National Hedgerow Week 2026
Friday, August 28th – Sunday, September 6th
A partnership between the Heritage Council and Teagasc, National Hedgerow Week aims to raise awareness of the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity, farming, climate and heritage.
Events are free to attend and are open to all.
From August 28th to September 6th, 2026, National Hedgerow Week celebrates one of Ireland’s most valuable natural resources.
Throughout the week, Teagasc and the Heritage Council will share a series of short articles, events and practical advice highlighting the many ways hedgerows support farming, wildlife, climate action and our rural heritage.
The importance of hedgerows
Ireland’s hedgerows are among the country’s most recognisable landscape features, but they’re far more than boundaries between fields. They are living habitats that support wildlife, protect natural resources, shelter livestock and connect us with our heritage.
A healthy hedgerow is alive with activity throughout the year. In spring, its blossoms provide vital nectar for bees and other pollinators. During summer, birds such as robins, wrens and yellowhammers nest safely within its branches, while insects thrive among its flowers and leaves. As autumn arrives, berries become an important food source for birds and small mammals.
For farmers, hedgerows are equally valuable. They provide natural shelter and shade for livestock, help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality by trapping nutrients and sediment, and can store significant amounts of carbon when managed well. They also act as wildlife corridors, linking habitats across the landscape and allowing nature to move and flourish.
Hedgerows are also woven into Ireland’s history. Many have stood for generations, reflecting the stories, traditions and farming practices that have shaped our countryside. Protecting and managing them carefully ensures they continue to benefit both people and nature for years to come.
Whether you manage land, enjoy walking in the countryside or simply appreciate Ireland’s rural landscape, we hope you’ll take a few minutes to look at the hedgerows around you. They quietly work every day, supporting wildlife, protecting our environment and shaping the landscapes we all value. National Hedgerow Week is an opportunity to celebrate them and perhaps see them in a whole new light.
Key activities for National Hedgerow Week
During National Hedgerow Week, we’ll explore these themes through Teagasc Daily articles, expert insights and events taking place around the country.
Events are free to attend and are open to all. The events scheduled for the week is organised by Teagasc, Local Authority Biodiversity Officers, hedgerow organisations and others.
For a full listing of events from National Hedgerow Week, visit the Heritage Council website.
To learn more about the importance of hedgerows, visit here.
National Hedgerow Week is a partnership between Teagasc and the Heritage Council