Ambitious Hedgerow Revival Underway
A comprehensive 10-year hedgerow restoration initiative has commenced at the expansive Wimpole Estate farm in Cambridgeshire. The project targets the planting or restoration of about 23 kilometers (14 miles) of hedges across the 1,000-hectare (2,471-acre) property.
Key Benefits for Wildlife and Agriculture
This effort enhances wildlife habitats while bolstering farm operations through firebreaks and erosion control. Dave Hassall, the estate’s farm and countryside manager, stated: “Each section of hedge that we restore makes the whole network bigger and better.” He added that it strengthens the landscape’s connectivity and resilience amid climate changes.
The Wimpole Estate features a grand mansion, parkland, gardens, and an active farm. Staff and volunteers planted 30,000 trees and coppiced or laid 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) of hedgerow this winter to promote flowering, fruiting, and vital food and shelter for species.
Supporting Endangered Birds and More
Hedgerows sustain red-listed farmland birds like corn buntings, yellowhammers, and linnets, plus winter provisions for fieldfares and redwings. Hassall noted: “We are using well-established, traditional techniques to restore our network of hedgerows. Laying and coppicing hedgerows can seem quite extreme, but the hedges quickly grow back bigger and better than before.”
Detailed Restoration Plan
Launched in 2023, the program includes coppicing 10% of existing hedges, laying 6.7 kilometers (4.1 miles), and planting 13.8 kilometers (8.6 miles) of new hedgerows—totaling around 83,000 native trees and shrubs.
