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<p>A Defra-funded review in 2014 by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology illustrated
the ability of hedges to store and accumulate significant amounts of carbon both above
and below ground. The value of hedgerows in carbon capture was shown to vary with
hedge structure, woody species and age. Tree lines were shown to be particularly impactful.</p><p>
</p><p>Separate analysis by the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has looked at the
existing agricultural hedges in England and estimated a total carbon stock of 9 million
tonnes.</p><p> </p><p>There is potential to increase this carbon stock in England
through hedgerow creation and reducing hedgerow removal. This is reflected in Defra’s
ongoing “Delivering Clean Growth Through Sustainable Intensification” project. The
total potential carbon savings from hedgerow creation in England, based on a high
ambition scenario, are estimated at 100,000 tonnes CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent)
over carbon budget 4 (2023–27) and 300,000 tonnes CO2e over carbon budget 5 (2028–32).
This equates to a total of 696ha and 2262ha of grassland converted to hedgerows in
carbon budget 4 and in carbon budget 5 respectively.</p><p> </p><p>Future work should
focus on gathering more empirical data on the carbon stock of hedgerows, including
below-ground carbon stocks.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>
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