Hedgerows are Heroes

Hedgerows are incredible. They criss-cross the UK, covering more than 700,000km – that's 1.5 times the distance to the moon! Hedgerows and hedgerow trees define our landscapes, creating distinctive shapes and patterns.

But how much attention do you pay to these hidden heroes, nestled in our towns, cities and countryside? Have you ever explored the hedgerows in your local area or noticed all the wonderful things they’re doing?

Hedgerows offer us countless benefits – they're wellbeing-boosting, carbon-storing, habitat-providing, flood-protecting wonders and form the UK’s largest wildlife habitat. They provide crucial shelter and protection for birds and insects and the leaf litter at their base is the perfect hideout for mice, voles and hedgehogs. 

They have been part of our history for thousands of years and ancient hedge laying techniques still play a part in effective hedgerow management. Hedge laying helps keep the hedge in a healthy condition, provides a dense habitat for wildlife and encourages new growth from the ground up.

And yet, in the last 75 years the UK has lost 50% of its hedgerows, and what we do have left is often mismanaged. Our relationship with hedgerows needs to change urgently. Mechanical cutting at the same point each year can massively reduce their biodiversity value.

As we work together to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises, hedgerows have a crucial role to play. Hedgerows need the support of us all including homeowners, farmers, planners, environmentalists and local communities. Together, we can help them flourish. 

More hedges means more homes for wildlife, more beautiful greenery for us to enjoy and a healthier planet too. And you can help protect and conserve our hedgerows for the future by...

Planting a hedgerow of your own if you have space – or asking your local council to do so. On the Isle of Wight, everyone got involved in planting this hedgerow…

And eight years later, it’s flourishing! If you’re not able to plant your own hedgerow, why not pledge a hedge so that The Tree Council can plant one on your behalf?

It’s also important for all of us to take notice of and care for the hedgerows in your local area. Whether your hedges edge an urban street or cross a countryside field, they’ll be providing a home for wildlife, reducing air pollution and so much more.

Together, we can grow bigger, healthier, better-connected hedgerows – and a greener future. Find out more.