Hedgerow Biodiversity_ Old Rail Line behind Beaufort College

Hedgerows have been planted in Navan since the 1700s as a way of dividing land and providing stock proof fencing to farmers. This mature hedgerow consists mainly of Hawthorn. By letting Hawthorn blossom instead of trimming it we can help feed many of our wildlife. Can you spot the tallest tree in the hedgerow? This tree is the last tree in hedgerow to leaf and the last one to lose its leaves.

Answer: It is the Ash tree! Other plants to find here include Wild Rose, Bramble, and Ivy.

Biodiversity wise we are onto a winner with our native hedgerows. They provide essential nectar and food for birds, bats and insect pollinators. These vital wildlife hotspots connect the urban areas to surrounding hedgerows in rural areas. Birds, like the House Sparrow rely heavily on these wildlife corridors for their survival. Unlike other birds they don't like to fly in the open spaces. Thanks to connected hedgerows they can travel safely and mate with birds from a larger gene pool. Listen: can you hear the cheep or chirrup of the House Sparrow?

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Plant a hedgerow in your garden. You can find out more about wildlife-friendly planting from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan at www.pollinators.ieRemember that trimming hedgerows is illegal and should be avoided between March  to August to protect nesting birds and other animals. Under the Wildlife Act, hedge- and tree-cutting is only permitted between the start of September and the end of February.

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