Key facts
- Hedge laying is being revived by farmers to boost wildlife, capture carbon, and help tackle flooding.
- 2,500 farmers applied for grants to restore 1,300km of mature hedgerows.
- The government provided £225 million this year for environmental improvements on farms.
- Hedge laying involves cutting hedge stems and laying them at an angle to invigorate growth.
- Mature, maintained hedgerows capture more carbon per hectare than forests.
- The peak hedge laying season runs from October to February.
The ancient craft of hedge laying is experiencing a significant revival across England, with farmers increasingly adopting traditional techniques to enhance environmental benefits on their land. This resurgence is partly fueled by government grants, with 2,500 farmers applying for funding to restore and maintain their hedgerows.
Hedge laying, a practice that fell out of common use after World War II, involves cutting through hedge stems and bending them to the ground to encourage new growth, thereby filling gaps and revitalizing the hedgerow. This method is considered highly effective for biodiversity gain, carbon sequestration, and water management.
According to Megan Gimber, key habitats officer for the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, hedge laying is a crucial tool for farmers addressing the climate crisis. She noted that the decline in hedgerows since the war has been substantial, and these grants offer a chance to rejuvenate potentially ancient hedges.
Stephen Budding, chair of the National Hedgelaying Society, highlighted that older hedges see the greatest biodiversity gain from this practice and that his members are experiencing a surge in work, largely due to the availability of government grants. Mature hedgerows are recognized as significant carbon sinks, supporting numerous species, providing shade for livestock, reducing soil erosion, and absorbing rainwater to combat flooding.
Robert Rose, a farmer from Yorkshire, is awaiting approval for his grant application to lay hedges on his 220-acre farm. He practices a modern conservation style of hedge laying that retains bushy growth for nesting birds and livestock. Rose noted a growing interest in hedge laying among farmers, particularly online, and believes the grant scheme is essential for its continued spread.
While 5,000 applications were also received for planting new hedges, figures from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology indicate that many newly planted hedges are lost due to over-trimming and under-management. Experts emphasize that hedgerows require active management to maintain their beneficial mid-succession stage.
A spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) stated that the government is committed to supporting farmers through environmental land management capital grants, with the latest round offering up to £225 million for infrastructure that boosts productivity and environmental outcomes.