Hedgerow conservation and management: a review of 50 years of applied research in the UK

Hedgerows are a long-standing component of British landscape, support a diverse range of wildlife and have an important role in preventing soil erosion and connecting habitats in increasingly fragmented landscapes. Despite being one of the most extensive semi-natural habitats in England, hedgerows have faced numerous threats over the last 75 years, resulting in a dramatic loss in their length between the 1940s and 1980s, and more recently a loss in structure and condition due to changes in management practices. In recognition of these threats hedgerows have received a degree of legislative protection (e.g. through the 1997 Hedgerow Regulation and status as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat), and more sensitive management and restoration is funded under Agri-Environment Schemes. These concerns have generated considerable applied research interest into hedgerow management and conservation for over fifty years. This review highlights research in three main areas: 1) changes in hedgerow stock and condition; 2) the value of hedgerows for wildlife; and 3) the impact of hedgerow restoration and management on wildlife. In addition, two detailed case studies give examples of ongoing applied scientific research, the findings of which may contribute to future hedgerow conservation policy. The review concludes with a look forward at the potential direction of future policy.