Hedgerows

Hedgerows are lines of woody vegetation that delineate field boundaries, roadsides, or property edges. Typically composed of shrubs and small trees with a dense interior and a ground layer of grasses and herbs, they form a linear habitat that can vary in height and width. In Europe, hedgerows are a traditional feature of rural landscapes, although similar boundary plantings are found in other regions.

Ecologically, hedgerows support high biodiversity by providing shelter, food, and movement corridors for birds, mammals, insects, and fungi. They reduce wind speed, protect soils from erosion, and help regulate moisture and microclimates in adjacent fields. As perennial woody vegetation, they also store carbon and contribute to nutrient cycling.

Management aims to maintain a balanced, multi-layer structure often through hedge laying, coppicing, or selective trimming to prevent overgrowth and gaps. The timing and technique affect wildlife use, nesting birds, and flowering species that support pollinators and beneficial insects. Native, diverse species support greater resilience than monotonous plantings.

Across regions, hedgerows face pressures from modernization and habitat loss, though many areas protect or promote hedgerow restoration and management through agri-environment schemes and planning regulations. Long-term stewardship preserves landscape character while delivering ecosystem services.