| Hedgerows - Wiltshire |
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| Extent/Distribution A length of 33,600 km of hedgerows was estimated in 1957 for the whole of Wiltshire. This was worked out on a sample of approximately 9 km of hedges per 1 kmú. Cotswolds - widespread, particularly characteristic of southern Cotswolds. Often the hedges have a woodland character with hazel, primrose and bluebell. Wessex Vales - this natural area has a "well developed network of hedgerows, containing native species such as field maple, blackthorn and oak. The network is often associated with both semi-natural and agriculturally improved land."ú Species associated with hedges here include the brown hairstreak butterfly and song thrush. Thames and Avon Vales - "strongly characteristic in the landscape, particularly in pastoral areas and a significant nature conservation feature. Many are well stocked with trees, particularly crack willow, many of which are pollarded."þ South Wessex Downs - Limited in distribution and most are found in the south of the county. no information currently available 1. Build up a comprehensive database of Wiltshire's hedgerows. 2. Maintain the current network of ancient and species-rich hedgerows. 3. Achieve favourable management of ancient and species-rich hedgerows. 4. Promote sensitive management of all hedgerows and hedgerow trees. 5. Educate the public, landowners and managers as to the ecological, social, historical and visual benefits of hedgerows. 6. Promote the restoration of degraded hedgerows. 7. Achieve an increase in the number of hedgerow trees. 8. Targeted grants for species-rich hedgerows and those in areas with brown hairstreak butterflies. 1. Collate any existing hedgerow survey information.
Gather baseline data 2003 on hedgerow distribution/extent from a desk
study of old maps and aerial photographs. Legal Status Hedgerows are protected under the Hedgerow Regulations (1997).
The regulations make it illegal to remove "important" hedgerows without
permission. "Important" hedges are defined as having, for example, -
five or more woody species, or certain plants at the hedge base, being
used by protected species, or including historic features such as parish
boundaries. Under the regulations, land managers are required to submit
a hedgerow removal notice to their local planning authority (LPA). The
LPA then has a period of 42 days in which to determine whether a hedgerow
is deemed "important" under the regulations, and therefore whether or
not it may be removed. Management Research Education WWT - Swindon Wildlife Project runs a number of hedgerow survey and
management training days each year. FWAG - Courses are available locally for management of hedgerows as
well as the provision of advice on grant aid. Policy and legislation Ensure that Hedgerow Regulations, Tree Preservation Orders and Conservation Areas are enforced throughout the county.LEAD: LAs WSBRC Ensure that Structure Plans and Local Plans include policies to protect the conservation of hedgerows. LEAD: LAs PARTNERS: EN, WWT Ensure that development and revisions of agri-environment schemes take into account the conservation requirements of hedgerows. LEAD: DEFRA PARTNERS: WWT, EN Management
Encourage landowners to provide buffering strips/ conservation headlands/grass margins alongside hedgerows to help protect them from pesticides, herbicides, spray drift and the plough. LEAD: FWAG PARTNERS: FRCA,GTC Review Wildlife Site system to ensure ancient and species-rich hedgerows are represented. LEAD:WWT PARTNERS:WSBRC Promote the planting of local provenance hedgerow trees and shrubs. LEAD:EN,WWT, FWAG,GWCF, WSBRCDEFRA PARTNERS: WWT EN Initiate positive management/restoration on all hedgerows on sites owned or managed by hedgerow working group members. LEAD: WWT,LAs PARTNERS: EN Seek to initiate positive management and restoration of ancient and species-rich hedgerows and associated trees (e.g. by laying, planting, coppicing and modified cutting practices) by providing advice, support and practical help for owners and managers. LEAD: DEFRA PARTNERS: WWT, FWAG, EN Encourage targeted new hedgerow planting, especially where there will be wildlife, landscape and cultural benefits. LEAD: DEFRA PARTNER FWAG,WWT, LAs . Research and monitoring
Measure losses through Hedgerow Removal Notices. LEAD: LAs Using aerial photos and historical records (e.g. tythe maps), undertake a desk study to establish distribution and extent of ancient and species-rich hedgerows in one parish per natural area. LEAD: WWT, WSBRC PARTNERS: EN, CPRE Undertake a field survey to check the status of hedgerows highlighted by desk study LEAD: WWT, WSBRC,CPRE PARTNERS: EN WSBRC to hold all data on all ancient and species-rich hedgerows. LEAD:WSBRC PARTNERS:CPRE Education
and awareness raising
Promote hedgerow conservation by encouraging the take-up of hedgerow
options in agri-environment schemes. Encourage the management of hedgerow trees and promote the value of trees as important components of hedgerows. LEAD: BTCV PARTNERS: FWAG Contact owners and managers of ancient and species-rich hedgerows and provide advice on appropriate management and sources of aid. LEAD: EN, WWT, WSBRC PARTNERS:FWAG Provide training to improve hedgerow survey skills for LAs. LEAD: WSBRC PARTNERS: CPRE, BTCV,WWT Provide training to promote hedgerow management skills. LEAD: FWAG, BTCV PARTNERS: DEFRA, WWT Produce (if necessary) and disseminate best practice guidance for management and planting of hedges to owners and managers, including a guide to sensitive planting in the landscape, species suggestions and highlighting the importance of local provenance. LEAD:FWAG PARTNERS:DEFRA, EN Produce an inventory of contractors specialising in sensitive hedgerow management. LEAD:WWT PARTNERS:FWAG. DEFRA no information currently available |
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