Our commitment to sustainable farming and biodiversity
Over the last five years, the Duchy of Lancaster has made remarkable strides in its ambitious hedgerow planting project, with over 11km of hedges now established across its estates. This work reflects the Duchy’s ongoing commitment to sustainable farming and biodiversity, ensuring that its land supports both productive agriculture and thriving wildlife habitats.
Following a detailed survey of the estate’s hedgerows by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust, alongside the Duchy’s latest mapping data, planting has progressed methodically on a survey-by-survey basis. The project began in Lancashire, moved to Cheshire, and is currently halfway through Staffordshire, where planting has been split over two seasons to allow for careful establishment and growth.
Ongoing environmental stewardship
Hedgerows are vital for the environment: they act as natural corridors for wildlife, provide nesting sites for birds, support pollinators, and help combat soil erosion. They also play a crucial role in maintaining the landscape’s ecological balance by linking fields, woodlands, and waterways.
The planting mix has been carefully chosen to enhance biodiversity and long-term resilience, including Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Dog Rose, Crab Apple, Guelder Rose, Honeysuckle, Field Maple, Spindle Tree, and Dog Wood. Many of these species provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals, helping to maintain a healthy, balanced ecosystem across the Duchy’s farmland.
Through projects like this, the Duchy of Lancaster continues to demonstrate that productive agriculture and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand, creating landscapes that are rich in wildlife and sustainable for future generations.