2 September 2026

Shade and shelter – an understated benefit of hedgerows

After the summer just gone and the winter fast approaching, the benefits of hedgerows – often understated – are discussed as part of National Hedgerow Week, a partnership between the Heritage Council and Teagasc.

One of the most understated benefits of hedgerows is their vital role in providing shelter and shade to livestock on Irish farms.

Shelter

In wet and windy weather, you will frequently see livestock sheltered down at the base of hedgerows, taking shelter from the prevailing wind and driving rain.

Hedgerows can provide a dry lie for animals in adverse weather conditions and act as a natural windbreak under which animals will huddle for warmth.

This helps livestock conserve body heat, reducing the amount of energy used to stay warm and the effects on their immune system, thus minimising the effects of the harsh weather on their growth and productivity.

This is especially important for newborn livestock, who are naturally born with low energy reserves and are hyper-susceptible to hypothermia in the early days of life.

A dense hedge can provide shelter from winds and rain for a distance of roughly three times its height.

Shade

Shade is also increasingly critical on Irish farms. While traditionally viewed as a secondary concern in Ireland’s temperate climate, rising temperatures, higher humidity, and more intense summer heatwaves have made shade a vital requirement to heat stress in animals.

Heat stress occurs when an animal generates heat faster than it can dissipate it. Hedgerows provide shade, blocking direct sunlight on the animals, reducing their heat absorption and lowering their body temperature, meaning livestock can rest peacefully. The shade helps to reduce panting and associated drops in feed intake and performance.

Hedgerow structure

Hedgerow structure matters. Tall hedgerows with dense bases are most beneficial to livestock. Dense hedges with significant lower growth provide year-round shelter from wind and draughts through their complex network of branches, not just when in full bloom in the summer months. As hedgerows get taller, the shaded zone they create extends out into the field, expanding their zone of influence.

The above was published as part of National Hedgerow Week 2026, a partnership between the Heritage Council and Teagasc.

Click here for more information on National Hedgerow Week 2026.

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