#BookReview HEDGELANDS by CHRISTOPHER HART #NonFiction @chelseagreen

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this joyous journey around the wild edges of Britain, Christopher Hart takes us through the life, ecology and history of the humble British hedge, showing us how this much-loved (but somewhat overlooked) feature is inextricably woven into our language, history and culture. Hedges – or hedgerows – have long been an integral part of the British landscape; a bastion of privacy for our gardens, a protective presence on winding country lanes and a vital hiding place for birds and beasts on farmland. This man-made marvel is finally getting its time in the sun. Recognised as an environmental hero and a powerful climate ally, hedgerow is now considered the greatest edge habitat on earth, offering thorny scrub, mature woodland, grassland and even wetland. It plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and provides essential protection against the elements. Hedgelands highlights the hawthorn and hazel of ancient hedges; the abundance of wildlife, from the elusive dunnock to the striking nightingale, the industrious hedgehog to the little harvest mouse; and the free pickings that the hedgerow offers, making it an essential – and delicious – element of any countryside ramble. Hedgelands will tell you everything you never thought you needed to know about this wild, diverse and rich habitat – and you might even look at your humble hedge in a whole new way.

Publisher – CHELSEA GREEN PUBLISHING

PURCHASE LINK

Amazon UK

MY REVIEW

This was a thoroughly interesting and timely read, considering how much destruction of hedging is going on in the country right now. It takes you on a real journey and teaches you so much about the simple ‘hedge’ and it’s importance in so many aspects of nature. Something we’ve taken for granted over the years and now need to educate more people in keeping them and protecting them going forward.

This is a really passionately written book and I have learnt so much from it!! The author takes you through the history of hedges, full of astonishing facts, along with learning about the different practices used for layering and conservation, as well as focussing on the incredible benefits to wildlife that each hedge has. It really has made me notice more when I’m out and about, or even in the local neighbourhood and seeing the changes over the years from a well stocked hedge being ripped out and replaced by fencing or clipped privet which has no benefits for wildlife.

He looks at the changes in attitudes towards hedges throughout the years, from something that was sought over to it’s current standing where many are being got rid of. He also shares knowledge of the different plants that can be used for hedging, along with the wildlife that use it and other wonderful bits of advice in helping the wildlife and eco-system in your garden or local area.

This is a really important book for people to read and I just hope that the knowledge of people increases through work like this so that we can see an increase in beneficial hedging again and halt the decline of wildlife habitats.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

My thanks to Chelsea Green Publishing for the copy in return for a fair and honest review.