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| Species |
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Ancient Hedgerows are defined as those in existence before between 1720 and 1840.
Species Rich Hedgerows are defined as being:
- in a 30m length;
- in southern England, where there are five or more woody species;
- in northern England, where there are four or more woody species;
- or fewer woody species, in both north and south, where there is a rich basal flora of herbaceous plants.
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Examples of action required when Key Habitat is close
to proposed mineral working site |
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- Where hedgerows come adjacent to workings, sufficient buffer should be allowed to ensure their survival. The width of the margin necessary will vary according to soil type and to type and condition of species in the hedgerow.
- Landscape criteria should also be considered, and care in design should ensure that hedgerows are not cut off, or left isolated or without function.
- Their link in an overall pattern of wildlife corridors should be understood.
- Management of all hedgerows in ownership should be undertaken in accordance with the Habitat Action Plan.
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| Opportunities during extraction |
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- Preserved hedgerows and neighbouring hedgerows should be seen as a valuable resource during extraction for sources of wildlife which may colonise both the working phase, as well as the final restorations.
- They are wildlife corridors for the dissemination of species.
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| Opportunities for action before and after extraction |
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- Ancient hedgerows should be preserved. Where within or adjacent to the workings, they are a valuable resource for linking-in with reinstated and/or newly created hedgerows.
- When recreating hedgerows or creating new ones, design should reflect the local type of hedge in both structure and species (eg, banks, stonewalls, ditches, trees, wide margins and verges). Existing hedgerow species should be emulated. Stock should be native and if possible local – raised from on-site source materials.
- Protection from vermin will be necessary until the hedge is established. This will also help with natural re-colonisation by local species, which should not be removed or weeded out.
- Design in the final after-use should ensure there is a proper function for the hedge and continuity in landscape terms.
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