HEDGEROWS

We have a good network of hedgerows, many of which appear to be ancient and possibly mediaeval while others are more recent from the subdivision of the old Stroud Common. Additionally, newly planted hedgerows have been established across New Buildings Farm.

From my survey of the parish hedgerows, it was clear that many of the sinuous hedgerows were very old and possibly mediaeval marking former parish and other land boundaries. Other straighter hedgerows were more recent from subdivision of the old common or subdivisions of larger fields. Other hedgerows marked the boundary of the old common and more were aligned along water courses.

The older hedgerows are species-rich with many trees and shrubs associated with ancient woodland and from which they could have been derived. Later hedgerows had increasing amounts of hawthorn and blackthorn suggesting they were deliberated planted.

Typical species of the older hedgerows included woodland species field maple, hazel, holly along with other scrub species including guelder-rose, spindle, dogwood, wild privet, hawthorn, blackthorn, elder, and dog and field roses. Overall, 34 tree, shrub and climbing species were recorded across all the parish hedgerows. Many of these hedgerows will be supporting flowering herbs as well.