Devon Hedges

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Devon has more hedges remaining than any other county in the UK, reflecting its large size, its pastoral landscape and the favourable management and agricultural systems adopted by local farmers. It is estimated that there are 53,000 km (33,000 miles) of hedge still in the county, and that we have about 20% of all the species-rich hedges left in the UK.

Devon's hedgebanks are an intimate element of the farmed landscape and over large areas of the county are the main refuge for a wide range of plants and animals - the "biodiversity". The successful conservation of hedges is critical to that of Devon's characteristic landscapes and much of the county's wildlife.

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Devon Hedge Map image - PDF icon (4.79MB - pdf help)

“Devon has an amazing variety of different types of hedge – more than any other county. This map will help you to find out what the main hedge types are in your part of the county, with information about their origins, wildlife and management. A large (A1) sized poster image - PDF icon (3.05MB - pdf help) is also available free of charge – if you would like a paper copy, please contact us. Find out how the map was prepared (12KB - pdf help).

Oral History Highlights Video

If you are interested in Devon hedges and our rural landscape, this video is essential viewing. Produced as part of the Green Veins and Lanes Project, this 50 min film features professionally edited highlights from the first set of interviews recorded for the oral history. You will see and hear people comparing how hedges used to be managed and used by local communities in times past compared to nowadays.

Mr Hedges, the Westcountry Rambler

This 8 minute rhyming story written and told by Clive Pig, professional storyteller, explains why hedges are so important for us. Although aimed at primary school children, people of all ages will find it entertaining and informative. It was produced as part of the Devon Hedge Group’s Green Veins and Lanes Project.

The Higglety Pigglety Hedge

This 11 minute video story, also written and told by Clive Pig, is an amusing and entertaining account of why the hedge at the bottom of the garden is so much better for wildlife than a wooden fence ever would be. Written and told for younger children, it is designed to help them learn about why hedges are important to us all.

Hedge Photo Competition Results

The winning entries for this successful competition, in both open and junior classes, can be seen on the Devon Hedge Group website. The stunning images reveal the beauty and depth of Devon Hedges, and the vital contribution they make to the county’s people, landscape and wildlife.”

The Art of Devon Hedge Laying

Produced as part of the Green Veins and Lanes project, this short educational video looks at how hedge laying is different in Devon from the rest of the country. The video was produced by students at Faculty of Media and Performing Arts, Exeter College, as part of their course work.