The role played by hedgerows is well known and documented, They make a signicant contribution to the historic, cultural and landscape value of the countrysrde and provide habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna, several groups of which have been shown to have positive associations with hedges of dense woody structure and few gaps, a good width and many layers of vegetation. in some European countries, hedges are protected by legislation and designated a priority habitat under the EU Biodiversity Strategy.