How hedgerows contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)

In celebration of National Hedgerow Week, we highlight some of the hidden benefits and linear powers of our native hedgerows.

National Hedgerow Week is an annual UK campaign from The Tree Council and Hedgelink, dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the vital role hedgerows play in supporting biodiversity, combating climate change, and enriching the landscape.

Ground Control's Evergreen scheme has enabled over 3km of native hedgerows to be planted at our habitat banks at Wildfell and Devana, which are available as off-site BNG units for developers who do not have suitable land to achieve a 10% net gain on site. 

Over 3km of native hedgerows planted at the Ground Control Evergreen scheme's BNG habitat banks

The Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Benefits of Hedgerows

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a planning approach introduced under the Environment Act 2021, requiring that all new developments in England leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before. BNG is mandatory for most developments, mandating a minimum 10% gain in biodiversity value, as calculated using Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric.

As the United Kingdom embraces the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) framework, developers, landowners, and conservationists seek practical and effective ways to enhance biodiversity while enabling sustainable development.

One such method, often underestimated but incredibly powerful, is the protection, restoration, and creation of hedgerows. These linear features in landscapes deliver exceptional biodiversity benefits and play a pivotal role in meeting BNG requirements. 

Why Hedgerows Matter

Hedgerows, traditionally used to mark field boundaries, are far more than simple barriers or aesthetic landscape features. They are rich ecological corridors supporting a wide range of flora and fauna. In the context of BNG, hedgerows offer several distinct advantages:

Scoring in the Biodiversity Metric

Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric 4.0 includes linear habitats as a distinct category, where hedgerows are rewarded for their ecological function. Factors such as length, condition, and strategic location influence their biodiversity score. Enhancing or creating hedgerows can be a cost-effective way to achieve the required 10% net gain, especially when compared to the complexity of other habitat types.

High Biodiversity Value

Hedgerows are habitat hotspots. A well-managed native hedgerow can support:

• Over 2,000 species of plants and animals
• Nesting birds 
• Insects, including pollinators like bees and butterflies
• Small mammals and amphibians

The structure of hedgerows, with its mix of trees, shrubs, field margins, and understorey, supports species that require edge habitats or rely on linear connectivity.

Climate Resilience and Carbon Sequestration

Hedgerows contribute to climate adaptation by:

• Reducing wind speeds and protecting crops
• Providing shade and cooling
• Storing carbon in woody biomass and soil

By integrating hedgerows into development plans, landowners can meet multiple environmental goals—biodiversity, climate mitigation, and ecosystem services—all within the BNG framework.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Intervention

Compared to other habitat restoration efforts, hedgerow creation and enhancement are relatively low-cost. They require minimal land take and can often be integrated into the margins of development sites. Maintenance, while essential, is generally straightforward and inexpensive.

Best Practices for Maximising BNG from Hedgerows

To ensure hedgerows deliver maximum value under BNG:

• Use native, locally appropriate species in planting schemes such as Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Hazel (Corylus avellana), Dog Rose (Rosa canina), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Field Maple (Acer campestre), Spindle (Euonymus europaeus), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana), Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
• Ensure structural diversity—incorporate trees, shrubs, and a grassy margin.
• Manage hedgerows traditionally (e.g., coppicing, laying) to prolong ecological value.
• Avoid excessive trimming, especially during bird nesting season.

Conclusion

As developers, planners, and land managers navigate the requirements of Biodiversity Net Gain, hedgerows offer an invaluable, nature-based solution. Their ability to support diverse species, connect habitats, and provide climate resilience makes them an essential component of sustainable development strategies. By recognising and investing in the power of hedgerows, stakeholders can not only meet regulatory requirements but also contribute to a richer, more connected natural environment.

Working with partners such as The Tree Council, the Environment Agency, and the Woodland Trust, Ground Control has facilitated and enabled the planting of extensive native hedgerows across the UK. This includes our woodland creation and landscaping services, off-site habitat banking, and volunteer planting days.