By the end of the 20th century the future for hedges possibly looked brighter than only a decade previously. Although neglect is still a big problem, rates of hedgerow destruction have decreased in recent years, and many miles of new hedges are being planted.
The importance of hedges as landscape features and wildlife habitats, as well as working farm boundaries, has begun to be recognised by the introduction of schemes such as the Hedgerow Incentive Scheme (1993), the Hedgerow Renovation Scheme (Wales), the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (1996) and the Hedgerow Regulations (1997).
grant aid has moved from single payments for hedge planting towards longer-term agreements to manage hedges on a whole farm basis, so that all hedges on a holding are brought into some form of beneficial management. grant-aided work may include laying, coppicing, gapping up, fencing and repair of banks. Restored hedges may be required to have a one metre unsprayed, unfertilised and uncultivated strip on either side.
Hedge laying as a craft has seen a great recovery, with many skilled professional and amateur hedge layers throughout the UK. However, there is still a huge amount of work to be done in restoring neglected hedges, and in spite of grant aid, restoration is likely to be closely linked to farm incomes. Where farms are prospering, hedges are more likely to prosper too. At present, laying of hedges tends to be concentrated on visible roadside hedges, and often those in the ownership of conservation organisations, local authorities and ‘hobby’ farmers. Hedge laying on working farms remains too much of a rarity.
