The Guardian reports hedgerows help slow down the runoff of water, guarding against flooding and soil erosion, and act as barriers to help prevent pesticide and fertiliser pollution getting into water supplies. Studies show they can improve the quality of air by helping trap air pollution.

The independent Climate Change Committee recommends planting 40% more hedgerows by 2050, and the government needs to commit itself to this target in the run-up to Cop26, the UN climate change conference in Glasgow this autumn.