Welfare of Animals in Hedgerow and Field Boundary Habitats

Hedgerows and field boundaries are among the most wildlife-rich habitats in agricultural landscapes, supporting diverse small mammals, birds, and invertebrates.

Key Facts

England has lost approximately 50% of its hedgerows since 1950 through agricultural intensification
A single km of mature hedgerow can support up to 3,000 invertebrate species
Dormice, hedgehogs, and harvest mice depend on hedgerow networks for movement and habitat
Hedgerow restoration is among the most cost-effective interventions for farmland biodiversity recovery
UK agri-environment schemes have funded hedgerow planting and management with measurable wildlife recovery

Welfare Considerations

Hedgerow welfare benefits are both direct (providing food, shelter, and travel corridors for individual animals) and indirect (supporting the insect and seed communities that sustain farmland birds and mammals). Animals in fragmented landscapes without hedgerow connectivity experience isolation, reduced genetic diversity, and resource scarcity. Hedgehogs that cannot cross bare agricultural land between habitat patches die in isolation. Hedgerow restoration is among the highest-impact farm-level wildlife welfare interventions available to landowners.

What You Can Do

Plant native mixed hedgerows on property boundaries rather than fences or walls
Support agri-environment scheme participation by farming landowners through policy advocacy
Donate to People Need Nature and Hedgehog Street campaigns for connected hedgerow networks
Engage with local councils about hedgerow protection regulations in planning decisions