Hedges and field margins are important wildlife habitats and deliver a range of ecosystem services, and their value is increasingly recognised by ecologists. This book reviews and assesses the current state of research on hedgerows and associated field margins. With the intensification of agriculture in the second half of the last century, field sizes were increased by amalgamation and the rooting out of hedges, synthetic pesticide and inorganic fertiliser use increased, and traditional methods of hedge management were largely abandoned. The book is split into two main sections. The first deals with definitions, current and historic management, the impact of pesticides, the decline in hedge stock and condition, and new approaches to hedge evaluation using remote sensing techniques. The second section explores the pollination and biological pest control benefits provided by hedges and field margins and examines the ecology of some of the major groups that are found in hedgerows and field margins: butterflies and moths, carabid beetles, mammals, and birds. A case study on birds and invertebrates from a research farm managed as a commercial enterprise, but which attempts to farm with wildlife in mind, brings these themes together. A final chapter introduces the neglected area of hedges in the urban environment. The book will be of great interest to advanced students, researchers and professionals in ecology, agriculture, wildlife conservation, natural history, landscape, environmental and land management.

It is difficult to think of a more quintessential symbol of the British countryside than the British Hedgerow, bursting with blackberries, hazelnuts and sloes, and home to oak and ash, field mice and butterflies. But as much as we might dream about foraging for mushrooms or collecting wayside nettles for soup, most of us are unaware of quite how profoundly hedgerows have shaped the history of our landscape and our fellow species. One of Britain's best known naturalists, John Wright introduces us to the natural and cultural history of hedges (as well as ditches, dykes and dry stone walls) - from the arrival of the first settlers in the British Isles to the modern day, when we have finally begun to recognise the importance of these unique ecosystems. His intimate knowledge of the countryside and its inhabitants brings this guide to life, whether discussing the skills and craft of hedge maintenance or the rich variety of animals, plants, algae and fungi who call them home. Informative, practical, entertaining and richly illustrated in colour throughout, A Natural History of the Hedgerow is a book to stuff into your pocket for country walks in every season, or to savour in winter before a roaring fire.

Originally published in 1889, this is a work by the English writer Richard Jefferies. It is a collection of essays on rural English life and is a wonderful read for any fans of nature writing. We are republishing this work with a brand new introductory biography of the author.

The countryside is filled with beauty and wonder in these imaginative, idiosyncratic writings, but also cruelty and hardship. They describe the texture of an owl's feather, the colours of autumn and the sound of rooks' wings sweeping across the sky. Yet here too is the grinding toil of reaping the harvest, and the discovery of a gamekeeper's bloody kill. Brimming with intense feeling, these pieces show an acute awareness of the land, and the people on it. Generations of inhabitants have helped shape the English countryside - but it has profoundly shaped us too.It has provoked a huge variety of responses from artists, writers, musicians and people who live and work on the land - as well as those who are travelling through it.English Journeys celebrates this long tradition with a series of twenty books on all aspects of the countryside, from stargazey pie and country churches, to man's relationship with nature and songs celebrating the patterns of the countryside (as well as ghosts and love-struck soldiers).

In recent years there has been a much greater appreciation of the enormous contribution that hedges make to the countryside. Today, their beauty, their ability to provide wind protection and contain livestock, their environmental importance and their significance as a wildlife habitat, are all widely recognized. Not surprisingly, this transformation in the way we view hedges has, in turn, produced a welcome revival in the ancient craft of hedgelaying. Whether you own hedges, are thinking of growing them, or just have an interest in hedgerows, this fascinating, well-illustrated book will be of value to you. Hedges and Hedgelaying - A Guide to Planting, Management and Conservation contains of wealth of practical information and covers: the selection of hedgerow shrubs and trees and the associated significance of soil types and topography; the planting of hedges and the necessary preparation work; the use of trees in the hedgerow and the value of field margins; weed, pest and disease control, and hedge cutting, maintenance and protection; the craft of hedgelaying and the tools and processes involved. Well illustrated with nearly 200 drawings and photographs, this is an indispensable guide for all those interested in managing and preserving our hedgerows for future generations.

Down the lane and across the field live...The Hedgerow Dolls. This enchanting book contains a delightful collection of dolls made from 100% wool hand dyed felt, complete with felt, linen, and knitted accessories. You will find... * Linen Dungarees with felt Rabbit Appliqued Pockets. * Knitted Beret with Swiss Darning Embroidery. * Adorable Wooden Peg Doll with felt Hooded Cape. * Fox Satchel for collecting Acorns. These designs are suitable for most toy makers and contain step by step instructions and diagrams for machine sewing, hand stitching, and knitting the components of each project. The Hedgerow Dolls are brought to life on the page by Simone Gooding's adorable illustrations.

First ever picture book to focus on this unique but overlooked habitat. Stunning, accurate depiction of plants and animals. Strong conservation theme. Perfect read aloud story. See John Wright's 'Hedgerow' for adults: a top seller in its genre, strongly reviewed.

The Crafted Gardenÿis the second book by exceptional new talent, Louise Curley, who shares her passion for natural garden craft with a wider audience. These fifty novel and attractive projects and techniques will give everyone a chance to feel clever about their creativity, as they transform twigs, sprigs, berries and stems into baubles, bunches, decorations and works of art.ÿ These are projects for indoors and out, arranged by the season, with galleries of projects to inspire, step by steps projects to copy and technique masterclasses to help readers develop their own skills. The Crafted Garden is about bringing the outdoors in and being inspired by nature. It's about recapturing the joy of making daisy chains, of nature tables of foraged finds as an antidote to modern life. This book relies on home-grown and foraged plant material to open up the imagination and capture seasonality, whether that's to add a touch of individuality to a dinner party or for making the perfect housewarming gift. Reuse, recycle recreate are the ideas behind each project. LOUISE CURLEYÿhas a growing audience through her widely read blog,ÿhttps://wellywoman.wordpress.comÿand features in Gardeners' World, Grow Your Own, Garden Answers and the Guardian. Her first book, The Cut Flower Patch, has received many plaudits, been translated across Europe, and this second combination of Louise's inspiration and Jason Ingram's photography makes a compelling and giftable package. Crafting projects using garden gatherings is an increasingly popular area of interest, as people extend from grow-your-own to make-your-own. The green credentials of this book, as with The Cut Flower Patch, will be self-evident.