Hedges in the UK are protected under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997, removal can be granted by local authorities. But how aware are we and our council about the importance of hedgerows?
Scientists have reported that in just seven days a 1-metre length of well-managed dense hedge will mop up the same amount of pollution that a car emits over a 500-mile drive.
Hedgerows play a significant role in reducing the rate of climate change, through carbon storage. A new hedgerow may store 600 – 800 kg of CO2 equivalent per year per km, for up to 20 years.
In a recent article by the Guardian newspaper, it stated that ‘as the climate crisis escalates, hedgerows are expected to become even more important as highways for wildlife as they move in response to environmental change. Their deep roots also help sequester carbon, and the UK’s Committee on Climate Change 2019 report suggested the hedgerow network be extended by 40% as part of the UK’s 2050 net zero target.
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Hedges are habitats in their own right and create a different habitat from trees, they are arguably of equal importance in our towns and villages in fighting our climate and ecological crisis. Not only does it provide shelter, a food supply and breeding site for insects, rodents and birds, but they provide a green corridor and safe passageway linking up other areas of vegetation which wildlife can migrate between. Hedges are much more environmentally friendly than walls or fences. Hedges make great boundary markers because they reduce noise and pollution from traffic, they create wind breaks and form excellent security barriers.
As well as carbon capture and homes for wildlife, hedges in urban areas contribute to services such as climate regulation, sustainable urban drainage, reducing airborne particulates and atmospheric pollution. They also improve the aesthetic appearance of the built environment which has been proven to enhance mental health and wellbeing.
In some areas across Colchester pollution levels are exceeding national guidelines. Air pollution can have short term and long-term health issues for people, as well as having impacts on the environment and to the economy. Air pollution reduces life expectancy and is linked to 1 in 20 deaths in Colchester. The main source of this pollution as we know is exhaust fumes from cars.
It is therefore vital we concentrate efforts of preserving all established hedges and creating new ones wherever we can.
For advice on planting hedges and the best types we recommend visiting the Woodland Trust website:
The MOREhedges scheme includes saplings, advice and funding for new hedging projects more than 100 metres long: Plant Hedges on Your Land with MOREwoods – Woodland Trust
More information, advice and types of hedges can be found here: Hedgerows – British Habitats – Woodland Trust
The ideal time to plant hedges is in the autumn through to early Spring time.
With established hedges, the RSPB advices to avoid hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs throughout March to August each year. This can be weather dependent and some birds may nest outside this period, so it is important to always check carefully for active nests prior to cutting. Birds and their nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
More information
Author:
Grace Darke Volunteer Co-ordinator of Eco Colchester
We don’t want to see our wildlife jeopardised for solar farms. Why can’t we have solar on our roofs? Make it cheaper for us!
Nature should be cherished not sacrifice so more money is made by power firms .
Say no to pulling out the hedge rows they are so very important to our self’s and all our wildlife