Hedge Tree Handbook

Britain's hedge trees are in decline. Without concerted effort they will continue to be under threat.

Hedges and hedge trees have always played a variety of important roles in British history: as vital habitats for a multitude of wildlife; as sources of food, fuel and timber; as boundary makers; as shelter for lifestock; and not least of course, as beautiful and enjoyable features of the countryside.

Since the late 18th century, however, the abundance of hedge trees has dramatically declined. Periodic changes in farming techniques and agricultural needs, increased use of machinery, hedge removal, Dutch elm disease, neglect and lack of replacement have all taken their toll on the hedge tree population.

The Hedge Tree Handbook explains the value of hedge trees, explores their fascinating history and points the way to halting their decline as well as to the action needed now to establish the hedge trees of the future.