Hedgerows

Most of the hedgerows in the Yorkshire Dales are relatively poor in the number of shrub species they support. Hawthorn is the main species followed by elder, rose species, blackthorn and in some areas, crab apple. The richest type of hedgerows contain five to ten species with hazel a component of older, richer hedgerows. These older hedgerows also tend to have a rich ground flora which consists of species characteristic of woodlands such as, dog’s mercury, male fern, herb-Robert and ivy. Hedgerows are not common in the Dales and are restricted mainly to the Cumbrian parts of the Park, the lower ends of Wensleydale and Airedale and to the south-western corner near Ingleton. Hedgerows are of high biodiversity importance. Consequently, hedgerow habitat is on the UK list of priority habitats for biodiversity action.