Boosting hedgerows by 40% would create 25,000 jobs, new CPRE research shows

Hedgerows could become champions of climate action and nature recovery while contributing tens of thousands of jobs to hard-hit local communities, new analysis from CPRE, the countryside charity, has revealed. While the government has set clear targets to increase tree planting, it is yet to set a target for hedgerows, which are absolutely crucial in soaking up carbon, protecting against flooding and aiding nature’s recovery. Ahead of the international climate summit taking place in Glasgow in less than two months, CPRE is calling on the government for a firm commitment: set a target to increase the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050.

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recommends that the extent of our hedgerow network should be increased by 40% to support the UK government’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Now, new research conducted by the Organic Research Centre, on behalf of CPRE, has found that the benefits of setting and achieving this target would not only be for the climate and nature, as 40% more hedgerows would result in over 25,000 more jobs in hedgerow planting and maintenance in both rural and urban areas. If the right hedgerows are planted in the right place, for every £1 invested in hedgerow planting, as much as £3.92 is generated in the wider economy.

The research was launched on Monday 6 September at the first in-person environmental parliamentary reception since lockdown in March 2020, attended by the Environment Secretary, George Eustice MP; Selaine Saxby, Conservative MP for North Devon; members of the environment sector and CPRE’s network of local groups.

Commenting on the research, Crispin Truman, chief executive of CPRE, the countryside charity, said:

‘It is almost impossible to define the enormous value of our hedgerow network – just as our arteries and veins supply our bodies with nutrients and oxygen, the UK’s hedgerow network defines many of our rural landscapes and must remain healthy to benefit villages, towns and cities. Our research shows that investing in our hedgerows is a win-win for climate and people in both the countryside and urban areas.

‘Sadly, half of our precious hedgerows have been ripped from the landscape since the Second World War and we’ve seen a huge decline in nature and soaring carbon emissions. There is a lot of work to do. Local authorities can support community groups to plant more hedgerows while farmers can help by letting hedgerows grow taller and bushier.

‘But we know the government has the biggest part to play in unleashing the full potential of hedgerows. That’s why we’re calling on ministers to set a target to increase the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050 with improved protection for existing hedgerows. This would be seen as a bold step by the UK government in the lead up to hosting the international climate summit to support nature’s recovery, help grow us out of the economic downturn and tackle the climate emergency head-on.’

In its expanse, the hedgerow network is our largest, most connected ‘nature reserve’. Healthy hedgerows are teeming with life and vital for nature. One in nine of all vulnerable species in the UK are associated with hedgerows. These include the hazel dormouse, the much-loved hedgehog, whose decline has been closely associated with hedgerow loss, and the brown hairstreak butterfly, which lays its eggs on blackthorn, and is particularly common in hedgerows.

But shockingly, we have lost around half of our hedgerows since the Second World War and they are still in decline. It is clear that continued hedgerow loss will hasten the decline of these species but increasing the hedgerow network will aid nature’s recovery.

Lord Deben, Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said:

‘What was a determination to make land more productive in order to feed our people during and after the war has led to indiscriminate destruction of our hedgerows. Spurred on by Deficiency Payments and the Common Agricultural Policy, our yields rose and our wildlife diminished.

‘Since then, there has been a growing shift in thinking as farmers and landowners, environmentalists and rural communities recognise the role and value of hedgerows. Reintroduction and proper maintenance of hedgerows transforms the all too sterile prairie land into the countryside, which for long we have loved. But, as this report shows, this is not about romance – the hard facts are that hedges contribute to profit as well as to wellbeing.’

For further information, case studies or to interview a spokesperson, please contact Jonathan Jones, CPRE Media Relations Lead, 020 7981 2819/ 078 3529 1907.

About the research
In this research, commissioned by CPRE, the countryside charity, and undertaken independently by the Organic Research Centre, we provide an evidence-based analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of hedgerows. The research investigates what 40% more hedgerows could mean for nature, climate and the economy – and CPRE makes recommendations for how the government, local authorities, farmers and land managers can maximise the astounding potential of hedgerows.

About the Organic Research Centre
The Organic Research Centre (ORC) is the UK’s leading independent organic research organisation. Established in 1980, the charity has played a central role in the development of organic food and farming research, knowledge exchange, policy and standard-setting.
The ORC:
– Researches and develops practical, sustainable land management and food production systems
– Fosters knowledge exchange between researchers, producers, food businesses and related professionals
– Influences policy and public debates on the future of food and farming based on sound evidence
For more information about the ORC visit www.organicresearchcentre.com.