biodiversity assessment tool

Biodiversity Protocol Assesment Tool

User Guide

The Hedgerow Biodiversity Protocol has been developed for farmers, land managers and advisors interested in harvesting woodfuel from hedges to identify and monitor potential biodiversity impacts and to aid decision making in the planning and design of hedge management for woodfuel.

This is the Biodiversity Protocol Assessment Tool, here you can access and print off the survey sheets you require to assess your hedges, enter the data you have collected, and view the results of your surveys.

The tabs or sheets coloured in green are for data entry while tabs coloured in purple provide infomation such as the survey results. The survey sheets are located in sheets with a blue cloured tab.

Please refer to the survey hand book for surveying methods and further infomation on how to use the tool. The survey handbook is available from www.twecom.com

Photos: Rob Wolton, Hedgelink

The Hedgerow Biodiversity Protocol has been developed for farmers, land managers and advisors interested in harvesting woodfuel from hedges to identify and monitor potential biodiversity impacts and to aid decision making in the planning and design of hedge management for woodfuel.

This is the Biodiversity Protocol Assessment Tool, here you can access and print off the survey sheets you require to assess your hedges, enter the data you have collected, and view the results of your surveys.

The tabs or sheets coloured in green are for data entry while tabs coloured in purple provide infomation such as the survey results. The survey sheets are located in sheets with a blue cloured tab.

Please refer to the survey hand book for surveying methods and further infomation on how to use the tool. The survey handbook is available from www.twecom.com

HEDGE DATA ENTRYFarm and landscape

DateName of Farm Size of farm (ha)Total length of hedgerow on farm (km)Total length of hedgerow surveyed (km)Number of individual hedges on farmNumber of individual hedges surveyed

Individual HedgesHedge Reference Number 1

123

Notes:

1 Length of the individual hedge (m)2 Hedge side surveyed3 Hedge growth stage4 Average height of hedge shrub (m)5 Average width (m) 6 Average height of base of canopy <0.5m?7 % gaps (to nearest 5%)8 Any gaps >5m9 Number of hedgerow trees10 Number of hedgerow trees with veteran features11 Number of woody species12 Three most dominant woody species:

13 Less than 10% cover of non-native woody species?

14 Bank type15 Bank height (m) 16 Ditch type

17 Adjacent land use 18 Margin width (m)19 Cover of nettles, cleavers and docks under 20%?

20 Current management

21 Evidence of wildlife

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Key

Enter data

NOTE: Enter the data from your hedge survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. Some data entry boxes provide you with a drop down list to select from.

9

NOTE: Enter the data from your hedge survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. Some data entry boxes provide you with a drop down list to select from.

BUTTERFLY SURVEY DATA ENTRY

Additional Survey ResultsHedge Reference Number

Butterfly species Enter number of individuals recorded below:CommaBrimstoneGatekeeperRingletLarge WhiteSmall WhiteGreen-veined WhiteMarbled WhiteLarge SkipperMeadow BrownSpeckled WoodPainted LadySmall TortoiseshellRed AdmiralPeacockCommon BlueHolly BlueSmall Copper

Species Unknown Total number of individual butterflies recorded: 0 0Butterfly Abundance (USE IF ONLY ABUNDANCE IS RECORDED)Total number of individual butterflies recorded*:

1 Length of the individual hedge (m)

* enter the number of butterflys seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

KeyEnter data

NOTE: Enter the data from your butterfly survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

Enter number of individuals recorded below:

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* enter the number of butterflys seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

NOTE: Enter the data from your butterfly survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

BUMBLEBEE SURVEY DATA ENTRY


Bumblebee species Enter number of individuals recorded below:Heath bumblebeeWhite-tailed bumblebeeBuff-tailed bumblebeeRed tailed bumblebeeTree bumblebeeGarden bumblebeeEarly bumblebeeCommon carder bumblebee

Species Unknown Total number of individual bumblebees recorded: 0 0 0Bumblebee Abundance Total number of individual bumblebees recorded*:


* enter the number of bummblebee seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

Key

Enter dataNOTE: Enter the data from your bumblebee survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

Enter number of individuals recorded below:

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* enter the number of bummblebee seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

NOTE: Enter the data from your bumblebee survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

BIRD SURVEY DATA ENTRY


Bird species Enter number of idiviuals recorded below:ChaffinchCorn BuntingGrey partridgeHouse sparrowLinnetMeadow pipitsRed leg PartridgeReed buntingSkylarkStarlingTree sparrowYellowhammerBullfinchCirl buntingCuckooDunnock/Hedge sparrowLesser redpollLesser spotted woodpeckerMarsh titRed-backed shrikeSong thrushSpotted flycatcherTree pipitTurtle doveWillow titBarn owl BuzzardRed kiteKestrelRookWhitethrout


Key

Enter data

NOTE: Enter the data from your bird survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

Species unkownTotal number of indiviual birds recorded: 0 0Bird Abundance Total number of indiviual birds recorded*:

* enter the number of birds seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

Enter number of idiviuals recorded below:

NOTE: Enter the data from your bird survey in the main data entry form below for each individual hedge surveyed. If no individuals were seen leave cell blank, do not enter a "0". If an abundance only survey was carried out, enter the total number of individuals seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* enter the number of birds seen here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

GROUND FLORA SURVEY DATA ENTRY


Ground flora speciesBluebell Bracken Bramble Bush vetchCleavers **Common knapweedCommon nettle**Common vetchCow parsleyCreeping buttercupCreeping cinquefoilCreeping thistleCut-leaved cranesbillDocks **Dog’s mercuryDove’s-Foot cranesbillGarlic mustardGermander speedwellGreater plantainGreater stitchwortGround ivyHedge bedstrawHerb-Robert Hogweed Ivy Lords-and-ladies Primrose Ragwort Red CampionRed cloverRibwort plantainSpear thistleViolet White cloverWood anemoneMoss


Key

Enter data

NOTE: If a plant species was recorded to be present in either of the two quadrats enter the number 1 in the relevant data entry cell. This indicates that that species was present, a species was not recorded in either of the quadrats leave the cell blank and do not enter a '0'. If an abundance only survey was carried out enter the number of different types of plant seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

Species Unknown Total number of different types of plant: 0 0Ground flora species richnessTotal number of different types of plant*:

* enter the number of different types of plant here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

NOTE: If a plant species was recorded to be present in either of the two quadrats enter the number 1 in the relevant data entry cell. This indicates that that species was present, a species was not recorded in either of the quadrats leave the cell blank and do not enter a '0'. If an abundance only survey was carried out enter the number of different types of plant seen at the bottom of the data entry form.

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

* enter the number of different types of plant here if the abundance only survey was carried out and species not recorded

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

HEDGELINK'S FLAGSHIP SPECIES

Flagship species Present on farm

Purple ramping fumitory

Orange-Fruited Elm-lichen

Large or Moss carder-bee

Brown hairstreak

Goat moth

Common lizard

Tree sparrow

Bullfinch

Yellowhammer

Key

Enter data

NOTE: How many of Hedgelink's Flagship species do you know to be present on your farm? Indicate a status for each of the species in the data entry form below using the drop down list. A total will be automatically calculated.

Soprano pipistrelle

Hedgehog

Dormouse

TOTAL 0

Results

Hedge survey indicatorsIndicatorConnectivity Hedge network densityDensity of hedgerow trees Structural diversity of hedgesHedges in favourable condition Food resources

Hedge managementCategoriesHedges potentially suitable for coppicingHedges providing a good food resourceHedges in favourable conditionHedges in unfavourable condition

Graphs

PLEASE NOTE: Biodiversity graphs are only calculated if full additional surveys are carried out

Connectivity

Hedge network density

Density of hedgerow trees

Structural diversity of hedges

Hedges in favourable condition

Food resources

0

1

2

3

4

5

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

Butterfly DiversityNumber of individuals per hedge

Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

3

6

9

12

15

Bumblebee DiversityNumber of individuals per hedge

Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Bird DiversityNumber of individuals per hedge

Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

Measurement Result Score% of hedges with good continuity #DIV/0! #DIV/0!average km of hedge per ha #DIV/0! #DIV/0!average number of trees per km of hedge #DIV/0! #DIV/0!number of hedge growth stages present on the farm (out of 7) 0 1% of hedge network in favourable condition #DIV/0! #DIV/0!% of hedge network providing a good food resource #DIV/0! #DIV/0!

Hedge reference numbers

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Biodiversity graphs are only calculated if full additional surveys are carried out

Connectivity





Food resources

0

1

2

3

4

5

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

Butterfly DiversityNumber of individuals per hedge

Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

3

6

9

12

15

Bumblebee DiversityNumber of individuals per hedge

Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

How to interpret your diversity graphs

Data from the additional surveys has been displayed in the bubble graphs to the left. These graphs plot the number of species along the Y axis is and diversity score along the X axis. Each bubble represents a hedge and the size of the bubble is determined by the number of individuals counted including all species.

These graphs can be used to indicate the overall biodiversity status of your hedges. The better the biodiversity of your hedges the closer the bubbles will be to the top right hand corner of the graphs and the bigger the bubble will be - this shows your hedge support a high number of individuals , species and has a high diversity score. If your hedges support a low level of diversity then the closer the bubbles will be to the bottom left hand corner of the graphs.

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 10

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Diversity score

Num

ber o

f spe

cies

Farm scale - additional surveysIndicator Abundance Butterflies 0Bumblebees 0Birds 0Ground flora N/A

Hedge scale - additional surveys Hedge reference number

Butterflies 0Total number of individuals (if species recorded) 0Total number of individuals (abundance only) 0Number of species 0Diversity score #DIV/0!Bumblebees 0Total number of individuals (if species recorded) 0

Total number of individuals (abundance only) 0Number of species 0Diversity score #DIV/0!Birds 0Total number of individuals (if species recorded) 0Total number of individuals (abundance only) 0Number of species 0Diversity score #DIV/0!Ground flora 0Number of different plants (if species recorded) 0Number of different plants (species not recorded) 0Woody species 1Number of woody species 0

Hedgelink' s flagship species Flagship species Present on farmPurple ramping fumitory 0Orange-Fruited Elm-lichen 0Large or Moss carder-bee 0Brown hairstreak 0Goat moth 0Common lizard 0Tree sparrow 0Bullfinch 0Yellowhammer 0Soprano pipistrelle 0Hedgehog 0

Dormouse 0TOTAL (out of 12) 0




Abundance (species NOT recorded) Number of species Diversity score0 0 #DIV/0!0 0 #DIV/0!0 0 #DIV/0!

N/A 0 N/A

Hedge reference number

0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0

2 3 4 5 60 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

7 8 9 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

#DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0! #DIV/0!0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 0

Whether a hedge is in favourable condition is determined by the following attributes and is based on the criteria developed and defined by the Steering Group for the UK BAP for Hedgerows.

1. Less than 20% combined cover of nettles, cleavers and docks.

2. Maximum of 10% cover by non-native woody species.

3. At least 1m in height and 1.5m in width.

4. No gaps over 5m.

5. Less than 10% gaps.

6. Base of canopy less than 0.5m above ground for shrubby hedgerows.

To improve the condition of a hedge actions such as those in Table 1 as suggested in the Defra Hedgerow Handbook (2007) could be undertaken.

Management Recommendations

Connectivity


Based on your survey results you may have identified indicators you wish to improve on or specific hedges that require management changes to bring them back into favourable condition. Management recommendations for each of the hedge survey indicators have therefore been collated below. More general information on hedge management for biodiversity and how to reduce the impacts of coppicing hedges for woodfuel on wildlife can also be found here. These recommendations are based on your indicator scores and are not intended to be prescriptive but to offer guidance on how they maybe improved.

For further information on managing hedges see the Hedgelink website :

www.hedgelink.org.uk

Hedgerows, particularly those connected to woodland, have been found to provide additional habitat and facilitate the movement of a number of species. Increasing hedgerow habitat and landscape connectivity should therefore be beneficial to biodiversity especially if hedges are combined and connected to other semi-natural features such as ponds and woodlands.

To improve landscape connectivity:

1. Maintain and improve habitat connectivity across the farm by linking existing habitats such as woodland and ponds with new hedges and managing existing hedges to increase connectivity

2. If under 2 metres allow hedge width to increase by reducing side flailing pressure.

3. Plant up any large hedge gaps with native hedgerow species.

4. If flailing, incrementally increase cutting height each time by 10-15cm to promote dense growth.

5. Control livestock access to hedges to prevent the hedge bottom being grazed and the development of gaps. Fencing may be required.

6. Leave outgrowths of bramble and rose, along with patches of suckering blackthorn and elder.

7. Maintain hedgerow trees or plant new trees either side gate ways. This may provide connectivity across gateways for species such as the dormouse.




Hedgerow trees are of great importance to wildlife with 57% of the 130 priority BAP species associated with hedges known to use hedgerow trees. The optimum density of hedgerow trees is thought to be approximately 1 tree per 50m of hedge.

To improve density of hedgerow trees:

1. Aim for a density of approximately 1 tree per 50m of hedge

2. Where the density of hedgerow trees is too low encourage new ones by selecting and marking promising saplings or stems to grow on or plant new trees

3. Look after mature hedgerow trees, buffer the root system which can extend into the field from agricultural operations

4. Selectively fell existing trees if the density is too high and trees are shading hedge shrub and coppice regrowth

5. Retain standing and fallen deadwood

Habitat heterogeneity is closely associated with biodiversity. Although hedges are highly regarded for their biodiversity value, it is unlikely a hedgerow network consisting of hedges of the same growth stage can meet the needs of a wide range of flora and fauna. Hedges managed on a coppice rotation will produce a range of growth stages, providing structural diversity within the landscape, and therefore opportunities for a diversity of organisms.

To increase structural diversity:

1. Produce a 10-20 year management plan for the hedges of your farm where possible have different hedges coppiced, laid, or flailed each year as well as leaving a proportion unmanaged each year

Plan to have short, tall and in-between hedges. As a rough guide, aim for 5% of hedges to be recently laid or coppiced, 60% between 1m and 3m tall, 30% between 3m and 5m high, and 5% lines of trees (Hedgelink, 2014).

2. If some of your hedges have become lines of trees, manage these as lines of trees rather than coppicing to regain a hedge.

3. Hedge laying is a good technique for stimulating dense bushy growth at the base of a hedge, creating a livestock-proof barrier and a great habitat for wildlife. Manage a section of hedge by laying to increase the types of hedge you have on your farm.





4. No gaps over 5m.




Loss of hedgerows has been identified as a major factor in the decline of many plant and animal species associated with agricultural landscapes in the UK. Reasons for the decline in their presence and quality include the loss of a direct economic value, agricultural intensification, and the abandonment of traditional management practice such as coppicing.

To increase hedgerow density:

1) Increase your length of hedges by having smaller fields and planting new hedges for both wildlife and woodfuel.

2) When planting new hedges it is important to selcet the right species - think about whay you are planting the hedge and which species are best. Try to use a wide range of different and locally appropriete native shrubs and trees.

Food resources

General management of hedges for wildlife

Habitat heterogeneity is closely associated with biodiversity. Although hedges are highly regarded for their biodiversity value, it is unlikely a hedgerow network consisting of hedges of the same growth stage can meet the needs of a wide range of flora and fauna. Hedges managed on a coppice rotation will produce a range of growth stages, providing structural diversity within the landscape, and therefore opportunities for a diversity of organisms.

To increase structural diversity:

1. Produce a 10-20 year management plan for the hedges of your farm where possible have different hedges coppiced, laid, or flailed each year as well as leaving a proportion unmanaged each year

Plan to have short, tall and in-between hedges. As a rough guide, aim for 5% of hedges to be recently laid or coppiced, 60% between 1m and 3m tall, 30% between 3m and 5m high, and 5% lines of trees (Hedgelink, 2014).

2. If some of your hedges have become lines of trees, manage these as lines of trees rather than coppicing to regain a hedge.

3. Hedge laying is a good technique for stimulating dense bushy growth at the base of a hedge, creating a livestock-proof barrier and a great habitat for wildlife. Manage a section of hedge by laying to increase the types of hedge you have on your farm.

Hedgerow management has a strong influence on fruit (berries and nuts) production. For example hawthorn berry yields from uncut hedges have been found to exceed those annually flailed due to fruit only occurring on second year growth. Although fruit production will be diminished for a few years after coppicing, a hedge under coppice management which is only side flailed every 3 years is likely to provide a much better food resource to wildlife than a hedge which is flailed annually.

To improve a hedges value as a food resource:

1. Increase flowering and fruiting by reducing flailing to once every three or four years only.

2. Cut hedges on rotation and no more than a third in any year.

3. Avoid trimming early between March and early September, cutting most hedges in January or February if possible.

4. Coppice hedges late in the winter (Jan-Feb) to maintain food resources (hedgerow berries)

5. Retain dead wood within hedgerows wherever possible.

6. If flailing, incrementally increase cutting height by 10-15cm each time.

7. When planting new hedges include a range of species that provide food throughout the year such as willow (early nectar) and hawthorn (summer flowers, autum berries).

8. Encourage flowers and grasses at the base and margins of a hedge - do not spray or cultivate too close.





4. No gaps over 5m.




Table 1. Management actions to consider to restore hedges to a favourable condition as suggested in the Defra Hedgerow Survey Handbook (2007).

Reducing advise affects of coppicing on wildlife

Due to the variability in species requirement and of hedgerows it is unlikely one single prescription of hedgerow management can meet the needs of all wildlife in a given area (Hinsley and Bellamy 2000). Hedgerow management should therefore target specified aims appropriate for individual localities. These aims may be directed at certain species of interest or conservation value or more broadly to increase overall biodiversity. Where the intention is to increase biodiversity more generally, Hinsley and Bellamy (2000) recommend the following commonly promoted rules of management.

1. Combine hedgerows with other habitats

2. Increase hedge width (preferably 2m) and vegetation density of short narrow hedges.

3. Increase structural diversity between hedges - variation in height, number of trees.

4. Trim hedges on rotation so that not all hedges are cut in the same year.

5. Provide a variety of hedge at different sizes and types within a given locality.

6. Cut late in the winter to maintain food resources.

7. Maintain good cover at the base of a hedge - prevent over grazing and herbicide drift and only cut once every 5 years after flowering to control scrub and outgrowth.

8. When restoring or creating new hedges take into account the type of wildlife/birds you would expect/ know of and tailor the management and design.

9. Encourage flower rich margins

Below are recommendation quoted from 'Wood fuel from hedges' by Devon Hedge Group (2014).

1. Before any work begins, assess likely impacts on biodiversity, landscape character, cultural heritage, public access and views, to identify features of particular importance so they can be safeguarded. (The opportunity may also be taken to assess the risk to re-growth from deer, rabbits, etc.).

2. Manage no more than half the hedges on a farm through coppicing without any subsequent top trimming. Retain some mature lines of shrubs and trees or allow them to develop. Laying some hedges will help to preserve this traditional skill as well as landscape connectivity.

3. Plan to have a cropping rotation that is between 10 and 20 years in length (depending on species present). This will safeguard bank structure, maintain woody and herb floral diversity and limit any impact on landscape character.

4. Introduce any coppice rotation gradually, with no more than 5% of hedges on a farm coppiced in any one year. This will ensure that structural diversity at the farm scale is maintained and help to retain habitat continuity.

5. Retain mature hedgerow trees and keep the shrub line on either side of those with particular aesthetic or biodiversity value short. These trees will include fruit trees, those with significant veteran features (large trunks, rot holes and dead wood) and those with important lichen communities. This will both help to maintain local landscape character and to conserve the rich biodiversity associated with open-grown trees.

6. Engage local communities and landowners through information and advice before works starts.

Hedge Survey Sheet

Date: Hedgerow reference number

Consider the whole hedgerowHedgerow characteristics

1 Length of the individual hedge (m)2 Hedge side surveyed3 Hedge growth stage (see notes)4 Average height of hedge shrub (m) to nearest 25cm5 Average width (m) to nearest 25cm6 Average height of base of canopy (m) to nearest 25cm78 Any gaps >5m9 Number of hedgerow trees

10 Number of hedgerow trees with veteran features11 Number of woody species12 Three most dominant woody species:

123

13 Less than 10% cover of non-native woody species?Associated features

14 Bank type (see notes)15 Bank height (m) 16 Ditch type (see notes)

Margins17 Adjacent land use (see notes)18 Margin width (m)19 Cover of nettles, cleavers and docks less than 20%? (see notes)

Hedge management20 Current management (see notes)

Wildlife21 Evidence of wildlife

Notes:

% gaps (to nearest 5%)

Butterfly Survey Sheet

Start time: Weather: Date:

Finish time: Hedgerow reference number

Butterfly species

Comma

Brimstone

Gatekeeper

Ringlet

Large White

Small White

Marbled White

Large Skipper

Speckled Wood

Painted Lady

Red Admiral

Peacock

Common Blue

Holly Blue

Small Copper

Additional species

Green-veined White

Meadow Brown

Small Tortoiseshell

Species Unknown

Bumblebee Survey Sheet

Start time: Weather: Date:


Common bumblebees

Weather: Date: Hedgerow reference number

Common bumblebees

Heath bumblebee

White-tailed bumblebee

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Red tailed bumblebee

Tree bumblebee

Garden bumblebee

Early bumblebee

Common carder

bumblebee

Species Unknown

Heath bumblebee

White-tailed bumblebee

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Red tailed bumblebee

Tree bumblebee

Garden bumblebee

Early bumblebee

Common carder

bumblebee

Species Unknown

Bird Survey Sheet

Start time: Date: Weather:


Farmland birdsChaffinchCorn BuntingGrey partridgeHouse sparrowLinnetMeadow pipitsRed leg PartridgeReed buntingSkylarkStarlingTree sparrowYellowhammer

KestrelRookWhitethroutHedgerow BAP speciesBullfinchCirl buntingCuckooDunnock/Hedge sparrowLesser redpollLesser spotted woodpeckerMarsh titRed-backed shrikeSong thrushSpotted flycatcherTree pipitTurtle doveWillow titSpecies unknown Additional speciesBarn owl BuzzardRed kite

Ground Flora Survey Sheet

Date: Hedgerow reference number1

Plants Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2Bluebell Bracken Bramble Bush vetchCleavers **Common knapweedCommon nettle**Common vetchCow parsleyCreeping buttercupCreeping cinquefoilCreeping thistleCut-leaved cranesbillDocks **Dog’s mercuryDove’s-Foot cranesbillGarlic mustardGermander speedwellGreater plantainGreater stitchwortGround ivyHedge bedstrawHerb-Robert Hogweed Ivy Lords-and-ladies Primrose Ragwort Red CampionRed cloverRibwort plantainSpear thistleViolet White cloverWood anemoneMoss

Tree seedlings: Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2(list species)

Additional species Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2

*If a species is present within a quadrat mark with a tick, cross or some kind of mark to indicate its presence

Abundance Survey: Birds, Butterfly, Bees and Ground Flora

Weather: Date:

Hedgerow reference number

Bumblebees

Butterflies

Birds

Ground flora Q1

Ground flora Q2


Bumblebees

Butterflies

Birds

Ground flora Q1

Ground flora Q2


Bumblebees

Butterflies

Birds

Ground flora Q1

Ground flora Q2

* For butterflies, bumblebees and birds, simply record the number of individuals seen irrelevant of species.For ground flora note down the number of different plant species seen in each quadrat.

Hedgelink Flagship species

Butterflies http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

18 Butterfly outline, http://www.instructables.com/id/Paper-butterflies-decoration/

bumblebees

1. Purple ramping fumitory Fumaria purpurea http://www.wildflowersofireland.net/plant_detail.php?id_flower=102&wildflower=Fumitory,%20Common%20Ramping2. Orange-fruited elm-lichen Caloplaca luteoalba https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/23/d5/63/23d5639e6a0173364b51de06bb68c2c9.jpg3. Large (Moss) Carder bee Bombus muscorum http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/29/2911/6CSPD00Z/posters/keith-porter-common-carder-bee-adult-worker-peterborough-uk.jpg4. Brown hairstreak butterfly Thecla betulae (Rob Wolton) 5. Goat moth Cossus cossus http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/images/goat_moth_rw.jpg6. Common lizard Zootoca vivipara http://www.stephenburch.com/other/reptiles.htm7. Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula http://www.wildbirdseeds.co.uk/lincs/index.php/whats-that-bird-mainmenu-7/26-bullfinch8. Tree sparrow Passer montanus http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eurasian-tree-sparrow9. Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinellahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowhammer10. Soprano pipistrelle Pipistrellus pygmaeus http://www.conserveireland.com/mammals/soprano_pipistrelle.php11. Hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus http://www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/john-ingham/405726/Hedgehogs-are-safer-skulking-than-exploring-open-spaces12. Dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius (Rob Wolton)

1. Small White, Photographer: Kit Peel2. Large White, Photographer: Buchan Boy3. Comma, Photographer: Vince Massimo4. Gatekeeper, Photographer: Neil Freeman5. Ringlet, Photographer: Vince Massimo6. Green veined white, Photographer: Neil Freeman7. Marbled White, Photographer: Pete Eeles8. Large Skipper, Photographer: Nick Broomer9. Meadow Brown, photographer: Neil Hulme10. Speckled Wood, Photographer: Neil Freeman11. Painted Lady, Photographer: Vince Massimo12. Small Tortoise shell, Photographer: Neil Hulme13. Red Admiral, Photographer: Neil Freeman14. Peacock, Photographer: Pete Eeles15. Common Blue, Photographer: Neil Freeman16. Holy Blue, Photographer: Trevor17. Small copper, Photographer: Vince Massimo

1. Bumblebee Conservation, http://bumblebeeconservation.org/about-bees/identification/common-bumblebees/2. Bee outline, http://www.clipartbest.com/bumblebee-outline

Fumaria purpurea http://www.wildflowersofireland.net/plant_detail.php?id_flower=102&wildflower=Fumitory,%20Common%20RampingCaloplaca luteoalba https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/23/d5/63/23d5639e6a0173364b51de06bb68c2c9.jpg

Bombus muscorum http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/29/2911/6CSPD00Z/posters/keith-porter-common-carder-bee-adult-worker-peterborough-uk.jpg

Cossus cossus http://www.hantsmoths.org.uk/images/goat_moth_rw.jpg

Pyrrhula pyrrhula http://www.wildbirdseeds.co.uk/lincs/index.php/whats-that-bird-mainmenu-7/26-bullfinchPasser montanus http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/eurasian-tree-sparrow

Pipistrellus pygmaeus http://www.conserveireland.com/mammals/soprano_pipistrelle.phpErinaceus europaeus http://www.express.co.uk/comment/columnists/john-ingham/405726/Hedgehogs-are-safer-skulking-than-exploring-open-spaces

Bumblebee Conservation, http://bumblebeeconservation.org/about-bees/identification/common-bumblebees/

Bombus muscorum http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-473-488-90/29/2911/6CSPD00Z/posters/keith-porter-common-carder-bee-adult-worker-peterborough-uk.jpg

biodiversity assessment tool

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