This was fascinating. Sad this practice didn’t really make it over to the US with the British settlers — our country roads are endless miles of barbed wire, and I’ve mostly only seen hedges in higher-end housing developments.
Yes, we're lucky to have as many as hedges as we do in Britain even though we lost so many in the twentieth century. There's also huge potential for more wildlife-friendly hedges in private gardens. Too many people still seem to choose plants like Cherry Laurel for garden hedges - plants which grow quickly but are useless from a biodiversity perspective.
A superb post and great to see old traditions being revived. It breaks my heart to see hedges ripped apart by mechanical means, the equipment seems to be blunt and leave the branches so freyed and depleated. There is no consideration for wildlife living there, birds nests and, as you say, coverage and shelter for animals between fields and open spaces. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wonderful article! Huge fan of hedges. I made a little film about them too https://youtu.be/b9GQZUD1yHI?si=8GA6qwPqqra5tUjS
That's a great film, Thomas. Thanks for sharing.
This was fascinating. Sad this practice didn’t really make it over to the US with the British settlers — our country roads are endless miles of barbed wire, and I’ve mostly only seen hedges in higher-end housing developments.
Yes, we're lucky to have as many as hedges as we do in Britain even though we lost so many in the twentieth century. There's also huge potential for more wildlife-friendly hedges in private gardens. Too many people still seem to choose plants like Cherry Laurel for garden hedges - plants which grow quickly but are useless from a biodiversity perspective.
A superb post and great to see old traditions being revived. It breaks my heart to see hedges ripped apart by mechanical means, the equipment seems to be blunt and leave the branches so freyed and depleated. There is no consideration for wildlife living there, birds nests and, as you say, coverage and shelter for animals between fields and open spaces. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Love the idea of installing them around schools. Like her outfit in the film 😁
Yes that film is great, isn't it? Glad you enjoyed it!