Hedges are among Devon’s most important wildlife habitats. A single hedge can support well over 2,000 species. Hedges are vital for most farmland wildlife, either as their main habitat or an essential component of a suite of habitats – without them, many populations would crash.
Devon hedges and wildlife 1 describes the wildlife of Devon hedges and what features make a hedge particularly good for a wide range of species. It also lists some of the special species found in Devon’s hedges, including the Plymouth pear, brown hairstreak butterfly, cirl bunting, greater horseshoe bat and Devon whitebeam.
Devon hedges and wildlife 2 provides further information on the wildlife of flowers, field margins and ditches that form part of all good Devon hedges, together with information on how margins and ditches should be managed. Hedges and edges need good management for best value to wildlife.
One of Devon’s most special hedge species is the hazel dormouse. Follow this link for full information on how these endearing mammals use hedges, how to find out if you have them, and how best to manage hedges for them.

Eristalis pertinax on blackthorn, Maymead, 26 Apr 09, Rob Wolton

Devonian whitebeam flowers and leaves, Locks Park, 28 May 2009, Rob Wolton

Devonian whitebeam berries, Locks Park, 16 Oct 09, Rob Wolton

Crab apple leaves and apples, Rob Wolton

Cirl bunting (male), Tom Wallis

Brown hairstreak, 2005, Rob Wolton