Hedgerow management

Hedgerows are a strip of densely planted trees that are managed to create a form of living fence. They are found in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are commonly used as field boundaries in many parts of Europe.

Properly managed hedgerows are attractive landscape features, rich in wildlife and help to link natural features in the landscape. Hedgerows also have significant benefits for farm productivity including:

• Providing homes and food for insects that act as crop pollinators and predators for crop pests.
• The leaf litter and cuttings from the hedgerow increase organic matter in the neighbouring soils and can be used as a soil improver.
• The hedgerows reduce water and wind erosion preventing the loss of soils and nutrients.
• Hedgerows can be managed to produce wood chip that can be used for energy production.
• Provide shade and shelter for livestock

The correct maintenance and management of hedgerows is essential for realising the benefits of hedgerows on a farm.

Interesting links:

Hedges and wood edges - a practical guide (Regionaal Landschap Rivierenland, Dutch)

Report on promotion of beneficial organisms for pest control and pollination in open crops. (Dutch)