The multiple benefits delivered by hedgerows: Where is the evidence and does it meet current knowledge needs?

Abstract

1. Hedges and hedgerows are a familiar feature in many global landscapes and can support a wide range of benefits. These range from environmental to societal, including habitat for wildlife, provision of pollination and pest control services, shade and shelter for crops and livestock, and heritage and aesthetic benefits connecting people to nature in rural and urban areas. 2. This study sought to explore perspectives on hedgerow benefits and research priorities. It also explored the knowledge needs of a range of stakeholders involved with planting, maintaining, educating and developing policy in relation to hedges and hedgerows. Stakeholders' needs were investigated through a series of workshops and surveys; they were compared with the findings from a systematic review of the literature to understand whether sufficient research and guidance is currently available. 3. Stakeholders valued the benefits hedges and hedgerows provided to wildlife, nature-based services, such as provision of pollination and pest control, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and flooding alleviation in both rural and urban environments. 4. The review of the literature identified gaps in the geographical coverage of hedgerow research as well as a disconnect between some benefits valued by stakeholders, such as flooding alleviation and climate change mitigation, and the availability of evidence on managing and planting hedges and hedgerows to maximise these benefits. 5. Priority areas for future research and dissemination of research on hedgerows are highlighted, including targeting locations, contexts and regions where there is currently a lack of available evidence, supporting research on understudied factors or benefits, and finally implementing research that tests and compares hedge characteristics and management approaches in order to underpin practical management and policy.