How many different reasons there are to enjoy a hedge. Whether it’s to drink in its shade on a summer’s walk, comb its foliage for sloes or damsons in autumn, or – my own favourite – watch a horse browsing for rosehips, young hawthorn, cow parsley or hazel, a hedgerow brings pleasure in abundance.
While we all have our own idea of ‘the perfect hedge’, that picture will be coloured by what you want it for: to obscure a neighbour’s trampoline; keep cattle in your fields; attract songbirds; or, simply, as in my case, to go flying over in hot pursuit of hounds.
Most of us know the value of hedgerows to wildlife and the environment, acting as corridors, larders and weather shields for species ranging from hedgehogs to dormice and cattle to bats. Less well known, perhaps, is their value in preventing soil erosion, improving pollination or helping with pest control, reducing the need for pesticides.
Since ripping hedgerows out to make way for prairie-like arable fields was long ago outlawed, the issue for hedgerows more recently has been lack of maintenance. “Hedges love being managed in rotation – being regularly trimmed and coppiced, and laid once every 40 years or so,” explains Megan Gimber of the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES).
But management can end up being neglected or overzealous – for example, hacking back too aggressively each year with a flail – not least because it’s labour intensive and pricey. The result can be hedges that become “thin and leggy, shading out the base”, explains Gimber.
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Strength in Numbers -The success of Britain's growing band of Farmer Clusters shows the value in working together and engaging with the public in the name of conservation, says Gabriel Stone
In a world that leans into gloomy headlines, it's important to wave the flag for a refreshing success story. That's especially the case when it comes to our overburdened farming sector and the wider way in which we manage the landscape. Yes, we: everyone can play a role, not least through one inspirational initiative. Ever since a 2013 pilot project by the GWCT in association with Natural England, Farmer Clusters have mushroomed across Britain. Led by farmers with guidance from expert advisers, today's network of about 125 clusters encourages a cohesively managed, locally tailored, larger-scale approach to conservation work.
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Forget modern tractors and minimum tillage - there is something glorious about the sight of farmer, horse and vintage plough in perfect harmony
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Stand and deliver
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