscape connectivity, linking up other areas of habitat so that wildlife can move more freely across the farmed landscape. Hazel dormouse, brown hairstreak and turtle dove are indicators of a healthy, well-connected hedgerow in good condition. Barn owl is indicative of a healthy farmed landscape with rough grassy field margins associated with hedges or woodlands. Many other species including farmland birds, small mammals, butterflies and other invertebrates will also benefit from good hedgerow management.