Native hedgerows support around one hundred plant species, including trees, shrubs, climbers and herbs. Countryside Management Specialist at Teagasc, Dr. Catherine Keena takes a look at these components, highlighting the vital role they play in biodiversity.
The most vital components for biodiversity in hedges are the permanent woody plants, especially trees and shrubs. Hawthorn (whitethorn) is crucial both for keeping hedges stockproof and for supporting biodiversity. Oak trees are the most valuable standard trees for promoting biodiversity, while other native species like alder, willow, or birch are important depending on soil and moisture conditions.
Seasonally, lesser celandine is one of the first flowers to appear in January – the golden yellow flower that people often mistake for buttercups, which aren’t in flower this early, followed by primroses and greater stitchwort in early spring. By April, taller plants like hogweed and cow parsley stand out as grasses grow taller. In early summer, climbing plants such as dog rose, bramble and honeysuckle dominate the upper hedge. Ivy flowers last, blooming from September through November, providing crucial nectar and pollen for late-season insects.
This diverse plant life plays key roles in maintaining the health and biodiversity of Irish hedgerows throughout the year.
In the below video, John Feehan, retired lecturer in the Faculty of Agriculture, UCD, tells us more about our hedgerow flora:
For more information on hedgerow flora, visit here.
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Hedgerow Week 2025
A collaboration between Teagasc and the Heritage Council, Hedgerow Week 2025 is an initiative to raise awareness of the value of hedgerows.
Events run from Friday, 29 August to Sunday 7 September, and include demonstrations on how to plant and manage hedgerows, how to maximise their benefits for biodiversity, and how to provide them with seasonal care.