Written by: Johanna Willi
2026
Dead hedges were created using tree limbs and branches generated through tree management works across the courses. The dead hedges provide additional habitat structure within the landscape, creating sheltered conditions and valuable refuge for a range of wildlife while also acting as a natural fence.
The dense network of branches and stems provides nesting, roosting and over-wintering opportunities for birds, small mammals and invertebrates, while the ground-level structure offers cover and potential hibernation sites for amphibians and other small animals. As the material naturally decomposes, it also provides an important resource for fungi, mosses, lichens and deadwood-associated invertebrates, supporting a wider range of species over time.
Dead hedges can also contribute to habitat connectivity by providing linear features through otherwise open areas, allowing wildlife to move between habitats while providing protection from disturbance and exposure. Their creation therefore provides biodiversity benefits while making productive use of material arising from ongoing habitat management, reducing the need for its removal from site.
