hedge
Hedge conservation
Hedgerows are listed as a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This means that they have been identified as an important habitat and actions are being taken to increase the quantity and quality of hedges in the UK, so that they continue to support a wealth of wildlife.
By taking part in the OPAL biodiversity survey you will help our scientists learn more about these important habitats.
Hedgerows and wildlife
Hedgerows provide vital resources for mammals, birds, and insects. They also act as wildlife corridors, allowing species to move between isolated habitats.
About 130 BAP priority species are significantly associated with hedgerows - these include moths, birds, lichens and fungi. While few of these species are dependent on hedgerows alone, the loss of hedgerows, or a decline in their quality, would be likely to have an adverse effect on their populations.
Hedgerow management
A hedge is a dynamic entity - it will always be trying to develop into a line of trees through natural succession. To maintain a hedge in its current state, or ensure it provides a certain habitat for specific species, we need to manage it.
Most of the British landscape is the result of human activity, often related to farming. This has created habitats that would all but disappear without management. Heathland, chalk grassland and moorland are just three examples. Hedgerows are no different, and require management to ensure both their condition and their survival.
We can think of a hedge as a woodland edge because often it will have the same kind of species. In fact, many of the oldest hedges were formed by clearing a woodland and leaving its edge as a boundary.
Hedgelink
This is one of the key organisations promoting hedgerows in the UK. Its aims are to:
- inspire and enthuse people to take action to protect and conserve hedgerows for the future
- help those with an interest in hedgerows to learn more about them, and how to manage them
- influence policy and public expenditure to secure hedgerow heritage for the future
Hedges - fact and folklore
From ancient rituals to medicines, learn the more unusual facts about hedges.
Learn more about the hedge awards given to every survey submitted.
Top ten tips for a healthy hedge
Follow these simple tips from Hedgelink and make your hedge more attractive to wildlife.
Finding a suitable hedge
Hedges are everywhere. You will find them in streets, parks, school grounds and the countryside. However, if you need a little help to find a suitable hedge, try some of the following helpful tools.
Bear in mind that just because a hedge is on a map or in a database, it does not mean that it is open to public access. Please check with the owner or local authority first if you are unsure.
Ordnance Survey maps and Streetmap
A standard Ordnance Survey map (1:50,000) will show field boundaries, and these are often places where hedges can be found. The Streetmap website lets you search using an Ordnance Survey (OS) grid reference.
Google Maps
Google maps can be a good way of looking for hedges across the UK. However, not all hedges will be visible.
Where's the path?
A useful website called ‘Where’s the path?’ allows you to compare Ordnance Survey Maps with Google’s aerial photographs.
Natural England database
This website allows you to search for farms and fields that have agreed to allow educational visits. You can even filter the results for those with hedgerows. To arrange a visit contact the landowner before you go.
Hedge conservation
Learn more about the management and conservation of hedges and why it is so important.
Hedges - fact and folklore
From ancient rituals to medicines, learn the more unusual facts about hedges.
Biodiversity survey - join in now
What’s living in your hedge?
Take part in the OPAL biodiversity survey and uncover the diverse range of wildlife in our hedges. You’ll contribute to valuable research and learn more about the importance of hedges and how you can improve them.
Hedges support many animals by providing them with food and shelter. Berries and seeds are food for birds, while holes beneath the hedge are often home to small mammals. You’ll also discover caterpillars, shieldbugs and many other invertebrates living among the leaves.
By telling us what you find, we can instantly rate the condition of your hedge and offer suggestions on how to improve it.
How to take part
Step 1: Download the easy-to-follow instructions and guides below. You can skip this step if you've already received one of our biodiversity survey packs.
Step 2: Find a suitable hedge to carry out the survey and answer the questions in the workbook. Use our guide to help you identify the invertebrates you might find.
Step 3: Submit your results using our simple online form.
Please show care and respect to our environment.
Many animals rely on hedges for food and shelter.
Enter your findings and view results so far
Downloads - what you need to get involved
Alternatively, download the whole survey pack (all of the above) as one zip file
You may download these documents for use in the context of the OPAL project only. All other rights are reserved.
Group leader support - planning, advice and ideas
The OPAL biodiversity survey is being run by The Open University and has been developed in partnership with Hedgelink.
