About the Research Database
The Research Database brings together a collection of 800+ papers, reports and other materials, collated as part of the Close the Gap project.
The materials in this database were collated as part of a systematic review of the literature, undertaken in March 2021. It was intended to identify research which explored the range of benefits hedgerows can provide on a global scale including, for example, to wildlife, climate change, flooding alleviation and the provision of pollinators and beneficial insects in agricultural systems.
Many of the materials are peer-reviewed papers plus some non peer-reviewed literature of relevance (e.g. books, case studies, reports). There may be some overlap between resources in the Research Database and the Hedge Hub.
The Research Database:
- Contains the author(s), title, abstract, year and a URL or DOI for each item
- Can be searched for words contained in the text of the title and abstract
The database and details of the search and review process can be found in the University of Reading data archive: https://doi.org/10.17864/1947.000371
Access
Please note, some of these materials are open access (freely available), many are not and may be behind a paywall (subscription only). For those that are subscription only, Hedgelink cannot provide access, however:
- a quick web search for the title (in e.g. Google scholar) may find a copy held on an author’s web page or in a university repository
- or you could contact the authors directly, author contact details are often available on the journal website.
Submit additional resources
We plan to add to this as new research is developed and published. If you have a paper or other materials you would like to submit, please email: hello@hedgelink.org.uk
Close the Gap
Close the Gap focused on achieving bigger, healthier, better-connected hedgerows through planting and ‘gapping up’, gathering and sharing knowledge to improve hedgerow management, improving supplies of future hedgerow trees through local seed nurseries and by engaging the public with our important hedgerow heritage.
It was a partnership between The Tree Council, The University of Reading, Hedgelink, Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Moor Trees and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species.