Dry Stone Walls & Hedges

Managing Hedges in the National Landscape

The National Landscape has around 78 miles or 126 kilometres of hedgerow. They are found predominantly in the lower-lying areas of farmland, in particular the eastern fringe of the National Landscape in the Yealands, Warton and Beetham, along the A6 corridor. Smaller lengths of hedgerows can also be found around Arnside and Silverdale villages as well.

Hedgerow Wildlife

Hedgerows are vitally important for wildlife as they provide physical homes, food, shelter and are a route of passage for wildlife connecting up the landscape. Over 500 plant species, 60 species of nesting bird, many hundreds of invertebrates and almost all of our native small mammal species have been recorded as being supported by hedgerows.

Hedgerow Threats

Like almost everywhere in Britain, many miles of hedges were taken out during the agricultural improvements following the Second World War. This largely stopped when the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations gave legal protection to most hedges. However, hedgerows are still at risk for numerous reasons. These include:

  • Degradation through neglect whereby the hedgerow may grow out into a line of trees or a hedgerow becomes gappy
  • Mismanagement through excessive flailing causing a loss of woody species and loss of structure
  • Fertilisers use reduces opportunities for flowering plants which are outcompeted by nettles and cleavers

Good Management Practices

Hedgerows require a dynamic management approach with the ultimate goal being a thick, dense hedgerow which has high wildlife value and provides benefits to people as well. To achieve a healthy hedgerow different management techniques need to be applied including:

  • Cutting hedgerow gradually higher and wider through incremental cutting i.e. cutting about 10cm higher and wider than the previous trimline
  • Trimming at the best time for nature whenever possible, ideally in January or February. This leaves many of the wild berries and fruit available for wildlife over winter
  • Cutting hedgerows in rotation every two or three years allowing for greater flower and fruit abundance with the added benefit of reducing workload on land managers
  • Planting up gaps to create one continuous hedgerow
  • Laying or coppicing an old or degraded hedgerow to allow for new growth and a denser canopy
  • Care for hedgerow trees as they provide fantastic opportunities for wildlife. Retain old, mature trees as well as select young trees within the hedge, that are not cut or laid, to recruit as new hedgerow trees or plant new trees with the hedgerow

For further information about good hedgerow management, check the following websites:

 Hedgelaying

Hedgelaying is a traditional rural skill, carefully cutting and weaving a living hedge to create a strong and sturdy barrier. A lain hedge can provide a wonderful habitat for wildlife, with dense vegetation and lots of native berries and other food.

In Arnside & Silverdale we work with the Lancashire & Westmorland Hedgelaying Association to deliver regular hedgelaying training events, as well as hosting an annual competition. Keep an eye on our events programme for dates, or get in touch to find out more about our rural skills training and volunteering opportunities.

Hedgerow Survey

In 2025, the National Landscape team conducted a landscape wide survey to document the extent and condition of hedgerows within the area, with the last landscape wide survey completed in 2010.

The surveys mapped hedgerow extent, as well as other basic parameters such as hedgerow condition and structure, height, width and number of hedgerow trees.

Following the surveys the total length of hedgerows with the National Landscape was 126.02km.

Split across the various parishes the total lengths are as follows:

  • Arnside: 14.59km
  • Beetham: 28.84km
  • Silverdale: 9.06km
  • Warton: 23.75km
  • The Yealands: 49.75km

Around 30% of all hedgerows within the National Landscape are well managed. 39% of hedgerows were found to be in an over-trimmed condition though simple management changes could bring these hedgerows back into better overall condition.

Other key information was found including the planting of 8.1km of new hedgerows and 4.9km of hedgerows having been laid within the past 5 years. 20% of all hedgerows were found to have at least one hedgerow tree along their length, or in other words a tree every 63m within a hedgerow.

The landscape wide Hedgerow Map can be found online here.

A couple hedgelaying at Coldwell Nature Reserve

Image: Bay Photographic

Managing Drystone Walls

Dry stone walls are traditional boundaries, created by placing rocks on top of each other without using mortar or cement. Dry stone walls have been used for at least 5,000 years and they are an example of a rural heritage skill that helps support wildlife.

To maintain a dry stone wall:

  • Conduct regular checks of dry stone walls; this can help alleviate bigger repair jobs.
  • If small gaps appear or stones get knocked off, repair as soon as possible, like for like.
  • Check for fallen stones, slumping, vegetation growth, overhanging tree risk, damage by people, machinery or livestock.
  • Check for birds’ nests and other wildlife to make sure you don't disturb them whilst working (wait until after bird nesting where necessary).
  • Use original or local stone. Keep lichens and other vegetation to the outside.
  • Retain any heritage features like stiles, gate posts, sheep creeps and topstones.
  • Never mortar a dry stone wall.

Further resources about dry stone walling:

If you wish to maintain dry stone walls it may be possible to get funding via Countryside Stewardship: Countryside Stewardship BND1: Maintain dry stone walls (Defra)