Island Life Magazine Ltd October/November 2007 | Page 64
life
COUNTRYSIDE, WILDLIFE & FARMING
Not just a
hedge
By Tony Ridd - [email protected]
Native hedgerows in our countryside are possibly one of the most valuable landscape
and wildlife features that we have today. Not only do they help define our patchwork field
system, they more importantly provide food, cover and shelter for a near infinite number of
animals and plants, as well as the occasional harvest to assist in the production of sloe gin
and elderberry wine. Here Tony Ridd reminds us of the role our island hedgerows play.
We pretty much take hedgerows for
granted nowadays, especially as there
are more economic ways of defining a
boundary and retaining livestock such
as wooden fencing and barbed wire.
Throughout the island you can see
many wonderfully shaped hedges
due to the harsh coastal conditions.
You will often see damaged and broken
fences after a strong wind but I've
yet to see a blown down hedge.
Our hedge history goes back many
centuries and over the years the hedge
has established itself as an important food
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source for an abundance of animals, and
habitat for wild flowers. The hedge sparrow,
hedgehog and hedge garlic are all named
through their association with the hedge.
The majority of our island hedges are
made up predominately of hawthorn
and blackthorn. They may have a
scattering of other species that have
arrived naturally when birds or animals
drop the seed when feeding.
This year our hedges are laden with
berries, suggesting to some that we are in
for a harsh winter of cold temperatures or
heavy rain. Although nature does have a
way of looking after itself and compensating
for all possibilities, the impressive display
of berries is more down to the fact that
warm, sunny weather in early spring was
favourable for insects when the shrubs
were in blossom, enhancing pollination.
With the way farming grants are paid
and changing landownership, there has
been a resurgence of hedge pla nting.
Many hedges are being replaced
and new ones are being planted.
Preparing the ground for a new hedge
is important, as established grasses
are the main inhibitor of early growth.
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