Hedgerows
After the Second World War our native hedgerows saw a massive decline by around 50% through a mixture of mismanagement, removal and agricultural practices.
Today, we are aware of their importance not only for food and shelter but as wildlife corridors for species to move from one area to another.
Over the last 4 years the rangers have increased the number of hedgerows on the Stour by planting native species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, alder buckthorn, hazel, field maple and spindle.
Our management plan not only includes creation of new hedgerows but to maintain the existing ones to ensure they do not mature over into stands of trees. We use the rural practice of hedgelaying to do this. This is done on a rotating cycle and only outside of nesting season to reduce any disturbance as much as possible.