Conservation ‘gateway drug’: farmers embrace ancient craft of hedge laying
Summary
Farmers in England are increasingly using the old craft of hedge laying to improve the environment. The government is offering grants to help farmers restore hedges, which help capture carbon, support wildlife, and reduce flooding.Key Facts
- Hedge laying is an ancient technique that keeps hedges fresh by cutting and bending their stems.
- The government has allocated £225 million for environmental improvements on farms this year.
- About 2,500 farmers have applied for grants to lay 1,300 km (800 miles) of hedges.
- Well-maintained hedges store more carbon per hectare than forests and support many species.
- Hedge laying stopped being common after World War II, leading to fewer hedgerows.
- Farmers like Robert Rose use modern hedge laying methods to benefit birds and protect livestock.
- Grants help farmers restore old hedges and plant new ones to improve soil, water, and wildlife.
- Increased online discussions show growing interest in hedge laying among farmers.
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