Hedgerow management and restoration in agri environment schemes: Part I Countryside Stewardship Scheme

Abstract

Hedgerows form an essential element of the cultural English lowland landscape providing amenity, biodiversity and historic interest. The future of many hedges is threatened as a result of inadequate management. Funding to assist hedgerow management has been available through two major agri environment schemes; Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA). These are administered through Defra as part of the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP). Defra commissioned Catherine Bickmore Associates to examine the impact of both schemes on hedgerow management. This report presents findings for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.