The importance of hedges and hedgerows in many British landscapes is widely acknowledged. Although several other countries have hedges, the cultural and historic significance and public appreciation of hedges in the UK is probably unique. The removal of hedgerows, largely as a result of the post-war drive for agricultural intensification, has been well documented - but has now been virtually halted, with the help of various measures including agricultural 'cross-compliance' rules, agri-environment schemes and the Hedgerows Regulations. New planting may now even exceed removal. The challenge now is to improve the quality of the UK's hedgerows - promoting better management practices and targeted planting to improve 'connectivity' and restore fragmented hedge networks. Chris Britt of BVM has a strong record of research, surveys and policy development in relation to hedgerows and can apply his professional expertise to a wide range of issues of concern to public bodies and commercial clients.

It is estimated that the total hedge length in the UK in 1998 was approximately 640,000 km (excluding ‘relict hedges’ and lines of trees and shrubs).  This is much less than was present in 1945, but net hedgerow loss has now been halted.  The priority now must be to improve the poor standards of hedgerow management that are evident across the country.  A large proportion of our hedgerows suffer from neglect or the adverse effects of excessive trimming or intensive sheep grazing.  Too many are flailed each year in late summer or autumn, too few are regularly laid or coppiced.

     

Hedgerows, and their ecology and wildlife, are a particular ‘speciality’ for BVM.

BVM founder and Senior Consultant, Chris Britt, has a strong interest in the conservation of Britain’s hedgerows, and has been professionally involved in hedgerow issues for almost 20 years.  Chris has had a key role in many important national projects, including:

  • development of the Hedgerow Evaluation System, which formed the basis of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997
  • two major hedgerow surveys, for the DoE and DETR
  • research (for MAFF) into hedgerow management practices and the attitudes of farmers and contractors
  • development of a hedgerow condition assessment methodology, for the Hedgerow Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Steering Group
  • publication of Hedgerow Management and Wildlife: A review of research on the effects of hedgerow management and adjacent land on biodiversity (Eds. Barr, Britt, Sparks & Churchward; Defra, 2005)
  • review of the Hedgerow Survey Handbook: A standard procedure for local surveys in the UK.

Chris Britt was also previously a member of the Steering Group that developed the Hedgerow Regulations and the Steering Group for the Ancient and Specie-rich Hedgerows BAP.

Other previous projects include field experiments on the restoration of stock-damaged hedges and control of old man’s beard (Clematis vitalba) in hedgerows, and a survey of attitudes to hedgerow management in Durham.

He is currently involved in CPRE’s survey of hedgerows in Warwickshire and, as a Cornishman, has an interest in the conservation of Cornish hedges (and is a member of the Cornish Hedge Group).

   
 Hedgerow damaged by sheep grazing and annual flailing  Remnant hedge, previously laid
   
 Recently laid hedge - Warwickshire  Hazel

BVM can apply this professional expertise and vast experience of hedgerow research and surveys to a wide range of projects – on a local, regional or national scale.  We would be more than happy to discuss any potential project with you, but here are a few examples of the type of hedgerow work we might undertake for our clients:

  • Hedgerow surveys for local authorities, parish councils, wildlife trusts, CPRE, charities, National Trust, etc
  • Assistance with bids for local hedgerow surveys or management projects – to Defra, Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), local authorities, Heritage Lottery Fund, etc
  • Training and/or quality control for local (or regional/national) hedgerow surveys
  • Development of new or modified hedgerow survey methodologies
  • Development or revision of local, regional or national policies for hedgerow protection, conservation and management – in support of local and national BAPs
  • Hedgerow management plans for landowners.

Please discuss any hedgerow job with BVM, as there is every possibility that we can provide exactly what you require – either alone or in collaboration with one or more of our trusted partner consultancies (which include several other individuals who are recognised as leading experts in this field) - at a very competitive price.

One of our close partners, The Hedge Man, provides a range of related services - including hedge laying and hedgerow restoration - to farmers, landowners, local authorities, highway authorities and private individuals.