Here in the Surrey Hills, hedgerows are part of everyday life. They weave between fields, trace old boundaries, and link ancient woodlands across the landscape. Often overlooked, these living lines are far more than simple dividers. Hedgerows quietly support wildlife, protect soil and water, and preserve the character and history of the countryside. As people working on the land, we see first-hand just how important they are to the future of Surrey’s natural environment.
Hedgerows as Ecological Superhighways: Connecting Life
For wildlife, a hedgerow is a lifeline. It acts as a natural corridor, linking fragmented habitats such as woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. This connectivity allows animals to move safely across the landscape in search of food, shelter, and breeding sites, something that is especially important in a busy and developed county like Surrey.
Hedgerows are also remarkably rich habitats in their own right. Their dense structure provides nesting sites, protection from predators, and shelter from harsh weather, while flowers, berries, and insects offer food throughout the year. Research shows that hedgerows support around 80% of woodland birds, over half of our mammal species, and nearly a third of our butterflies.
In Surrey, this includes species such as the dormouse, which relies on continuous, well-managed hedges to travel safely above ground, and several bat species that use hedgerows as navigation routes and hunting grounds. Without this network of connected habitats, many species would struggle to survive in an increasingly fragmented landscape.
Climate and Environmental Champions
The value of hedgerows extends well beyond wildlife. They play an important role in tackling climate change and protecting the wider environment.
Like trees, hedgerows absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their woody growth and the soil beneath them. Restoring old hedges and planting new ones helps increase this carbon storage while strengthening the resilience of the landscape.
Hedgerows are also vital for soil and water protection. Their roots bind the soil together, reducing erosion caused by wind and heavy rainfall, particularly on the slopes and chalk soils common in the Surrey Hills. By slowing surface water runoff, hedgerows help reduce flooding and act as natural filters, trapping pollutants before they reach rivers and streams. This quiet, natural process plays a key role in keeping local waterways healthier.
A Living Record of Surrey’s History
Many of Surrey’s hedgerows are centuries old, forming a living record of how the land has been shaped over time. They define the patchwork character of the countryside and contribute strongly to the special landscape of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Following the Second World War, the UK lost more than half of its hedgerows, a loss that had a lasting impact on biodiversity and landscape character. Today, there is growing recognition of their importance, and renewed efforts to protect, restore, and replant hedgerows across the country. This is work we are proud to be involved in here in Surrey.
How We Manage and Restore Hedgerows in Surrey
Good hedgerow management is essential if these benefits are to be maintained. A hedge that is neglected can become thin and gappy, while one that is cut too hard or too often can lose its structure and its value for wildlife.
At Surrey Hills Conservation, we use traditional, sustainable techniques to help hedgerows recover and thrive. This includes hedgelaying, an age-old practice that rejuvenates old hedges by partially cutting and laying stems to create a dense, living barrier. We also carry out gapping up, planting native species where gaps have formed to restore continuity and strengthen wildlife corridors. Cutting is done sensitively and on rotation, always outside the bird nesting season, allowing hedges time to flower and produce berries.
Partner With Us for a Wilder Surrey
Hedgerows are a vital part of Surrey’s natural infrastructure. They are simple, effective, and beautiful features that support wildlife, protect the land, and connect our countryside. By restoring and managing hedgerows properly, we can help create a healthier, more resilient landscape for future generations.
If you are a landowner, farmer, or simply care about the countryside, we invite you to learn more about our Hedgerow Restoration in Surrey services and join us in protecting these essential green lines.
