The hedgerow blossom sequence 

Hedgerows are not only made up of trees but also shrubs, climbers, and herbaceous plants at field margins. This means that they flower and provide food for pollinators throughout the foraging year. This is termed the blossom sequence. In early spring, we see goat willow and cherry plum start to flower. Later, blackthorn flowers, closely followed by hawthorn, appear at an essential time for our emerging bumblebees. The summer sees greater abundance but in times of drought, hedge ditches can provide important floral resources. Towards the end of the season, ivy can be heard buzzing with hungry life in the last of the autumn sunshine. 

In turn, these pollinated flowers produce fruit and nuts to feed other wildlife, including some of our more vulnerable species such as greenfinch.

Hedgerow decline 

Sadly, the UK’s hedgerows have declined rapidly in the past century, with over 300,000 miles lost, largely due to changes in our agricultural practices. However, within the Forest we have a huge 250km (about 150 miles in old money!) of hedgerow to look after.

Our hedgerows are particularly valuable to wildlife, supporting around 50% of our mammals, 30% of our butterflies, and 80% of our woodland birds, as well as amphibians and reptiles too.

Therefore, ongoing management and maintenance of hedgerows in the Forest is essential to ensuring that they, and the species that rely on them, can thrive.  

Some of this management may involve laying or coppicing to improve the condition of the hedgerow. If a hedge is in good condition, it will be cut on a cycle that allows it to remain dense, healthy, and pollinating. In cases where important species, such as brown hairstreak butterflies, rely on hedgerows, we may manage them slightly differently. 
 
However, to identify the required management, we need to survey their current condition. This involves looking at the structure and diversity of the hedgerow plus how it connects to the wider landscape.

Helping hands needed for hedgerows in the Forest

Some of our hedgerow survey work has already been carried out by our fantastic volunteers, but we are looking for more people interested in learning how to survey to help us conserve these wonderful habitats.  
 
Sign up here to find out more about our survey training days.

Live further afield, but would still like to help? 

You can help create and conserve healthy hedgerows in the Forest that will be protected and secured for generations to come.