What is the history of the hedgerow in the UK?
What is the history of the hedgerow in the UK? The Great British Hedge is thought to have its origins in the Bronze Age, and perhaps even in the earlier Neolithic period. Hedges were then used to manage cattle, keeping them separate from crops.
What is the famous hedge in England?
The Meikleour Beech Hedge, four miles south of Blairgowrie is the longest hedge in Britain and the highest of its kind in the world. Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the highest hedge in the world, the Meikleour Beech Hedge was planted in 1745 and is one third of a mile long (530 m) and 100 ft (30 m) high.
What is the origin of hedgerows?
“Hedgerows are lines of shrubs which were originally planted to mark ownership and provide a barrier to prevent the movement of stock such as sheep and cattle,” she says. “In the UK, many were planted as part of the Enclosures Acts in the early 19th century, however, many are much older than this.
Why did farmers plant hedgerows?
Hedges were often placed for good reasons, like preventing soil erosion. They also help reinforce the character of the local landscape. You can look at old maps to see where there used to be historic boundaries on your land. Lines of mature trees within fields may also show the route of old hedgerows.
What is the oldest hedgerow in England?
The oldest known surviving hedgerow in England is the so-called Judith's Hedge, Cambridgeshire, at over 900 years old!