Hedges feed birds and dormice

7th December 2006

Despite it being a mild December, it is still a hard time for our wildlife, but hedges can provide a vital source of fruit and nuts. Hedge management is important but the timing of this is critical says Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Dormouse photo by Alex Howie

Kate Stokes from the Trust explains, “Hedges are a larder of fruit and nuts at this time of year.  Even though much of the vegetation has died back, glossy berries are like glittering jewels adorning the hedges and provide a veritable feast for birds and mammals alike.  Hedges need management but this is best left until January and early February, when the berries have finished and before birds start nesting”.

Berries are such an important food source that some birds will defend them and actively prevent other birds feeding on them.  In December, mistle thrushes mainly feed on holly bushes and may even be completely dependant on them during severe weather.  Defence of the berries reduces in the spring when they feed on other food sources and are preparing to breed.

Other birds, such as garden favourites like blackbirds and redwings, will feed on holly berries too.  Ivy berries are also a vital food source over the winter months and are eaten by a range of birds including blackcaps, a scarce wintering species.  Haws and sloe berries are also taken by fieldfares and song thrushes.

Hedges also provide essential food supplies for mammals such as the dormouse. Kate continues, “The dormouse is a declining species and rarely seen.  In Cornwall where we have limited woodland, they are frequently found in hedges and road verge scrub.  They would have traditionally been hibernating in December, but in milder weather will do so later.  Holly berries, hazel nuts and acorns are particularly important food sources. Hedges also harbour numerous insects such as caterpillars and aphids and dormice will feed on these.

Kate adds, “Dormice are sensitive to changes in the climate and their habitat and make an excellent barometer for the health of hedges and woodlands.  They can be used to measure the success of landscape conservation efforts as we try to restore old hedges to connect fragmented habitats”.

Laws and regulations protect hedges, and birds that use hedges. It is illegal to disturb nesting birds and conservation organisations in Cornwall advise that hedge management is not carried out from March to September.  Nic Harrison-White from the Environmental Records Centre for Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly explains, “The best time to do such work is in January and early February, to protect winter food sources and nesting birds.  A mature hedge requires little management except occasional trimming, every three years or preferably as little as needed to keep it in shape and encourage healthy growth.  Cutting only one side at a time ensures at least some over-wintering insects such as butterfly eggs will survive to emerge the following spring. 

Tree and woody shrub species should be trimmed to an ‘A’ shape across the hedge to allow individual slow growing trees to mature.  Traditionally old hedges were revitalised by laying or coppicing and this practice is seeing something of a revival in parts of Cornwall.  Expert advice on management is always available from the Cornwall Hedge Group and the Record Centre.”

Hedges are important features for many reasons, providing food and cover for a range of species and acting as corridors which wildlife will use them to travel along to reach other habitats such as small, isolated woods.  They provide cover for game birds and shelter for stock.  They reduce wind speed which protects crops and can reduce soil erosion.  They have landscape and historical value and are distinctive features of the Cornish countryside.  For more information about hedges, contact Nic Harrison-White at Cornwall Wildlife Trust on 01872 273939.

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