In this joyous journey around the wild edges of Britain, Christopher Hart takes us through the life, ecology and history of the humble British hedge, showing us how this much-loved (but somewhat overlooked) feature is inextricably woven into our language, history and culture.
Hedges – or hedgerows – have long been an integral part of the British landscape; a bastion of privacy for our gardens, a protective presence on winding country lanes and a vital hiding place for birds and beasts on farmland.
This man-made marvel is finally getting its time in the sun. Recognised as an environmental hero and a powerful climate ally, hedgerow is now considered the greatest edge habitat on earth, offering thorny scrub, mature woodland, grassland and even wetland. It plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and provides essential protection against the elements.
Hedgelands highlights the hawthorn and hazel of ancient hedges; the abundance of wildlife, from the elusive dunnock to the striking nightingale, the industrious hedgehog to the little harvest mouse; and the free pickings that the hedgerow offers, making it an essential – and delicious – element of any countryside ramble.
Hedgelands will tell you everything you never thought you needed to know about this wild, diverse and rich habitat – and you might even look at your humble hedge in a whole new way.
| ISBN: | 9781915294197 |
| Publication date: | 18th April 2024 |
| Author: | Christopher Hart |
| Publisher: | Chelsea Green Publishing an imprint of Chelsea Green Publishing UK |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 208 pages |
| Genres: |
Nature Conservation of wildlife and habitats Wildlife: butterflies, other insects and spiders: general interest Gardening: trees and shrubs The countryside, country life: general interest Trees, wildflowers and plants: general interest Environmental management Conservation of the environment Wildlife: general interest Sustainable agriculture Smallholdings Agriculture and farming |
