Woodland hedges

With most of the deer cull plans now complete, I’ve been finishing off some hedge work. The hedges have been neglected since the woodland was planted, following advice to leave the hedges. After a couple of decades of just trimming, the hedge had become hollowed out with most tree species starting to decay. The benefit to fauna and flora was limited. By cutting out most of the old material, this hedge should grow back to a state where it can be laid properly. Some hazel and hawthorn whips have been left as has a holly bush.

The woodland edge has the maximum biodiversity value as this is where the transition between habitat types supports a wider range of species. Managing hedges helps to improve this biodiversity value. It also helps to ensure access to wood is easier around the outside edge. It will be interesting to monitor this hedge bank over the next 2-3 years to see how it changes. The increase in light levels into the wood is already noticeable. With birds starting to consider nesting sites, and some flora species starting to emerge, the job has been completed just in time. Cost is always a consideration with these projects and that prevented the full hedge being completely restored and laid.