Written by Isabella Dreist, Placement student
Hedgerows are a defining feature of the British countryside, offering far more than aesthetic appeal. When managed with care, they provide a wealth of ecological benefits and contribute meaningfully to sustainable land management. Here are five key reasons to value and maintain hedgerows on your land:
1) Nesting and cover for wildlife
Hedgerows offer vital nesting habitat for a range of farmland birds, including grey partridges and pheasants. The grassy margins and bases of hedges are especially important for ground-nesting species, providing shelter from predators and the elements. Upper portions of hedges support vulnerable species such as yellowhammers. Double hedgerows, parallel hedges often separated by a track or road, have been shown to be particularly beneficial for yellowhammers, enhancing connectivity and habitat use.
2) Shelter and microclimate
A well-structured hedge, ideally trimmed every few years in rotation and maintained around two meters in height, offers valuable shelter for wildlife. This reduces exposure to wind and cold, especially in open landscapes, and supports the survival of young birds and mammals. Rotational, light-touch management, such as trimming one side one year and the other the next, encourages dense growth without creating a uniform shape, enhancing protection from predators.
3) Food resources
Hedgerow shrubs like hawthorn and blackthorn produce berries and seeds that are crucial food sources for birds and small mammals. These species fruit on second-year wood, so trimming hedges every two to three years helps maintain a consistent supply. Hedgerows also support early-season pollinators during the “hungry gap,” with flowers attracting beetles, hoverflies, moths, and even specialist species like the Hawthorn Mining Bee—highlighting the deep ecological ties between hedgerow plants and farmland wildlife.
4) Supporting Biodiversity
Planting a diverse mix of native species and grouping them by habitat preference enhances the ecological value of hedgerows. Diversity in species, flowering times, and plant ages supports a wider range of invertebrates and prevents dominance by aggressive species like blackthorn. Including occasional trees and protecting naturally regenerating shrubs, especially those suited to local soil and moisture conditions, can further boost biodiversity and hedge resilience.
5) Wildlife corridors
Hedgerows act as linear features that connect habitats across the landscape, allowing wildlife to move safely between feeding and breeding areas. Their value goes beyond simple connectivity, how hedgerows align with other habitats (e.g., double hedgerows or those near woodland edges) influences their use by wildlife. While fencing may be necessary to protect young hedges, it should be removed once established to avoid impeding movement.
With thoughtful management, hedgerows can play a central role in delivering both conservation and farming objectives.