Hampstead Heath hedgerows
Hampstead Heath has 4 kilometers of hedgerows, including ancient hedgerows mentioned in the domesday book of 1086! These provide sheltered habitat corridors for wildlife such as hedgehogs and bats, as well as nesting areas for birds like declining Song Thrushes and Whitethroats. The flowers, berries and leaves provide a larder for a wide variety of wildlife.
Since early 2022 we have planted over 200 metres of new native hedgerow, and helped restore and conserve much more!
An important part of the Heath’s management plan is to maintain, improve and extend hedgerows for wildlife. We have planted new native mixed hedging around Parliament Hill and the Savernake road entrance to help wildlife , especially to encourage hedgehogs and House Sparrows.
Our volunteers also help the City of London Corporation to maintain existing hedgerows and scrub areas. Often this involves blocking gaps with ‘dead hedges’ or brush piles of woody material to limit access to these wildlife refuges and allow flora to regenerate. We also remove lots of litter from hedges to protect the wildlife that lives there.
How you can help
Donate to our Habitats appeal to support the work of our conservation volunteers maintaining the Heath’s habitats - or volunteer with us!
Please respect fencing and dead hedge barriers, and don’t enter hedgerows, as this can compact the roots and trample habitat.
Please don’t encourage children and dogs to play in hedgerows. Sadly, we often find litter, broken glass and waste in hedges, so they are not a safe place to play!
