Defending the sustainability and function
of British hedgerows
Every autumn in the UK, trillions of tonnes of foodstuff and acres of winter shelter are lost to tractor-driven blades, stripping out forage and foliage that would otherwise support wild creatures through the winter.
Cutting back to the same lines of height and depth every year destroys fruit-bearing growth, shelter and hibernation sites. Even the blanket of weeds at the base of the hedgerow is normally removed and ancient pleachers that would have been warm, safe hiding places are laid bare. Exposed to the elements, denied a chance to support wildlife and unable to rejuvenate in time to provide adequate nest sites in spring, hedge lines are left barren and silent.
The structure of a hedge and the value of its components can be found here.
Landowners and contractors can do so much to change this alarming situation -
Please take action to change cutting practices this year!
The UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Cutting back to the same lines of height and depth every year destroys fruit-bearing growth, shelter and hibernation sites. Even the blanket of weeds at the base of the hedgerow is normally removed and ancient pleachers that would have been warm, safe hiding places are laid bare. Exposed to the elements, denied a chance to support wildlife and unable to rejuvenate in time to provide adequate nest sites in spring, hedge lines are left barren and silent.
The structure of a hedge and the value of its components can be found here.
Landowners and contractors can do so much to change this alarming situation -
Please take action to change cutting practices this year!
The UK is now one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
Behind the picture above, see what the Nature Friendly Farming Network has to say on hedgerow management.
British Trust for Ornithology - Hedgerow Nesting Bird Report - March 2024 www.bto.org/our-science/publications/research-reports/breeding-periods-hedgerow-nesting-birds-england?dm_t=0,0,0,0,0
The BTO produced this Report after Hedgerow Defenders lobbied for statements on this issue. They were reluctant to comment as they are a research organisation and don't get involved in campaigns. However, they concur that hedgerow management is a serious issue and subsequently commissioned this Report, which tells us -
on Page 7 - Greenfinch, Linnet and Yellowhammer have joined the Red List;
Song Thrush, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Whitethroat and Wren are on the Amber List (of the 16 species selected for the survey - !)
Page 11 - all the birds actively breeding after 31st August are now on the Red List (due to early autumn cutting practices?)
Page 19 - Bullfinch, Song Thrush, Linnet, Goldfinch and Whitethroat are known to be breeding in late August.
Page 31 - "fledglings unable to fly well ... are relying on thick cover to protect themselves from predators and weather".
on Page 7 - Greenfinch, Linnet and Yellowhammer have joined the Red List;
Song Thrush, Dunnock, Bullfinch, Whitethroat and Wren are on the Amber List (of the 16 species selected for the survey - !)
Page 11 - all the birds actively breeding after 31st August are now on the Red List (due to early autumn cutting practices?)
Page 19 - Bullfinch, Song Thrush, Linnet, Goldfinch and Whitethroat are known to be breeding in late August.
Page 31 - "fledglings unable to fly well ... are relying on thick cover to protect themselves from predators and weather".
Statement by Joanna Lumley DBE, February 2023, on the absence of hedgerow reference in SFI advisories:
"It’s hard to believe that the Government has decided to backtrack on its Sustainable Farming Initiative: knowing, as they well do, that hedgerows are the life-line for so many of our small wild animals and birds and that they stabilise the land and capture carbon; I urge them to think again and put nature first on their agenda.
They must act immediately: they may not be forgiven if they do not.”
"It’s hard to believe that the Government has decided to backtrack on its Sustainable Farming Initiative: knowing, as they well do, that hedgerows are the life-line for so many of our small wild animals and birds and that they stabilise the land and capture carbon; I urge them to think again and put nature first on their agenda.
They must act immediately: they may not be forgiven if they do not.”
Image credit Gemma Levine
Since Joanna made this comment, the SFI now includes hedgerow guidelines.
But we need you to help the environment because guidelines are not enough.
Parliament debated the Hedgerow Act in the wake of DEFRA's consultation last year on 24th January 2024 - read the brief here
Cutting hedgerow back to bare wood every year prevents it from fruiting and flowering,
Insects, birds and small mammals starve without these food reserves.
That's a whole ecosystem being threatened year after year.
The practice strips out winter shelter and spring nesting sites,
Bare sticks offer no protection from harsh weather,
and they cannot regenerate in time for breeding pairs to establish in spring.
Over-cutting compromises the root system, and reduces capacity for carbon absorption -
leaving little or no foliage left to capture carbon and utilise the water table.
Biodiversity, surface water retention and air quality are directly affected by hedgerow viability.
In the last 20 years, the popularity of zealous over-cutting has led to losses on an unprecedented scale.
Species that were once familiar and abundant are now absent from our landscape as a result.
This is a (sample) list of those we have lost
We need this living habitat to be restored in our countryside!
Insects, birds and small mammals starve without these food reserves.
That's a whole ecosystem being threatened year after year.
The practice strips out winter shelter and spring nesting sites,
Bare sticks offer no protection from harsh weather,
and they cannot regenerate in time for breeding pairs to establish in spring.
Over-cutting compromises the root system, and reduces capacity for carbon absorption -
leaving little or no foliage left to capture carbon and utilise the water table.
Biodiversity, surface water retention and air quality are directly affected by hedgerow viability.
In the last 20 years, the popularity of zealous over-cutting has led to losses on an unprecedented scale.
Species that were once familiar and abundant are now absent from our landscape as a result.
This is a (sample) list of those we have lost
We need this living habitat to be restored in our countryside!
Hedgerows like this offer no protection to wildlife or livestock.
Which species
are most at risk? |
Behind every picture there's a story.
|
Nothing can survive without food and shelter, left open to the elements.
What about
carbon footprint? |
Write to DEFRA - guidelines for letters and DEFRA's address are linked to the picture above.
Write to your MP. Scroll down to find the address link.
Wherever the potential exists to change the trend in hedgerow management,
we have to take that opportunity before cascade failure sets in.
The hedgerow is unique to the British landscape; the ecosystem it supports is irreplaceable.
While hedgerows require management to keep them viable and prevent them from becoming tree lines,
sensitive techniques need to be adopted and supported by the Government and landowners alike.
Write to your MP. Scroll down to find the address link.
Wherever the potential exists to change the trend in hedgerow management,
we have to take that opportunity before cascade failure sets in.
The hedgerow is unique to the British landscape; the ecosystem it supports is irreplaceable.
While hedgerows require management to keep them viable and prevent them from becoming tree lines,
sensitive techniques need to be adopted and supported by the Government and landowners alike.
"Hedges help to stop flooding, sustain flora and fauna, provide interest to all. They protect land and provide shelter for animals. There are so many benefits; we have to stop all this destruction. Furthermore, 'hedges are brilliant at capturing carbon. A new hedgerow can absorb the carbon produced by a car travelling over 600 miles'. Evidence suggests they are natural barriers to harmful air pollution in our streets if they are at the level of pedestrians. What is there not to like about this?"
Diana W
See many more statements from concerned people on the Comments page
Diana W
See many more statements from concerned people on the Comments page
A healthy hedge looks like this.
Naturally bushy, no attempt at topiary, full cover at the base and rugged canopy lines.
Where you see blossom, there will be fruit in the autumn.
Photo courtesy : © Chris Gomersall/2020 Vision
Suffolk Wildlife Trust - the Wildlife Trusts Library
On most of the hedgerows we see now, there is no blossom.
The hedges pictured below cannot develop greenery and cover by early spring.
No fruit, no shelter, no nest sites, no sustainable growth.
Naturally bushy, no attempt at topiary, full cover at the base and rugged canopy lines.
Where you see blossom, there will be fruit in the autumn.
Photo courtesy : © Chris Gomersall/2020 Vision
Suffolk Wildlife Trust - the Wildlife Trusts Library
On most of the hedgerows we see now, there is no blossom.
The hedges pictured below cannot develop greenery and cover by early spring.
No fruit, no shelter, no nest sites, no sustainable growth.
Concerned?
Want to add your voice?
Write to your MP!
Talk to councils, media and your own community
about hedgerow management - it really matters!
Farmers, we need you and we all need good relations in our communities - we want to support your appeals for fair deals and back your efforts to prioritise farming initiatives. We also need you to manage the hedgerows on your land sustainably, so that everyone can access a healthy, vibrant countryside in support of our physical and mental health.
Please - follow the advisories found here and throughout this site!
Help positive changes in practice to gain ground before cascade failure
irreversibly destroys wild populations and ultimately threatens our own survival.
CONTACT US: [email protected]
