Young plants should be weeded and protected from stock by a temporary fence such as an electric fence. Protective fencing - Where a hedge bank has been exposed through excessive trampling and grazing by stock, a temporary fence can be erected to allow bank vegetation to regenerate. Some hedges may still need to be removed if fields are very small. When deciding on which hedges to take out, consider the effects on shelter, game, wildlife and the landscape. A large hedge, effective as a windbreak, compensates for the space it occupies by its positive effects, whereas a small hedge with many gaps may serve no purpose at all, the area it occupies being wasted.
Hedgerows are important corridors for the movement of game and wildlife.
Retain hedges which join woods, wetlands, or other areas of value to wildlife. If hedges must be removed, it may be an idea to plant up areas which are awkward to cultivate, such as field corners or steep slopes. Allowing hedgerow saplings to mature is a source of 'free' trees which are already well established. They need minimal maintenance and can provide useful source of timber as well as contributing to the character of the landscape. Spaced at 10 metre intervals they can eventually act as narrow shelterbelts.