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HEDGE
Hedge:
Hedge: a line of shrubs covering more than 25% of the length of the boundary.
Shrubs are defined by a shrub
growth form. Common hedge species are
hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa),
hazel (Corylus avellana), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and sycamore
(Acer pseudoplatanus). The woody species gorse (Ulex europaeus),
broom (Cytisus scoparius), dog-rose (Rosa canina) and bramble
(Rubus fruticosus) are not considered when assessing hedge shrub
cover.
A Hedge can have associated features such as a bank, fence, stones or
a ditch. Hedges have usually been planted but may be formed by shrub colonisation
on other field boundary types such as Earth banks or Dry stone walls.
Trees, defined by tree growth form, can also be
present in a Hedge as small or large trees. Hedge management can vary
from largely unmanaged to activities such as flat-topping, flailing or
coppicing.
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