Content overview: “Hedge Laying Revival in England: Farmers Tap Ancient Craft to Fight Climate Change and Flo”. Farmers across England are rediscovering the centuries-old practice of hedge laying, a traditional land management technique that is now driving a surge in grant applications under the government’s £225 million environmental improvement scheme. This revival, particularly prominent in rural counties like Devon, Somerset, and Yorkshire, sees farmers applying for capital grants to restore mature hedges using methods perfected during the 18th and 19th centuries. The craft involves partially cutting and bending young stems to encourage dense regrowth, creating living barriers that enhance biodiversity and strengthen soil stability.
The renewed interest stems from hedge laying’s proven benefits: it captures carbon dioxide at scale, reduces surface runoff during heavy rains, and provides vital habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. With climate change intensifying flood risks and pushing agricultural sustainability to the forefront, this low-tech solution has emerged as a high-impact tool. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.