The characteristic banked hedges and species-rich hedgerows, that occur in many parts of the South West of England, are an intimate element of the farmed landscape and over large areas of the region are the main refuge for a wide range of plants and animals.

Generations of farmers have been responsible for creating and managing these hedges as stock-proof barriers and shelter for livestock and crops. The hedges may mark changes in soil type and most are still valued by farmers as field boundaries, despite the introduction of stock fencing. Recent research has demonstrated the value of hedges as a source of beneficial insects that either control agricultural pests (such as aphids) or pollinate crops.

Species-rich hedges in the region can be defined by their wildlife and their structure. They are defined as those which meet one of the following criteria:

Hedges are known to be declining both in quantity and quality, both through outright hedge removal and through neglect or mis-management. In Cornwall, for example, prior to 1988, the net rate of hedge loss for the two or three decades prior to 1988 was about 2% per decade, or about 100 km per year.

The main factors causing loss and damage to the region's hedges at present are:

Neglect (no cutting or laying), reflecting modern high labour costs and loss of traditional skills, or the belief that no management at all is beneficial to landscape and wildlife.

Unsympathetic cutting practices, such as cutting all hedges on a farm every year, cutting during the bird breeding season, cutting ancient hedgerow trees, pollards or very old trees, sometimes for the sake of tidiness alone.

The drifting of fertilisers and pesticides into the hedgerow or direct application to the hedgerow base can cause obvious problems to they wildlife they contain.

Lowering of banks and removal for agricultural or development purposes, including road widening.

Loss of hedgerow trees through old age or felling, without encouraging replacements.

Arable specialisation, removing the need for hedges for stock control or shelter.

Ploughing too close to the hedge base.

 

Much positive action is already being taken, by a wide range of bodies, to maintain or enhance the region's hedges. This is mainly being achieved through special government schemes, such as Countryside Stewardship or Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements, that enable land owners to receive payment for maintaining and replacing hedgerows. This is supported by a much increased public awareness of the value of hedgerows as an important place for wildlife.

Achieve favourable management of species-rich hedgerows within any one district – 50% by 2005.