Urgent need to enable more farmers and contractors to revive England's network of hedgerows

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A new comprehensive survey has highlighted an urgent need to enable more farmers and contractors to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes (AES) have improved the condition of these iconic landscape features, the overall length of hedgerows remains unchanged.

Hedgerows act as field boundaries, protect livestock, support biodiversity and help mitigate climate change. However, around half of these important habitats were lost in the post-war years due to agricultural intensification. In the 2007 Countryside Survey, fewer than 50% of remaining hedgerows were judged to be in good structural condition.

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology repeated the hedgerow survey across England in a new project for Natural England. Defra has set a target to create or restore 45,000 miles of hedgerow by 2050.

UKCEH used the data to review the effectiveness of the agri-environment schemes (AES) for hedgerows and carried out a questionnaire of around 400 farmers and contractors to gain a better understanding about their hedge management practices.

Key findings

The England hedgerow survey shows that, overall, agri-environment schemes have had a positive impact on hedge condition, and that more recent schemes are supporting more restoration and planting of new hedges.

Findings of the UKCEH report, An evaluation of Agri-Environment Scheme impact on hedgerows in England, include:

• There was no statistically significant change in the overall length of managed hedgerows in England between 2007 and 2023, which is estimated to have remained at around 400,000km.
• The proportion of hedgerows in good structural condition increased from 43% to 55% between 2007 and 2023. For hedgerows under AES the figure rose to 63.5%, compared to 46.8% for those outside such schemes.
• Hedgerow height generally increased between 2007 and 2023 with the majority of hedges now taller than two meters, rather than in the one to two meter category. Hedges under AES were slightly taller than those outside schemes.
• Many hedges have deteriorated in recent years due a lack of ongoing maintenance, resulting in gappy hedges or lines of trees.
• The diversity of plant species at the base of hedgerows has not improved.

Biodiversity and climate benefits

Defra aims to create or restore 30,000 miles of hedgerow by 2037 and 45,000 miles by 2050. However, the Climate Change Committee recommends that the national hedgerow network should be increased by 40% by 2050, while Natural England's long-term aspiration is a 60% increase in hedgerow extent to support thriving plants and wildlife.

Dr. Lisa Norton, the UKCEH agro-ecologist who led the hedgerows study, says, "There are signs that agri-environment schemes are having a positive effect on the condition of England's hedgerows. However, efforts to meet national targets for lengths of managed hedges are falling short.

"To meet national targets, we urgently need to increase participation in these schemes among farmers and landowners through better incentives and advice so they can rejuvenate our network of hedgerows."

Dr. Norton emphasizes that increased planting and better management, including laying and coppicing, would maximize hedges' ability to capture and store carbon, helping us reach net zero. It would also provide more habitat for insects, nesting birds and small mammals, supporting ecosystem services such as pollination and natural pest control, as well as enhance our landscapes.

In addition to AES funding, many non-governmental organizations such as the Woodland Trust provide funding and support for hedgerow and tree planting.

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Farmers' feedback

UKCEH's survey revealed that farmers are keen to maintain their hedges both to protect livestock and improve local wildlife. However, they highlighted the need for adequate funds for planting, establishment, and ongoing management of hedges.

Agricultural contractors reported that agri-environment schemes had been designed without their input and said there had been numerous issues with managing hedgerows in line with the schemes' regulations, affecting their businesses. They also highlighted the potential advantages of investing in farmer and contractor training in hedgerow management.

The results of UKCEH's survey and study will be used to shape future policies and strategies aimed at increasing the quantity and quality of hedges across England.

More information: The report and a summary are available on the Defra website.

Provided by UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology