Between 1947 and 1985, 25% of all hedgerows in England and Wales were removed, totaling 175,000 km removed. Farmers removed hedgerows to make fields larger for more efficient use of machinery and higher crop yields. Removing hedgerows increases soil erosion risks from wind and rain and reduces biodiversity as hedgerows provide habitat for many species and enable wildlife movement between habitats.

1. REMOVAL OF HEDGEROWS: Impacts of intensive arable farming

10. Effects of removing hedgerows High biodiversity Low biodiversity Corridors provided to other habitats Wind and rain cause soil erosion Animals and plants protected from the elements Farmers able to use large machinery Increased crop yield per field Traditional English landscape – looks attractive E.g. Lincolnshire E.g. Devon