Estimating the length of hedgerow in Suffolk (ENRR366)

This Audit of Suffolks hedgerows is an analysis of a 2 52% semi-random sample, selected as a typical cross-section, with balanced representation from each of the 6 Natural Areas that make up the County. Aerial photography taken in 1995/96 was used as the basis for plotting the lengths of hedgerow in each of 24 tetrads. Field visits were then conducted to validate the plotting by confirming that lines of vegetation were actually hedges rather than rows of trees or bramble-filled ditches. The validated plot, made on an acetate overlay to a section of 3 : 10,000 map for each tetrad, was then measured. Hedges over 70% complete were counted at 1 00%, broken hedges between 30 and 70% complete were counted at 50%, and relict hedges of less than 30% were discountcd. The results were expressed as kilometres of hedge per square kilometre.