Native species hedgerows and traditional Devon hedge banks are important landscape features, and wildlife habitats and are often of historic value.

They enrich the landscape, are a key component of the established local scene, are frequently highly diverse in terms of species present and, in many cases, are also of historic significance marking ancient field or parish boundaries.

They often provide valued wildlife habitats, hosting many threatened species such as dormice. Hedgerows may also be protected by conditions attached to planning permissions for a development and/or property covenants.

Development should conserve and enhance the existing hedgerow network and opportunities to create new native hedgerows and banks should be taken, where appropriate. New native hedgerows and banks may be required as mitigation under planning permissions.

Native hedgerows and Devon banks

Planting a traditional Devon hedge