During 2003, the Council surveyed hedgerows in the city to find out which contained native species, such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Elm, Dogwood and Guelder Rose. Residents were invited to complete survey forms for hedgerows near to them. The survey has found over 1300 hedgerows and helped us to identify the oldest and those important to wildlife.
Why survey hedgerows?
We wanted to find out more about hedgerows in Derby because:
- hedgerows have their own collection of animal and plant life, and are an important habitat
- there is an infinite variety of hedgerows
- many provide homes, routeways and food for birds, mammals and numerous insects
- ancient or species-rich hedgerows support the greatest number of different animals
- hedgerows are valuable to us as a landscape feature and as part of our history.
Survey findings
We have found about 43% of the hedgerows across the city to be species-rich. For our survey, species-rich meant that, on average, five or more different species had to be identified in 30 metre sections of hedgerow. One hedgerow in Oakwood has been identified with 20 different species along its length, the highest count of the survey. The data has already been used by the Council and the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust when deciding about development proposals on sites. Download Derby City Hedgerows Report 
986kb.
Hedge laying
Our Derby City Hedgerows Report 986kb - identified that one of the greatest threats to Derby's hedgerows is inappropriate management. To help people plant and manage hedgerows, which are an important habitat in Derby, the Council has produced:
The Council are also working with local residents to manage hedgerows. The photographs show a hedgerow off Spindletree Drive, Oakwood. It was laid by contractors working for the Council in March 2004, at the request of local residents, as a demonstration of how to manage a hedge. Despite the drastic change, this is how a hedge does first look after it is laid! It will quickly grow back though. Hedge laying is an ancient technique of hedgerow management which involves cutting the hedge stems and binding them into each other. It is designed to keep the hedge well shaped, thick and healthy.
For additional information on hedgerows you can visit these websites
Other surveys
During 2005, the Council started to survey veteran trees in the city. It is our intention to build up a detailed database of all the city's wildlife resources to help us protect these valuable features for future generations.
The Council surveyed all ponds in the city during 2004.
For further information contact
Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby
Derby City Council
Regeneration and Community Department
Plans and Policies Section
Roman House
Friar Gate
Derby DE1 1XB
Telephone 01332 255021 Minicom 01332 256666 Fax 01332 255989 email wildderby@derby.gov.uk