Hedge-rowing Our Bets?

The environmental benefits of hedgerows have been grossly underestimated (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/aug/18/plantwatch-plantwatch-climate-solution-hidden-in-hedgerows). Although down 50% on 1945 figures, the UK still has 500,000 km of hedgerows. Unfortunately, much of what remains is degraded and/or poorly managed. Hedgerows serve as refuges and provide natural corridors for wildlife moving across exposed areas of farmland. These organic barriers also slow down water runoff, reducing the risks of flooding and soil erosion. Hedgerows also limit the spread of pollutants (e.g. insecticides). Although trees tend to get all the credit, hedgerows are also carbon sinks. Their shoots, roots and leaf litter store carbon, reducing global heating as well as climate change. Some people are advocating a 40% expansion of UK hedgerows. This (with improved management) seems an excellent idea.