The Biodiversity Value of Urban Hedges

Human populations are urbanising rapidly, and this is causing concern about the impact that a lack of contact with nature has on health and wellbeing. Including green infrastructure, such as hedges, in our towns and cities potentially provides space for wildlife whilst also improving human habitat. Urban hedges vary based on their establishment and management history and differ from rural hedgerows in species composition and quality but still provide habitat for birds, mammals, and invertebrates as well as increased floral biodiversity. Hedges are perceived by people to be more attractive than other boundary types and offer greater benefits to wellbeing. Urban hedges offer opportunities for experiences of nature and many other ecosystem services but managing them to maximise benefit for wildlife in a manner that is acceptable for the human population requires careful consideration.