Hedgerows

When: Year round

Common hedgerow species: hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), dog rose (Rosa canina), elder (Sambucus nigra), hazel (Corylus avellana), yew (Taxus baccata), to name a few!

Gaelic name: callaid

Height:  Up to 5 metres in height

Where: Roadsides, gardens, and grassland and farmland

Whether it's a neatly trimmed privet hedge or a wild, thorny boundary between one field and the next, hedgerows come in all shapes and sizes, and have become a vital feature of the landscape for many different species of invertebrate, bird, plant and mammal. Although they are a familiar sighting, it is easy to overlook the enchanting heritage and ecological value of the humble hedgerow!

In urban centres, hedgerows are usually well-kept and often planted with evergreen shrubs, creating a dense boundary that provides privacy for local residents all year round. In the countryside, it is more common to see a rugged hedgerow; it's no coincidence that wriggling through a gap in a hedge often results in multiple scrapes and scratches - the species of tree and bush making up these living walls have been chosen for their prickly properties, acting as a painful deterrent for escapee sheep or hungry foxes. The most common species found in a rural hedgerow will be hawthorn and blackthorn, but over time, other species such as elder and dog rose follow, as birds and other wildlife that feed on haw berries rest in the branches, depositing different seeds in their droppings, and so unintentionally diversifying the hedge. Eventually, all these species will grow and weave together, creating an almost impenetrable boundary between one field and the next.

Despite their human origins, hedgerows have become a valuable asset for many wildlife species. A variety of songbirds feed on the berries and nuts found in hedgerows throughout the autumn and winter, creating a valuable food source during these challenging seasons. It is also common to find nests amongst the spiny branches, which provide excellent cover for smaller birds to raise their chicks, protected from the fatal grip of a predator's jaw or talon. Many mammal species also use hedgerows as protective 'corridors' by which to travel from place to place. The recent decline in hedgehog numbers is though to be linked to a loss of habitat and wildlife corridors, highlighting how important it is that we keep these nature friendly highways in place to ensure a prosperous future for some of our best loved wildlife.

Of course, it's not just our beloved wild creatures that feed off the fruits of these landscape features - humans have been foraging along hedgerows for centuries, cooking up jams and jellies, crumbles and cakes, even wine and gin! We've all returned from a blackberry-ing trip covered in purple juice and scratches, but there are a lot more to hedgerows than brambles; rosehips, juniper berries and damsons can all be collected in late summer and stewed to make preserves. Elder flowers can also be harvested in the spring and fermented, making a rather delicious fizzy, and slightly alcoholic beverage ready for those warm summer days in the garden! Of course, it's important to forage safely and responsibly, so have a look at this link for some handy tips and recipes.

Further to providing a valuable method of land management, and delicious supply of food, hedgerows are also deeply rooted in Scottish folklore and cultural traditions. The hardy hawthorn that is commonly found in many hedges was once thought to be the trysting place of fairies, with the spiky twigs shielding the mysterious activity of these fantastical creatures. In winter, hawthorn bushes can be alive with chirping and fluttering of sparrows and blackbirds - perhaps it was the delicate hopping of these little songbirds that gave birth to the idea of winged fairies dancing amid the branches. Another species steeped in superstition in juniper. Twigs and branches of juniper were frequently hung above doors at various points in the year to ward off witches and evil spirits. This was perhaps linked to juniper's supposed ability to rid a house of pests and illness, by setting fire to juniper twigs in each room of the house, eventually filling it with smoke. This extreme practise was seen an a cleansing exercise, and surprisingly, is reflected in cultures further afield; in Nepal, juniper smoke is used in rituals and ceremonies to cleanse the spirit -particularly for people attempting to climb the perilous heights of Mount Everest.

Whether you love the blossom in the spring, dense leaves of the summer, bountiful berries of the autumn or wiry silouhettes of winter, hedgerows are a marvellous addition to both urban and rural landscapes. Visit https://www.opalexplorenature.org/hedgeconservation to learn more about how you can help to protect these wonderful mini habitats.

Image: IFLI