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Native species-rich hedgerow

Recommendations

Planted native, species-rich hedgerow must include a minimum of 6 native species from the following list:

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  • Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

  • Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

  • Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus)

  • Spindle (Euonymus europaea)

  • Crab apple (Malus sylvestris)

  • Holly (Ilex europaeus)

  • Hazel (Coryllus avellana)

  • Field maple (Acer campestre)

  • Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

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Where possible and appropriate native species-rich hedgerows must be managed for the benefit of wildlife (common invertebrates, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and foraging bats).

 

Such hedgerows as linear features in landscapes are vitally important as ‘corridors’ for connecting suitable areas of habitat as well as providing suitable habitat in their own right.

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Priority habitat

Species rich hedgerows should be planted wherever possible as part of developments to increase the availability of nesting habitat for small passerines (birds) and provide refuge for common reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and mammals.

 

In addition, native species-rich hedgerow was a priority habitat on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) before it was succeeded by the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006). It is now listed as a ‘priority habitat’ under the NERC Act (2006) as it is widely recognised that it has high ecological value as a habitat in its own right.

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Hedgerow Management

Where possible and appropriate native species-rich hedgerows should be managed for the benefit of wildlife (common invertebrates, small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and foraging bats). Such hedgerows as linear features in landscapes are vitially important as ‘corridors’ for connecting suitable areas of habitat as well as providing suitable habitat in their own right.

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The RSPB has produced a document which details good hedgerow management practice:

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https://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/Englishhedgerows1_tcm9-133255.pdf

Native species rich hedgrow
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