Hedges

Hedges are linear woodlands of shrubs and trees, with associated ground flora and climbers. They are essential links between other woodlands and provide vital habitats for many species as well as functioning as field boundaries and shelter belts for farm animals. Traditionally, hedges were maintained by laying, where wood stems are partially cut and laid down, making a stock proof hedge that regenerates from ground level. Although some laying is still practised in Redmire Civil Parish, many hedges are now in a poor state due to the replacement of laying with tractor mounted flail cutting, which causes regrowth at the top of the hedge and gaps at the base. Stock proofing is achieved by wire fencing. It is common to see field boundaries that are a mix of hedges, drystone walls and fencing. New hedges are usually a mix of Hawthorn, Crataegus monogyna, and Blackthorn, Prunus spinosa, due to their thorny nature. The photograph above shows one of the better old hedges on Mill Lane, with a mix of Wych Elm, Ulmus glabra, and Sycamore, Acer pseudoplatanus, both as hedging shrubs and trees.

Slide 1: Dunnock, Prunella modularis, perching in a winter hedge. Well Lane, Redmire. February.

Slide 2: Ash, Fraxinus excelsior. Regrowth at top of hedge after flail cutting. Mill Lane, Redmire. May

Slide 3: Honeysuckle, Lonicera periclymenum, climbing through Holly, Ilex aquifolium. Frosty morning. Well Lane, Redmire. November.

Slide 4: Spider's web. Frosty morning. Well Lane, Redmire. November.

Slide 5: Gooseberry bush, Ribes uva-crispa, as part of hedge. Church Lane, Redmire. March.

Slide 6: Dog Rose, Rosa canina, as part of hedge. Wood End Lane, Redmire. June.

Slide 7: Dog Rose, Rosa canina, with Holly, Ilex aquifolium, and Wych Elm, Ulmus glabra. Well Lane, Redmire. June.