The role of trees outside woods in contributing to the ecological connectivity and functioning of landscapes

Abstract

Trees outside woods (TOWs), such as copses, hedgerows, scattered trees and orchards, make important contributions to the connectivity and ecological functioning of rural and urban landscapes, in particular through reducing the impacts of habitat fragmentation. Studies from the UK, taken together with evidence from other countries, suggest the contributions of TOWs within the landscape to be overwhelmingly positive. The nature and extent of their effects differ depending on the species or landscape being considered, and attributes of the TOWs themselves.