An Introduction to the Hedgerow Appraisal System

Neil Foulkes will guide attendees through a presentation and workshop on the Hedgerow Appraisal System. Developed by Woodlands of Ireland in collaboration with the Hedgelaying Association of Ireland (now Hedgerows Ireland) and funded by The Heritage Council, it was published in early 2013 to ensure consistent data collection for managing Ireland’s hedgerow network. Future hedgerow surveys will be encouraged to adopt the survey methodology and data assessment outlined in order to produce consistent and reproducible datasets.

More information here – https://www.woodlandsofireland.com/hedgerow-appraisal-system-best-practise-guidance-on-hedgerow-surveying-data-collation-and-appraisal/ 

Hedgerow networks are perhaps the most characteristic feature of the Irish landscape and give character to an area, providing aesthetic appeal and creating a sense of place. They define agricultural and other lands and knit the landscape into a patchwork quilt. They also provide valuable refuges for biodiversity in a landscape dominated by large tracts of intensive agriculture and function as an alternative habitat for numerous woodland plant species. In addition, hedgerows have the potential to act as corridors for regular movements and dispersal of birds, mammals (especially bats) and invertebrates through the landscape. 

Information to Note:

• Location and time to be confirmed.
• The event is an introduction to the HAS (Hedgerow Appraisal System) and is not certified.
• Future training will be advertised via Woodlands of Ireland – email info@woodlandsofireland.com with your interest.
• Please note that Woodlands of Ireland may take photographs and videos throughout the course of the event.
• The day will involve a mix of presentation and field-based walks. Please bring suitable footwear and clothing for the weather that is forecasted.

This event is made possible by funding from the Irish Environmental Network. 

Woodlands of Ireland is grateful for the core funding we receive from the Heritage Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.