Hedgerows are a UK BAP Habitat and there is a national Hedgerow Biodiversity Action Plan which contains information of how hedgerows should be protected. Whilst the Berkshire BAP does not currently have any specific targets for Hedgerows, BNCF does value the importance of hedgerows.

Why are Hedges important?

Hedgerows are important for wildlife, landscape, farming and archaeological reasons. Hedgerows are important for butterflies, moths, farmland birds, bats, and dormice. They provide food and shelter and act as wildlife corridors for species including reptiles and amphibians allowing movement and dispersal between other habitats.

How are they threatened?

• Agricultural development and monoculture have seen many hedges removed  to increase agricultural yields.
• Increase in urban development has seen tracts of hedge rows removed or dissected.
• Inapproproate hedgerows often become 'gappy', and can result in the hedge degrading into a few isolated trees.
• Use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers right up to the base of hedges, leads to nutrient enrichment and a decline in species diversity.

Further information about the value of hedgerows for wildlife, together with information on managing hedges can be found on the Hedgelink website.