Health-check Britain’s hedgerows this summer

Health-check Britain’s hedgerows this summer - PTES

person with a clipboard examining a hedge with flowering plants — Measuring the height of a hedge as part of the Great British Hedgerow Survey (Megan Gimber)

Wildlife enthusiasts needed to join the Great British Hedgerow Survey and survey local hedgerows, which is vital for their ongoing conservation

Hedgerow survey season is here, and wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is looking for volunteers in all corners of the UK to take part in its Great British Hedgerow Survey.

Between now until October volunteers are encouraged to health-check their local hedgerows by filling in PTES’ simple survey form. Key features of their chosen hedge are recorded, such as the height, width, structure and what tree species are present.

The data gathered provides instant feedback about how healthy the hedgerow is and offers bespoke management advice*. When volunteers work in collaboration with farmers and/or landowners, this advice can be passed to those that directly manage the hedgerows, ensuring they are sensitively managed so they can thrive for many years to come.

The results also enable PTES’ conservationists to build a nationwide picture of Britain’s hedgerow health and how it’s changing over time. And, by understanding their current structure, condition and key features, PTES can start to implement targeted, data driven conservation (alongside the work the charity already does with landowners and the farming community), which is crucial to ensure this iconic and important habitat is preserved.

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