Threads of the Wild: Hedgerows and the Fabric of Nature

Farming and wildlife are deeply interconnected, often in subtle yet profound ways. While modern agricultural practices have focused on maximizing yields, these changes have often harmed wild plants and animals. Rare species have become rarer—or even extinct—and even once-common species have disappeared from vast areas of the UK. This loss doesn’t just impact nature; it ultimately threatens farming itself.

Without healthy ecosystems, the land’s productivity diminishes, and farming becomes less sustainable. Wild species, from pollinators to soil-dwelling organisms, play vital roles in maintaining a balanced and fertile landscape. Among the many opportunities to restore this balance, hedgerows stand out as a simple yet impactful starting point.

Hedgerows: A Bridge Between Farming and Nature

Hedgerows are much more than field boundaries. When allowed to grow bushy and overgrown, they create incredible habitats for birds, insects, and other wildlife. Yet hedgerows have often been casualties of modern farming practices, including removal for larger fields or intensive cutting.

Restoring and managing hedgerows with wildlife in mind offers a practical way to make space for nature while supporting the farm itself. A thriving hedgerow not only provides shelter and food for species like yellowhammers, robins, and fieldfares but also supports pollinators, improves soil health, and offers natural pest control.

The Role of Native Species

Native plants are vital for creating hedgerows that truly benefit biodiversity. They provide food and shelter to the species that have evolved alongside them. Here are some key native plants and the wildlife they support:

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): Produces berries (haws) that feed birds like blackbirds and redwings. Its dense branches also provide excellent nesting sites.

• Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa): Its early spring blossoms are crucial for pollinators, and its sloes feed birds like thrushes.

• Hazel (Corylus avellana): Supports a variety of insects, and its nuts are a key food source for mammals like dormice and birds like jays.

• Dog Rose (Rosa canina): Provides rose hips that are rich in nutrients for birds and mammals during winter.

Birds That Benefit from Hedgerows

Bushy, overgrown hedgerows create a haven for many bird species, including:

• Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella): These bright yellow birds nest at the base of hedgerows and feed on seeds and insects.

• Robin (Erithacus rubecula): A familiar sight, robins use hedgerows for nesting and foraging.

• Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula): Hedgerows provide the seeds and berries that bullfinches rely on.

• Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) : In winter, these migratory birds feed on the berries of hawthorn and blackthorn.

• Whitethroat (Sylvia communis): This summer visitor thrives in the dense vegetation of unmanaged hedgerows.

Number of bird species and average number of pairs per 100m in different hedge types - Kenneth Mellanby: Farming and Wildlife (1974)

The Impact of Modern Farming Practices

As we consider how to manage hedgerows, it’s important to understand their role in the broader farming landscape.

• Hedgerow Removal: The removal of hedgerows to create larger fields has fragmented habitats and reduced biodiversity.

• Pesticides and Soil Health: Chemical use and changes in soil management have reduced populations of beneficial soil organisms—overlooked but vital forms of wildlife.

• Land Drainage: While beneficial for arable farming, drainage can harm wetlands, further depleting wildlife habitats.

• Grassland and Cropping Changes: Shifts in grassland and arable cropping practices have also reduced habitats for insects and ground-nesting birds.

Each of these changes highlights the delicate balance between farming and nature. Hedgerows, when managed thoughtfully, can act as a counterbalance, supporting wildlife even amid intensive farming systems.

Hedge Type Produced by Different Management - Kenneth Mellanby: Farming and Wildlife (1974)

How to Restore Hedgerows for Wildlife

1. Encourage Overgrowth: Let hedgerows grow bushy and dense, providing multiple layers of habitat for birds, insects, and mammals.

2. Reduce Cutting: Trim hedgerows on a rotational basis every two to three years, allowing plants to flower and fruit to support biodiversity.

3. Include Native Plants: Incorporate species like hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, and dog rose for their ecological benefits.

4. Protect During Nesting Season: Avoid trimming from March to August to safeguard nesting birds.

5. Integrate Hedgerow Planning: Systematic management of hedgerows ensures they remain both stockproof and ecologically valuable.

Wildlife Benefits Farmers Too

The presence of wildlife isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. Birds, insects, and soil organisms help control pests, pollinate crops, and improve soil health. A well-managed hedgerow becomes a refuge for these species, contributing to the farm’s overall productivity and resilience.

A New Perspective on Farming and Nature

Making space for nature on a farm starts with small, thoughtful changes. Hedgerows, which bridge the gap between farmland and wild spaces, are a perfect first step. By managing hedgerows with biodiversity in mind, farmers can create habitats that benefit both wildlife and agriculture.

In the end, a farm that welcomes nature becomes more than just a space of production—it transforms into a thriving, balanced ecosystem that benefits wildlife, the environment, and the farmer alike.