According to Plantlife International, in the past 50 years we (in England ) have lost 98% of our meadows, 78% of our open heaths, 96% of our peat bogs and 190,000 miles of hedgerow; yes, 190,000 miles of it. Over 68,000 miles of hedgerow were lost through neglect between 1984 and 1993.

Hedgerows are an important habitat feature in their own right because of the range of plants they contain and the biodiversity supported. They provide corridors of habitat across the landscape, including nesting sites, shelter from predators and food such as nectar, berries and foliage.

Some ancient hedgerows are fragments of larger woodland habitats, long since gone. Older hedgerows usually contain a large amount of dead wood and plant debris which provide a valuable habitat for some invertebrates as well as cover for small mammals. The associated banks, ditches and un-mown margins can also be rich in species, forming an important reservoir for wildlife in conjunction with the hedgerow.

A valuable feature of the hedgerow is the hedgerow tree. Sadly, unsympathetic management and mechanical methods of hedgecutting, such as flailing, have meant that few saplings within the hedgerow survive. A recent study showed that most hedgerow trees are old and few new saplings are surviving to maturity, a factor cited in the study of the sharp decline of the tree sparrow.

Hedges are damaged by spray drift and the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers which may be used too close to the hedge. Ploughing to the edge of a field can damage the necessary earthworks and destroy the marginal habitats. Similar treatment will also damage garden hedges. It is believed that a crucial factor in the destruction of our hedges has been the “poor public image” of the hedge owing to ignorance of its value. We all know of instances where mature and sometimes ancient hedges have been ruthlessly cut down to be replaced by sterile fencing.

DEFRA and interested organisations now advise that hedges should not be cut more than once every two to three years, not annually. This helps to ensure that berries and other food necessary for birds and other creatures in the winter are not destroyed and aids the survival of many severely threatened invertebrate species which spend their winters in hedgerows. For these reasons hedgecutting should take place towards the end of winter. Good native hedgerow choices include hawthorn, blackthorn, wild rose, holly, hazel and elder. Mole Valley is fortunate to have some fine hedges but other areas have not been so fortunate and we cannot be complacent.

Grants are available for Hedgerow Conservation under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (Information Helpline 0645 335577). Grant schemes are also run by local councils.

“Conservation Grants for Farmers 2000”, gives details of potential funding and is obtained free from MAFF Publications, ADMAIL 6000, London SW1A 2XX. Other information is provided by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Tel: 01483 404255.

Information about hedgerows is provided by The Wildlife Trusts 01636 677711, the RSPB 01767 680551, Butterfly Conservation 0970 7744309, the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and the National Hedgelaying Society Tel: 01732 864666 or 01435 813084 (ask for Bruce Maley).