Defending the British countryside against the
ongoing destruction of critically important rural habitat

The British countryside is losing wildlife at an unprecedented rate.

Founding Hedgerow Defenders was a desperate move to press for change, asking farmers to reconsider their management of hedgerows and promoting best-practice
(as guided by government, charity and research organisations) having witnessed the ongoing destruction around my home for two decades.
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Currently as things stand, farmers and landowners claim public money for set-aside fields, borders and margins WITHOUT having to consider the health and welfare of mature hedgerows. Payments in subsidies can mount up to hundreds of thousands of pounds per individual, yet there is no law to prevent decimation of the ecosystem in this way while 'environmental incentives' remain on offer unconditionally.

The picture above shows a hedgerow being cut at dawn
on 1st February 2023. For many decades, this was a sturdy, thriving hedge. Now the inner sanctum is exposed and the hedge line is barren of all life.

If this practice concerns you, and you would like to contact organisational leaders who can advise on looking after hedgerows sustainably, get in touch.

Email [email protected]

Image credit Jan Andersen Page Some foliage is better than none.

The blossom has grown where the blades missed last year - most of this hedge is barren of blossom, and therefore barren of fruit.

Ancient pleachers exposed, no foliage, no winter shelter, food, or nest site provision in spring.