Sixty years ago, a farmer in Brittany could walk across his local area without ever losing sight of a hedge. Today, in some parts of the region, the view stretches for miles without any vegetation. This shift isn't just a change in scenery; it's a major transformation in how water moves through the landscape. Over the years, farmers have removed approximately 12,000 kilometers of hedges to expand their fields, altering not only the region's visual identity but also the way rain interacts with the ground. Where water once slowed down, soaked into the earth, and moved at a measured pace, it now flows rapidly, creating a dramatic difference that becomes evident during heavy storms. The bocage, the traditional network of hedges in Brittany, was more than just a natural fence. For centuries, these hedges were planted on earth embankments, forming a system that helped control water flow. They served as barriers for livestock, sources of firewood, and windbreaks, but their most important role was underground. Each hedge acted like a sponge, absorbing rainwater, slowing its movement, and allowing it to gradually seep into the groundwater. This natural filtration system helped prevent rivers from overflowing and kept the soil moist during dry periods. However, over time, the number of hedges has drastically declined. In Ille-et-Vilaine, the length of hedges per square kilometer dropped from 15 to 20 kilometers in 1950 to just 4 to 10 kilometers by 2000. In Côtes-d'Armor, the amount of hedges per hectare fell from 320 meters in 1960 to 90 meters by 1990. Across Brittany, more than 40,000 kilometers of hedges have been removed, with 12,000 kilometers removed in a single wave of uprooting aimed at consolidating small fields into large, mechanized plots. This change was driven by the belief that larger, more efficient farms would be more profitable. The consequences of this transformation are becoming increasingly evident. Without hedges to slow down water flow, heavy rains now rush down slopes and into rivers much faster than before, leading to more severe and sudden flooding. At the same time, the lack of water infiltration has made the soil drier during droughts, and pollutants like nitrates and pesticides are more likely to run off into rivers. These changes have made the region more vulnerable to extreme weather events, including both floods and droughts. While France has begun to address the issue with a new initiative to plant 50,000 kilometers of hedges by 2030, the challenge remains significant. Replanting is a long-term process, and the loss of these natural water management systems highlights a broader question: are we willing to protect the environment by restoring these natural features, or will we continue to recognize their value only after they are gone?