Improving wildlife corridors

The hedgerows of the UK are not only an invaluable wildlife habitat but hold iconic status as part of our culture, history and archaeology.

Hedgerows reflect the history of human settlement and landscape changes, marking territorial boundaries and providing stock proof barriers. Hedgerows are a vital component of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes and act as wildlife corridors allowing dispersal between isolated habitats.

Since the Second World War there has been a drastic loss of hedgerows with an estimated 224,000km lost mostly through changes in farming practices. By 1998 the net length of hedgerows had stabilised, with losses through removal and neglect being balanced by hedgerow planting and restoration.

However, recently published results from the Countryside Survey 2007 show that the total length of woody boundaries in England has decreased again slightly since 1998. Agricultural intensifi cation and the loss of traditional management practices such as coppicing and laying have been key drivers in the massive loss and deterioration of British hedgerows.

Threats range from neglect to incorrect timing of management and over trimming which can lead to the development of gaps and loss of connectivity in the hedgerow network. The diversity of hedgerow plant species can decline through the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers close to the hedge.

regional variation

• hawthorn dominated hedgerows
• increase in frequency northwards
• blackthorn hedgerows are more
• often found in the south
• hazel hedgerows are a particular
• feature of the south-west
• Devon hedges sit on high banks
• holly is a distinctive component
• of Staffordshire hedgerows

Historically, the hazel dormouse was frequently found in hedgerows but their presence is dependent on sympathetic hedgerow management. The current fragmented state of Britain’s hedgerows has left dormice in England in isolated populations and there has been a 64% decline of dormouse occurrence in hedgerows since the late 1970s.

The hedgerows for dormice project will restore hedgerows to benefi t wildlife, particularly dormice, that depend on them by reversing the unfavourable condition of existing hedgerows caused by inappropriate management and by planting new hedgerows where they have been removed.

The the presence and quality of hedgerows round known dormouse sites is being mapped. orking with local partners, we will establish network of dormouse dispersal routes and potential habitat by restoring hedgerow corridors between isolated populations.

We will work closely with landowners and land-managers to offer advice on hedgerow management to benefi t wildlife. In targeted areas, the project can provide teams of volunteers to plant hedgerows and cancontribute towards the cost of hedgerow.

how can you get involved?

Do you have any spare time to help survey hedgerows near you? We can provide the basic training needed.

Would you like to be involved in practical conservation efforts to help enhance local hedgerows?
Do you have any hedgerows in eed of attention or would you like any management advice?

Are you already a hedgerow surveyor or do you know of a project in England that could provide information to help with this project?

To see if the project is currently working near you, please contact Jim on:

020 7498 4533 / jim@ptes.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.ptes.org/hedgerows

thank you