The Benefits of Incremental Hedge Cutting for Farmland Biodiversity

Hedges are an essential feature of the UK agricultural landscape, providing crucial benefits for biodiversity, soil conservation, and farm infrastructure. However, the way we manage our hedgerows can significantly impact their health and their ability to support wildlife. One highly effective method is incremental hedge cutting, a technique that balances hedge maintenance with biodiversity benefits.

What Is Incremental Hedge Cutting?

Incremental hedge cutting involves trimming hedges just above the previous cut rather than cutting them back hard to the same point every year. This approach allows the hedge to develop more natural growth patterns while maintaining a structured shape. The primary benefit is avoiding the formation of 'knuckles'—hard, deadwood areas where repeated cutting can lead to hedge deterioration.

Why Is Incremental Cutting Important?

Many UK farmland hedges, particularly hawthorn and similar species, flower and fruit on second-year growth. If a hedge is cut back too severely every year or two, it never reaches the stage where it can produce flowers and fruit, depriving wildlife of a vital food source.

Biodiversity Benefits of Incremental Hedge Cutting

Research shows that incrementally cut hedges support up to 20% more invertebrates than those cut back hard every year or two. These insects, in turn, provide food for farmland birds and other wildlife. The additional cover and structure in incrementally managed hedges also create better nesting sites for birds such as yellowhammers and linnets.

Key benefits include:

• Increased flowering and fruiting, providing food for pollinators, birds, and small mammals.
• Improved shelter and nesting opportunities for farmland birds and other wildlife.
• Greater structural diversity, supporting a wider range of invertebrates.
• Healthier hedge growth, reducing the likelihood of dieback and gaps forming over time.

How to Implement Incremental Hedge Cutting

To adopt an incremental cutting approach on your farm:

1. Cut slightly above the previous cut line each time rather than returning to the same point.
2. Rotate cutting schedules to allow different sections of hedge to reach flowering and fruiting stages.
3. Plan for occasional rejuvenation—every 10–15 years, a more significant cut may be required to maintain a dense, healthy structure.

Managing Invasive Species in Hedges

One challenge in maintaining healthy hedgerows is competition from invasive species such as elder. Elder grows faster than hawthorn, often outcompeting it and leading to gaps in the hedge. While elder has benefits (such as for elderflower wine!), it can reduce the hedge’s structural integrity and biodiversity value. Managing elder through selective removal or strategic cutting can help maintain the balance of native hedge species.

Adopting incremental hedge cutting is a simple but highly effective way to enhance biodiversity, improve hedge longevity, and maintain a thriving farmland ecosystem. By allowing hedges to ‘breathe’ and develop natural growth, farmers can support a wide range of wildlife while ensuring their hedgerows remain healthy for years to come.

Are you managing your hedges for biodiversity? If you’d like more advice on hedgerow management, speak to one of our agronomy experts today.