An obviously well researched and interesting read, though I found the writing a little dry at times - while the author made his point with clarity and earnest enthusiasm, I wasn't particularly charmed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book. As the owner of a Devon hedge, I love these special habitats anyway, but after reading this book I appreciate them on another level, and I learned I knew a lot less about them than I thought I did! Who knew we used to have tree frogs??

Here in the UK we are one of the most nature-impoverished nations, and our poor hedges are in serious disarray. This book acts as a call to arms for us to reclaim and restore these amazing, often overlooked habitats. The sections on just how to lay and maintain a hedge I found really interesting - this is where I learned the most and found myself wanting to rush outside and improve my own!

I loved the way Christopher Hart wrote about the hedgerow in this book. His passion was clear and I really enjoyed the little touches of humour and folk-knowledge sprinkled through. The information is presented in a really accessible way. Anyone could pick this book up and find it easy to follow and learn a whole lot in the process. I highly, highly recommend, and have already ordered myself a finished copy!

Thank you so much to Chelsea Green Publishing and NetGalley for an arc to review.

If you have any interest in hedges, biodiversity or uk wildlife then this is the book for you. Easily readable without losing the depth or breadth of knowledge.

This book is great for anyone who loves nature writing, gardening, and those of us who wish to help restore our natural landscapes.
We learn the history and folklore of the hedgerow and the unfortunate neglect and destruction of many of them.
The ecological benefits of hedgerows are something we don't talk enough about and we should be!

Hedgelands by Christopher Hart must for many years go down as the definitive guide in the management of hedges. He estimates we have 400,000 kilometers, and with careful management would more effectively contribute to reducing climate change than an equivalent area of trees. Unfortunately farmers have in the past been encouraged to grub them out, and the remainder are often neglected. He persuasively argues that we are ignoring a valuable resource. After reading you'll never look at a hedge with indifference again.

Britain is one of the most nature-impoverished nations on the planet, with around 19% of our wildlife having been lost since 1970 and nearly 1 in 6 species now threatened with extinction. The decline in British hedgerows is one contributing factor. According to one study, around half of UK hedges were lost during the 20th century, with many of those remaining in poor condition.

In Hedgelands, Christopher Hart details the history of the British hedge and explains how crucial the habitat has become to our wildlife over the millennia. He also examines the impact of hedgerow loss on our wildlife and suggests what may be done to combat the issue. There’s also a chapter on the food and foraging potential that hedgerows offer us.

An approachable and informative read. Recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chelsea Green Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting, informative, thought-provoking and inspirational book.

Who knew hedges could be so exciting? Having finished this brilliant book, all I want to do is transform our tiny garden hedge into a sprawling hedgerow. I'm sure the neighbours would object, unfortunately! In case you couldn't tell, I loved this book. It's one of my favourite books of this year so far. The author takes us through the history of hedgerows as well as various aspects of them - their makeup, the wildlife they support, the food they provide, the way they help with climate change - while making a case for their preservation and the creation of more. He is passionate about his subject and certainly managed to convince me. I enjoyed the upbeat, amusing writing style and feel like I learned so much. I definitely recommend this one.

I'd like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for kindly providing me with an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Hedges are very important to the British landscape. Our village planted one for the late Queens Jubilee. This book reminds us of their worth as a haven for wildlife, from blackbirds and wrens to mice and shrews. Hedged bushes such as hazel and blackthorn give us nuts and berries, a home to various insects and shelter for our British bluebells. Hart tells us about the history of hedges, which were used in Saxon times and before. Over the centuries they have been erected by landowners to make fields, especially after the serfs lost their strips of land in the Enclosure Acts of 1750 and 1850. Traditional hedge-laying is fascinating to watch, if you ever get the chance. National Trust gardens are great at maintaining this traditional skill. Hart mentions the difficulty of getting successful prosecutions for builders who destroy hedges. Let's hope many survive for the future. Britain would look so different without hedges.

Warning - this book could turn you into a hedge nerd! I have been regaling my partner with hedge and wildlife facts - the Dunnock - who knew!
It’s a call to arms but written in a positive accessible way. By focusing on something small it loops into a bigger picture. A really enjoyable read.

Can I just say first that this cover is simply stunning! I’ve always been intrigued by hedges and the life that teems within, so when I saw this book I requested it and kept my fingers crossed. Thanks publisher and Netgalley for approving me! Now more than ever I understand just how important and valuable hedges are, to the world and so many species. Knowledgeable and passionate, Christopher has written a book that all should read. Loved the foraging tips too.

A book on hedges?! I am game. I don’t think people honestly know how important Hedgerows are for our wildlife (and a whole host of other factors. The book will enlighten and amaze you!).

Didn’t think you could be interested in a book on hedges? Think again. If you’re an ecologist, environmentalist or someone who loves nature, sure this book will completely be your bag but I’d also argue the non interested could find interest somewhere in this book too. But then again, I am the sort of person to enjoy a book on Hedges so take that as you will!

From the history of hedges, why they make a brilliant habitat, the wildlife they attract to the benefits to the environment, there really is more to the humble hedge than meets the eye.

Hedges. Who’d have thought they could be so cool!

Christopher Hart has produced a labour of love.

This is a call to arms to respect, value and protect the beauty and importance of hedgerows.
The book has a variety of focuses but passion and knowledge exudes from every page.

The history of the hedgerows and their destruction /neglect over many decades to enable so-called more beneficial farming practices is shocking.

The folklore and traditions linked to hedgerows is fascinating ( along with foraging ideas) but the sections that intrigued the most were those that highlighted the diversity of flora and fauna found within hedgerows. How the make-up of plant species and their relationship with birds, insects, animals and lichen create such unique ecosystems- very much demonstrating that hedgerows are key to the fundamental survival of so much of our natural environment.

It feels like the demise of the hedgerow is - although not fully comparable- akin to the destruction of rainforests. The discussion as to how hedgerows can fight against climate change is clear. Christopher Hart's rewilding of his hedgerows needs to be adopted nationally - well internationally in comparable climates.

A wonderful book that is highly recommended to all lovers of the natural environment and the gardener who may just decide to adopt a different approach to their own garden.