Hedges are 'one of the happiest accidents in human history' says author of hard-hitting new book

                                               

WETLANDS, oceans and forests are often rightly celebrated for the richness of their wildlife - but what about the 'humble' hedgerow?

Whenever did it feature in a lavish David Attenborough TV spectacular?

This manifest oversight has prompted author and naturalist Christopher Hart to put things right with his excellent new book, Hedgelands - A Wild Wander around Britain's Greatest Habitat.

"Hedges are one of the happiest accidents in human history," he writes.

"The hedgerow remains a drastically underestimated ecological niche - its potential is constantly unrealised."

He continues: "From a bird's eye view - or a weasel's or a ground beetle's or a primroses - hedges are thickets offering perfect habitat, safety from many predators, temperature control on both excessive heat and cold, shelter from the wind and ample food in the form of nectar, pollen, fruit and nuts."

During his lively and witty narrative, Hart explores almost everything there is to know about hedgerows of various descriptions  and their significance in our history and culture.

Along the way, he takes a swipe at the agro-chemical industry, irresponsible hedge-flailing farmers and certain housebuilding companies (he names names) who, between them, have brought the demise of many a hedgerow or its inhabitants.

"Hedges need far more resolute legal protection than they currently enjoy," he writes. "Developers who break the rules should be prosecuted every time.

"But as with so many environmental crimes, if you destroy an ancient hedgerow you'll probably get away with it."

Birdwise, Hart puts in a word for such species as hawfinch, redwing, fieldfare, cirl bunting, yellowhammer, bullfinch, goldfinch and whitethroat who are all dependent  on hedgerow either as a feeding or nesting habitat or both.

Summing up the author states: "Preserving hedgerows - along with ancient woodlands and wetlands, grassland  and oceans - is always going to be the right thing to do."

"It is  always right to respect life on earth."

 Hedgelands - A Wild Wander around Britain's Greatest Habitat is published on Thursday April 18 by Chelsea Green at £20 in hardback.  Chelsea Green UK -