Wildlife

Hedgerow Destruction and Wildlife Welfare: Agricultural Boundaries

Hedgerows are one of the most important wildlife habitats in Europe; their loss causes direct welfare harm to countless animals.

Key Facts

The UK lost over 50% of its hedgerows between 1950 and 1990 from agricultural intensification
Hedgerows provide nesting habitat for 28 UK bird species and 20 small mammal species
Animals nesting in hedgerows during inappropriate trimming periods are killed directly
The UK has a legal closed season for hedgerow cutting from March 1 to August 31
EU agricultural subsidies incentivized hedgerow removal for generations

Welfare Considerations

Mechanical hedgerow flailing during bird nesting season kills adults on nests, destroys eggs, and exposes flightless chicks to predation. Badger setts in hedge banks are damaged or destroyed by agricultural machinery. Hedgehog hibernation sites in hedge bases are destroyed by mechanical trimming. The welfare consequences of agricultural boundary management extend to thousands of individual animals across every farm.

What You Can Do

Advocate for enforcement of hedgerow cutting closed seasons in your area
Report illegal hedgerow cutting during nesting season to the relevant authority
Plant native hedgerow species on any land you manage
Support agri-environment schemes that pay farmers to maintain and plant hedgerows
Donate to Hedgelink and Wildlife Trusts hedgerow protection programs