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 64 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. Island Life - www.isleofwight.net