National Hedgerow Week (NHW), the UK’s biggest celebration of hedgerows – coordinated by The Tree Council and partners – is here, offering free, online talks, alongside hundreds of libraries nationwide showcasing hedge-y materials, to build knowledge and inform the future of one of our most important and recognisable landscape features.
Britain is shaped by thousands of miles of hedge; providing wildlife with a sheltered and bountiful habitat network; protecting agriculture, whether livestock or crops; creating living boundaries in our urban centres; and bringing greenery, capturing carbon, and delivering more than a little beauty to our rail lines and roadsides.
While the Government’s Environmental Improvement Plan set ambitious targets to create 45,000 miles of new or restored hedgerow by 2050, sources of funding to support management of existing hedges, and the laying of new ones, are uncertain. As good hedgerow management is so dependent on traditional skills and crafts, it’s vital that pathways exist for passionate people to pursue green careers to ensure that hedgerows thrive for future generations.
To speak to these issues, The Tree Council – the national charity that works together for the love of trees – is offering three free, online talks; featuring academics actively researching hedge topics, to independent hedgelayers, representatives from major charities, and figureheads for independent hedge craft organisations, all around the NHW 2025 theme of the Future of Hedgerows.
On Tuesday May 6, we’re delighted to welcome University of Leeds’ Professor Pippa Chapman, Aarhus University’s Dr Sofia Biffi, Dr Josh Wolstenholme from Loughborough University, and Exeter University PhD, Abhishek Dixit, for a round table discussion around the latest research – whether using remote sensing technology to assess Cornish hedges, or deep learning to identify hedgerow gaps.
On Thursday May 8, we focus on the threat of ash dieback – ash is one of the most common hedgerow trees – and introduce the brand new Tree Council ash dieback guidance, with two of the authors, The Tree Council’s own Charlotte Benham and Ian Turner. This event is also part of National Plant Health Week.
The NHW free, online talks draw to a close on Friday May 9, as we turn our focus to Hedgelink – an active partnership chaired by The Tree Council. Join prominent Hedgelink members; RSPB’s Verity Winn, PTES’ Megan Gimber, independent hedgelayer, Dean Dyer and Chair of Devon Hedge Group, Rob Wolton, for a chaired round table discussion on the future of hedges, and why collective action is so important.
And if that wasn’t enough, you can pop into one of the more than 275 libraries nationwide hosting gorgeous hedgerow related materials and resources for little ones and big kids alike – with hedge-y bookmarks to take away, activity booklets, and information to help you identify the happy hedgerows in your neighbourhood.
The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said: “This National Hedgerow Week is all about the future of hedgerows and the wonderful role they play for people, wildlife and our planet.
“Come to our talks, open your eyes to the magic of your local hedges this week, and learn all the amazing things they do for us and how we can plant more, and manage them better to benefit nature and humans.
“We want to help everyone to see hedges differently – please join us.”
National Hedgerow Week runs from May 5 – 11 2025. All events are 1-2pm – to book your free ticket, discover our resources, or find your nearest NHW library, please visit www.nationalhedgerowweek.org.uk. Join our celebration of hedgerows on social media, using #nationalhedgerowweek
Source Matt Hurst, Tree Council
