Laying hedges? Or leaving them be?

[Kate-D]

I’ve an old hedge that is completely outgrown, now a straight line of hazel with one elder. It’s long and divides two fields where sheep graze. (They will not be on from May 2023.) It is open ended at both ends. Nettles and rye grass grow below one side of it. I saw a spotted flycatcher there the past two nesting seasons. A pied flycatcher nested repeatedly (2020 & 2021) in a box on a tree some 50-100m away – I’m not too good on estimating distances. I’d like to increase insects for the flycatchers.
Any thoughts on whether I leave it be or would laying it all or part provide a habitat that would help increase species using it and making it their home? Or other management ideas?
TIA (thanks in advance)

[Sue-H]

Kate, An interesting question! Does anyone have information about the increase (or otherwise) in bird, mammal, insect species after hedgelaying?
Hedges are great providers of natural corridors for flora and fauna movement, and hence conectivity between various habitats as well as providing nesting space, shelter, food and safe havens for a multitude of creatures. I would have thought by laying a hedge then subsequently creating an ‘A’ profile the number of species using it would increase dramatically but I don’t actually know. Could anyone provide information or links?

[Tammy-S]

Hi Kate,

Hedges have to be managed at some point, otherwise they turn into a line of trees. Hedgelink has a wealth of information about managing hedges here: hedgelink.org.uk
Also the People’s Trust for Endangered Species have created an app specifically for landowners to assess their hedges and provide advice on how to manage each individual hedge; find out more and download it from here: https://hedgerowsurvey.ptes.org/healthy-hedgerows-survey

I hope that helps.

Tammy

[Kate-D]

Very helpful. Many thanks Tammy.

[Author]

Posts