Devon hedge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Devon hedges comprise of an earth bank topped with hedgerow shrubs. The bank may be faced with turf or faced with stone. If stone-faced, the stones are generally placed on edge, though around gateways the stones are often placed flat.

A quarter of Devon's hedges are thought to be over 800 years old.^[1] There are approximately 33,000 miles (53,000 km) of Devon hedge.^[1] Which is more than any other county. This is because the traditional farming throughout the county has meant that less Devon hedges have been removed than in other counties.

Devon hedges are particularly important for wildlife habitat. Around 20% of the UK's species-rich hedges occur within Devon.^[2] Over 600 flowering plants, 1500 insects, 65 birds and 20 mammals have been recorded living or feeding in Devon hedges.^[2]

Hedge laying in Devon is usually referred to as steeping and involves cutting and laying steepers (the stems) along the top of the bank and securing them with crooks (forked sticks).