The ancient practice of hedge laying is making a strong comeback as farmers in England turn to traditional methods to help protect wildlife, store carbon, and reduce the risk of flooding. This technique, which involves shaping and maintaining hedgerows to keep them healthy and functional, has become one of the most popular uses for government grants aimed at improving the environment on farms. With £225 million in funding available this year, around 2,500 farmers have applied for support to restore and maintain mature hedgerows. If approved, these grants will enable the laying of 1,300 kilometers of hedgerows—enough to stretch from Land’s End in Cornwall to Hadrian’s Wall in northern England and back. Hedge laying involves cutting through the stems of the hedge and laying them at an angle to the ground, which encourages new growth and fills in gaps. This process helps rejuvenate the hedgerow, making it more effective at supporting wildlife and managing water. Megan Gimber, a key habitats officer with the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, emphasized that these hedgerows are vital in addressing the climate crisis. “Hedge laying really stopped after the war, and we’ve seen a huge decline in hedgerows as a result,” she said. “These grants will give 1,300km of potentially ancient hedges a new lease of life.” Mature hedgerows are not only important for biodiversity but also act as powerful carbon sinks, capturing more carbon per hectare than forests. They offer shade for livestock, reduce soil erosion, and help absorb and store rainwater, which is crucial for flood prevention. Stephen Budding, chair of the National Hedgelaying Society, noted that the greatest biodiversity gains come from managing older hedges. “Our members are seeing a surge in work, but I don’t think this would be happening without the government grants available,” he said. Farmers like Robert Rose from Yorkshire are using these grants to restore and maintain their hedgerows. Rose is waiting for approval to lay old blackthorn, hawthorn, and ash and willow hedges on his 220-acre farm. “We lay the hedges in a modern conservation style that retains more of the bushy growth for the benefit of nesting birds as well as stock proofing,” he said. Rose and his family planted new hedges 20 years ago, but maintaining them is key to ensuring they continue to support wildlife, store carbon, and manage water. He noted that interest in hedge laying has grown significantly in recent years, with more farmers discussing the practice online and in local communities. While many farmers are focusing on restoring existing hedges, about 5,000 applications have been made for planting new hedgerows—covering around 2,500 kilometers. However, without proper management, these new hedges may not survive. Research from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology found that despite increased planting efforts, the country continues to lose hedges due to over-trimming and undermanagement. Megan Gimber explained that hedgerows need ongoing care to maintain their mid-succession stage, which supports a wide range of wildlife. A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the government is supporting farmers with funding, tools, and opportunities to improve the environment and boost productivity.