Hedgerows are the most widespread semi-natural habitat in the UK and an important feature of our Cumbrian countryside, providing an array of benefits for the landscape and the wildlife within it.
Did you know that they support over 2000 species in the UK? They provide corridors for wildlife; helping birds, insects, and mammals move between habitats.
Hedgerows are one of the most valuable natural assets in the farming landscape. Far more than just field boundaries, they play a vital role in land management, livestock welfare, and environmental protection.
Planted across slopes, hedgerows help slow down surface water runoff, reducing erosion and the risk of flooding. Their dense structure intercepts rainfall, allowing more water to soak into the ground rather than rushing downhill. This makes them a powerful tool in natural flood management (NFM), especially when planted on small embankments—known as kested hedgerows—which enhance water retention and improve water quality.
As hedgerows grow, they capture carbon and contribute to climate resilience. Their roots stabilize soil, while their canopy reduces the impact of heavy rain and strong winds. Leaf litter from hedgerows enriches soil quality, helping to maintain productive land.
Recent projects include planting cross-slope hedgerows on Mell Fell to explore their potential in slowing water flow during heavy rainfall—helping to delay flood peaks and protect downstream areas.
Hedgerows offer essential shelter and shade for livestock, particularly during harsh weather. Sheep often seek refuge beside them in cold, wet conditions—helping to reduce stress and even lower lamb mortality rates.
For wildlife, hedgerows provide food, nesting sites, and safe corridors for movement. They support a wide range of species, including birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects that help control crop pests.
Once established, hedgerows require a low amount of upkeep. During the early years, they benefit from annual maintenance to manage weeds like brambles and to protect young plants from grazing. Fencing is essential to prevent livestock damage and ensure healthy growth and may require some maintenance.
Across the Eden catchment, volunteers have planted miles of hedgerows. Our approach is to use a mix of native species such as Hazel, Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Beech, Rose, and Ash. This diversity supports a rich ecosystem and provides year-round food and habitat for wildlife.
Hedgerow planting and restoration are supported by agri-environment schemes like Natural England’s Countryside Stewardship and, if restoring existing hedges, their Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant. These programs offer financial assistance for both new planting and the revival of historic hedgerow lines still visible in the landscape.
There’s always something to see whatever the season. Here is a flavour of changes you can see in our native hedgerows. You can also download our seasonal hedge guide as a PDF
A time of awakening – pink and white blossom emerging and leaves unravelling; birds chorusing and nesting.
The early flowering species such as Blackthorn, Rowan, and Spindle provide an important source of nectar and pollen, especially valuable for bees. Hawthorn, another early flowerer, is found in most of our hedges in the UK, its early flowers are a feast for dormice*. Early soft birch leaves attract aphids, providing food for ladybirds.
*although there aren’t any populations of dormice recorded in the Eden, there are some to be found in the southern Lake District and Westmorland Dales.
With the sun high in the sky, hedges are bursting with life and dense greenery, fledglings emerging, mice scuffling in the fields, bees visiting flowers for nectar.
Caterpillars feed on hazel leaves, in turn providing a meal for dormice. The early fruit from cherry sustains birds, including blackbirds and song thrush, as well as mammals such as badger and mice. Spindle leaves are feasted upon by caterpillars of moths. The leaves also attract aphids and their predators, including hoverflies, ladybirds and lacewings, as well as house sparrows and dunnocks.
There’s a slight chill in the air, a sign that winter is on its way. Meanwhile, our hedges are a riot of colour – of auburn leaves and crimson berries of all kinds.
They are a hive of activity as birds, insects and mammals gather berries from species including elder, holly, guelder rose, and many more. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, tits, jays and small mammals nibble and peck on hazel nuts. Ivy flowers in autumn provide welcome late nectar and hollow elder stems a shelter for overwintering insects.
A robin sings, frosty branches glistening, persisting berries ripe for the picking, fresh brown buds ready for spring’s awakening.
During the bleakest months of the year, hedges supply much needed resources for wildlife to survive these challenging months. Birds, searching for a reliable food source throughout the winter, spy the ruby red dog rose hips and crab apple – a favourite with mammals and birds, such as mice, voles, foxes and badgers. Hazel catkins can be spotted in late winter before the leaves appear, and if you are lucky, you might spot the tiny hazel flowers too!
Our guide to planning and looking after your hedge
