Farm Biodiversity Report: Focus on Hedgerows

Many species like to follow these linear features as they provide food and shelter

Hedgerows act as valuable wildlife corridors. Liam Lysaght

Farmland hedgerows are important and widespread throughout Ireland and can provide rich habitats for wildlife including plants, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. Features such as field margins, earth banks, walls, and drains can enhance their biodiversity value.

Hedgerows also benefit farming, they act as property boundaries, provide shelter for livestock, help protect against soil erosion and can offer protection against the spread of livestock disease. In addition, hedgerows provide habitat for beneficial insects, including spiders, ladybirds, lacewings, and hoverflies.