National Hedgerow Week 2026 – a celebration of the importance of hedgerows
From August 28th to September 6th 2026, National Hedgerow Week celebrates one of Ireland’s most valuable natural resources.
A partnership between the Heritage Council and Teagasc, the awareness raising week, supported by events, digital and social media content, National Hedgerow Week 2026 will highlight the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity, farming, climate, and heritage.
Bringing together farmers, ecologists and the public, the celebration includes a Teagasc Signpost Series Webinar on Friday, 4th September 2026, where Neil Foulkes, Hedge Conservation and Management Consultant will discuss the value of our native hedgerows, how hedgerows can be appraised, potential approaches to rewarding farmers for hedgerow quality, and more.
An integral landscape feature, hedgerows are living habitats that support wildlife, protect natural resources, shelter livestock, and connect us with our heritage. Maximising these benefits, however, can prove challenging.
To support National Hedgerow Week, a series of articles exploring the many benefits of Ireland’s hedgerows, including biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality, cultural heritage and sustainable land management, will be shared through the Heritage Council and Teagasc websites.
Furthermore, through a series of free events open to all, Teagasc, Local Authority Biodiversity Officers, hedgerow organisations and others will share knowledge and raise awareness of the importance of hedgerows.
A full listing of events organised throughout National Hedgerow Week 2026 is available on the Heritage Council website
Speaking in advance of National Hedgerow Week 2026, Teagasc Environmental Specialist, Ivan Kelly recognised the importance of hedgerows to farming landscapes across Ireland. He said: “National Hedgerow Week is an opportunity to celebrate the importance of hedgerows from a biodiversity, climate resilience, water quality, cultural heritage and sustainable land management perspective.”
“Hedgerows are woven into Ireland’s landscapes and protecting and managing them carefully ensures they continue to benefit both people and nature for years to come.
“Teagasc is once again delighted to partner with the National Heritage Council to deliver National Hedgerow Week 2026 through which, collectively, we will share key messaging on hedgerow management for wildlife, the environment and farming.”
Acknowledging the importance of National Hedgerow Week 2026, Catherine Casey, Head of Climate Change with the Heritage Council said:
“We are pleased to partner once again with Teagasc to highlight the value of our native hedgerows. They are a core part of our heritage and are nature corridors through the countryside. How we manage them can greatly enhance their environmental value.
“The week provides a great opportunity for conversations on the vast benefits of hedgerows and the best ways to manage them between farmers, landowners, community groups, and the general public. It is a pleasure every year to see how these groups learn from each other through formal events and informal conversation.”