PM 30 - Restore and enhance hedgerows and hedgerow trees for biodiversity
- Code
- PM 30
- Measure
- Restore and enhance hedgerows and hedgerow trees for biodiversity
- Description
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Hedgerows require sensitive management in order to provide the best outcomes for biodiversity. This includes practices such as not cutting hedges every year, to allow for flowering and fruiting, allowing key hedgerow species to grow to full trees, and to not cut during the bird nesting season. Although not mapped, this action should be prioritised in areas where hedgerows have been left neglected and no longer function as hedges. Hedgerow condition can be ascertained using the People’s Trust for Endangered Species Healthy Hedgerow assessment.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Increasing woodland cover Improving air quality Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impact Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming Controlling invasive species
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Hedgerow networks provide core habitats for biodiversity and landscape character
- Priority description
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Hedgerows are a key characteristic structure that represents the British countryside. They were used historically to outline topography, fields and boundaries between varying land use. Ecologically, hedgerows are key features that act as reservoirs for biodiversity and aid in habitat connectivity, as they provide linear strips of natural habitat connecting areas that may otherwise not be accessible to wildlife, such as large arable fields. Hedgerows are also important carbon stores and can help improve air quality whilst providing amenity value in many rural and urban landscapes.