Hedgerow biodiversity explored at Teagasc Oak Park event
Stakeholders interested in biodiversity, agriculture, forestry and landscape management gathered at Teagasc Oak Park on May 22 for an event celebrating United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity, Teagasc researcher, Dheeraj Rathore fills us in on the key happenings from the event.
The event, ‘Hedge Habitat Zones in a Farmed Landscape featuring An Introduction to the Hedgerow Appraisal System (HAS)’, held as part of National Biodiversity Week 2026, was co-hosted by Woodlands of Ireland and Teagasc.
It provided an opportunity for landowners, farmers, ecologists, students, researchers, advisors and biodiversity practitioners to explore the important role of hedgerows in supporting biodiversity, provision of habitat and enhancing landscape connectivity.
Hosted at the Teagasc, Oak Park Research Centre, the event combined presentations, discussion and field-based demonstrations centred on the Hedgerow Appraisal System (HAS), a standardised methodology developed by Woodlands of Ireland to support the surveying, assessment and management of Ireland’s hedgerow network.
Joe Gowran, CEO of Woodlands of Ireland, and Hedge Conservation and Management Consultant, Neil Foulkes, outlined the development of the HAS, its applications to date and its potential future role in supporting evidence-based hedgerow management and conservation.
The programme also included a presentation by Ivan Kelly, Teagasc Climate and Biodiversity Knowledge Transfer Specialist, who highlighted how hedge habitat zones can contribute to biodiversity enhancement on farms and support farmer engagement with environmental actions.
Attendees also heard from Teagasc Walsh Scholars Bailey Parkhouse and Karuna Shrestha, who presented their research on ash dieback and elm conservation, respectively, showcasing ongoing efforts to protect and restore important native tree species.
The afternoon field session provided participants with an opportunity to observe the Hedgerow Appraisal System in practice within the Oak Park landscape. Guided by Neil Foulkes, attendees explored local hedgerows and wooded habitats while discussing practical approaches to hedgerow assessment, management and conservation.
The event generated strong engagement throughout the day, with participants representing a broad range of expertise and interests. Discussions highlighted the increasing recognition of hedgerows as valuable habitats that support biodiversity, strengthen ecological connectivity and contribute to the resilience of farmed landscapes.
Woodlands of Ireland and Teagasc would like to thank all speakers, participants and co-organisers who contributed to a successful and informative event that fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration around the future management of Ireland’s hedgerow resource.