Hedgerow management and restoration

Hedgerows are a defining feature of our landscape and play a vital role in supporting wildlife. They provide food, shelter and movement corridors for species such as birds, small mammals and pollinators, helping to connect habitats across the district.

While planting new hedgerows is important, caring for existing ones is just as vital. Without management, hedges can become gappy, overgrown or less valuable for wildlife over time.

Well-managed hedgerows:

  • stay dense and healthy at the base
  • provide better nesting and shelter opportunities
  • produce more flowers and berries for wildlife
  • remain structurally diverse over time
  • help connect wildlife across farmland, parks and open spaces

As part of our Biodiversity Action Plan, we are restoring and maintaining hedgerows using traditional and nature-friendly techniques, including hedgerow laying. This work also supports our tree and hedgerow planting programme, helping to strengthen connected habitats across the district.

Traditional hedgerow laying

Hedgerow laying is a traditional countryside skill that has been used for centuries to rejuvenate ageing hedges.

The process involves partially cutting and bending stems near ground level without breaking them. This encourages strong new growth from the base while strengthening the overall structure of the hedge.

The result is a thicker, denser hedgerow that is far more valuable for wildlife.

Work so far

2024/25

  • Hedgerow laying carried out on sections of hedgerow at Newbold Comyn and Radford Road in Leamington Spa and Kettlewell Close, Makepeace Avenue and Blackbades Boulevard in Warwick, totalling 651 metres.

2025/26

  • Hedgerow laying carried out on sections of hedgerow at Harbury Lane playing fields, Newbold Comyn, Blackblades Boulevard and hedgerows on the Woodloes estate in Warwick, totalling 632 metres.
  • Additional enhancements, including native climbing species added to selected hedgerows and wildflower seeding at hedge bases to increase habitat diversity.

Find out about the other work we're doing:

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