Hedgerow Handbook promotes greater biodiversity

A new handbook promoting greater conservation of hedgerows and its wildlife has been published by DEFRA.


Many hedgerow plants and animals had been identified as species of conservation concern, DEFRA said, but until recently little was known about their condition or number, making it difficult to make decisions about what needed to be done to conserve them for the future.


The second edition of the Hedgerow Handbook sets out the standard method of surveying hedgerows to ensure their biodiversity value is correctly assessed, and should help local councils, surveyors and voluntary groups who help deliver the UK Hedgerow Action Plans and associated Local Biodiversity Action Plans.


The book should help supply the knowledge that’s needed, Barry Gardiner, Minister for Biodiversity, Landscape and Rural Affairs, said. “Action like this is vital if we are to reach our target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010.”


An electronic copy of the handbook can be found at: www.defra.gov.uk/farm/environment/landscape/hedgerows.htm







Have a query on hedgerow management in Environmental Stewardship schemes? FWi’s Environmental Stewardship forum manned by ADAS experts is here to help. 

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