Hedgerows

This week there has been a lot in the media about netting covering hedgerows. Like the one in the photo below in a village near to near I live.

The hedges are covered to prevent birds nesting in them while development is taking place.

Nets like this can also trap mammals such as hedgehogs who run along the hedges and badgers that may try pushing through the netting.

On a more positive note the blackthorn hedges in the field next to my house are full of blossom. Even though the weather was cool and dull the hedge was full of bumblebees.

Further down at the end of the hedge I came across a flock of Yellowhammers and Sparrows feeding on split grain.

Hedgerows certainly make a difference to wildlife. A couple of years ago we took down a wall that surrounded our front garden and replaced it with a hedge. Even though the hedge is still small I have seen increased number of birds, insects and butterflies in the front garden.

At the same time we added a small pond which is often used by the local foxes and even the badgers as a place to drink.

This morning, to my surprise, a male mallard duck was sat in it. Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo.