Re-structuring hedges: rejuvenation management can improve the long term quality of hedgerow habitats for wildlife in the UK

Staley, Joanna T. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6467-3712; Amy, Sam R.; Adams, Nigel P.; Chapman, Roselle E.; Peyton, Jodey M.; Pywell, Richard F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6431-9959. 2015 Re-structuring hedges: rejuvenation management can improve the long term quality of hedgerow habitats for wildlife in the UK. Biological Conservation, 186. 187-196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.03.002

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.03.002

Abstract/Summary

Hedgerows provide key wildlife habitat in intensive agricultural landscapes, but are declining in length and structural condition due to a lack of rejuvenation management, neglect and over-frequent trimming with mechanised flails. Here, we test cheaper, alternative methods to traditional hedge laying methods using a multi-site manipulative field experiment. In the first quantitative test of new approaches to hedge rejuvenation management, hedge regrowth, structure, berry provision for over-wintering wildlife and cost of rejuvenation were assessed in response to five methods, for three years following rejuvenation. Three ‘laying’ methods and coppicing were effective at improving hedgerow condition by stimulating basal regrowth, thus increasing the density of woody material at the base and reducing gap size. The pros and cons of coppicing are discussed in relation to its impact on different wildlife groups, and it is recommended in limited circumstances. Differences between the three ‘laying’ methods reduced over time, so a cheaper conservation hedging method is recommended as an alternative to traditional hedge laying. This new approach to hedge management offers the potential to restore twice the length of hedgerow currently rejuvenated under agri-environment schemes.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.03.002
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Pywell
ISSN:	0006-3207
Additional Keywords:	agri-environment schemes, coppicing, entry level stewardship, habitat structure, hedge-laying, hedgerow condition
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	31 Mar 2015 13:36 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/510525

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.03.002

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Pywell

ISSN:

0006-3207

Additional Keywords:

agri-environment schemes, coppicing, entry level stewardship, habitat structure, hedge-laying, hedgerow condition

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment