Our network of hedgerows form more than just boundaries and stock-proof barriers. They are shelter for both wild and domestic animals. They are a place where a big percentage of our native trees and shrubs survive. They are cover for wildlife to move through the countryside. They are nesting sites for birds. They are home to many of the friendly predatory insects that feed on the pestilent bugs which attack crops.
Many of our hedgerows have existed for hundreds of years - especially those of roadsides and townland boundaries. These were either planted or they developed naturally along the walls and ditches constructed by our ancestors. The older the hedge, the greater the number of different species of trees and shrubs growing in it. Studies have shown that it takes roughly a hundred years for each new species to establish itself in an existing planted hedge.
Many birds and small mammals rely on hedgerows for cover and around two-thirds of Ireland's bird species nest in hedges. This is why it is now illegal to cut hedges during the Springtime. Typical native hedgerow shrubs are Whitethorn, Blackthorn, Elder, Furze, Holly, Dog Rose, Guelder Rose, Hazel. Adding to the plant biodiversity, or variety, are trees such as Oak, Ash, Alder, Birch, Damson, Crab Apple - they are often cut back, but where a few are allowed to grow to maturity, they form an important aspect of the landscape. Also hedges are home to a great many ferns, mosses, lichen and a host of wildflowers giving colour and life to the ditch. The hedge is effectively a miniature woodland habitat, spreading like a net across the countryside.
To do it's job, the hedgerow must of course be properly maintained. The Rural Environment Protection Scheme requires good hedgerow maintenance and the best method is the old and trusted way of 'laying' hedges. The lower part of the stem is cut down to a thin strip so that the stem can then be bent over nearly horizontal to fill gaps. The sap will continue to flow through the narrowed stem and new growth will appear along the whole length. Any dead branches can be incorporated into the filling. The 'layered' hedge is then fastened tight with stakes and woven hazel rods and forms a neat stock-proof barrier whilst the new growth establishes itself. Any noticeable spaces can be planted up with thorn 'quicks' which are protected by dead branches. After a couple of years a thick hedge will have grown. Often we see hedges severely trimmed with a long, square top - this is not good and allows the magpies and pine martens to run along the top picking out eggs and chicks from small birds nests. Trimming of hedges should be kept to an 'A' shape with different aged trees at intervals giving maximum values of boundary, barrier, biodiversity and scenic landscape for all to enjoy and admire.
"The landscape a patchwork of woodland and heather, Of tillage and pasture all mingled together....... The neatly groomed hedgerows criss-crossing each hill, Sheep, cattle and horses all grazing at will" (From 'The Dim Long Ago' as printed in 'Songs, Recitations and Short Stories' by Joe Noonan, Flagmount, Co.Clare.