For centuries, hedges have been used as natural barriers. Hedges, whether woven or not, play a crucial role in promoting biodiversity. Hedges provide protection against floods and erosion, absorb CO2, and create a homely (or 'comfortable') feeling in the landscape. In short, hedges provide numerous ecosystem services. However, for various reasons, hedges are increasingly disappearing from our landscape. Biogeographer Kenneth F. Rijsdijk (Universiteit van Amsterdam) and Jaap Dirkmaat (director of the Vereniging Nederlands Cultuurlandschap) are advocates for a large-scale reintroduction of hedges in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Our Jet Bakels spoke with Rijsdijk and Dirkmaat. She discusses with Rijsdijk, among other things, what exactly those 'ecosystem services' of the hedge are – services that Rijsdijk has described in detail in his recently published book Heg. With Dirkmaat, Bakels discusses, among other things, what is needed to make such a large-scale reintroduction of hedges possible. In short, ideal listening material for anyone with a big heart for sustainability, heritage, and also striving for a more climate robust landscape.
Listen to the podcast episode '(Woven) Hedges: Biodiversity Advantage' here
Kenneth F. Rijsdijk and Jet Bakels during the recording of this podcastepisode