Hedgerows

Hedgerows

Explore the history of local hedgerows using old maps: the National Library of Scotland's digitised map records include a Side by Side viewer enabling visual comparison of old boundaries (dependent on the level of detail) with modern day satellite imagery or maps, as in this example of Chichester (OS map revised 1893, published 1895). The Historic map view used by Chichester District Council's MyCDC Maps is also from the late 1800s; although it doesn't offer a side-by-side view, it can be used to add modern planning layers, e.g. to view planning constraints and planning applications in a historic map context. 

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Healthy Hedgerows Survey

(People's Trust for Endangered Species)

App or paper-based:
"Healthy Hedgerows is a rapid hedgerow health checking survey. By answering a handful of simple questions, this hedgerow health-checker will place each hedge you survey in the hedgerow lifecycle (based on the Adams Hedgerow Management Scale) and give you instant management options. It has been designed for farmers and landowners who would like to understand their whole hedge network and create a hedge management plan at the farm scale."

Government webpage explaining the rules relating to countryside hedgerows: "Find out if you can remove or work on countryside hedgerows.".

Statutory Instrument no. 680 of 2024.

"This act offers protection to wild birds, their eggs and nests in England, Scotland and Wales."

Resources include "How to plant trees and hedgerows" (video) and "Tree and hedge planting: a step-by-step guide" (downloadable pdf).

The Tree Council set up and runs the national volunteer Tree Warden Scheme. In 2023/24 Chichester Tree Wardens participated in training for improved hedgerow creation and management knowledge and skills.

Work out how much mulch you need when planting new hedges.

Aims and Objectives:
"- To promote the traditional craft of hedgelaying, particularly to keep the local style in existence.

- To stimulate interest among young people, and others in the craft.

- To promote greater interest in competitions held at local ploughing matches."

Inspiration from Devon, celebrating "world-class" hedges and offering practical advice.

Nigel is a hedgerow expert. He presented to the South East Tree Warden Forum (Saturday 15th October 2022), explaining hedgerow lifecycles and the need for management to sustain healthy, effective hedgerows.

"FWAG South East is an experienced team of Farm Conservation Advisers who support farmers to protect and enhance the environmental assets on their land."

"FWAG was originally established in 1969 as a national organisation. This ceased to exist in 2011 and was replaced by the National FWAG Association the following year. The organisation consists of local groups representing 15 counties across England and works together to represent farmers’ views and promote public understanding."

Grants and Funding

"An overview of grants and funding available for planting and managing hedgerows. This list is not exhaustive. Please check the closing date and eligibility before applying."

"Search for options, supplements and capital items to include in your Countryside Stewardship application. Find out about each Countryside Stewardship scheme and check if you’re eligible before you apply for a grant."

Find Funding for Land or Farms

(DEFRA and Rural Payments Agency)

"Find out about grants and funding for farmers and land managers in England. We will add more grants and funding as we develop this tool."

Find out about the charity's current grant funding programmes that support community hedgerow and tree projects for agricultural productivity and physical and mental well-being.

Updated and links checked: 3rd October 2024 (last 14th February 2023).

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