Q: I have been lucky enough to purchase an 80 acre woodland situated around 900 ft above sea level. We have goshawks, pine martin, a wonderful assortment of birds and other animals but I would like to attract hedgehogs and badgers etc. There are no hedges left around the woods and we wondered if we should try replanting and see if that will help. There is a river boundary on one side and common grazing land all around that but we have been threatened with wind turbines on the hill above and I am worried for the goshawks' safety.
Regards, Pam Hopkins
A: Hello Pam, your woodland sounds like a fantastic haven for wildlife! Replanting the hedgerows with a native mix of plants such as hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, oak and a variety of wild roses will further enrich the wildlife value of your woodland and attract many invertebrate and animal species. Remember, it is important to consider how you will maintain your hedges in the future.
It can be difficult to attract badgers into a new area unless there is an active sett nearby. However, hedgerows will improve the area by providing cover and, in the case of hedgehogs, a place to hibernate. They also provide berries which can be a valuable alternative food source for badgers. Both of these mammals eat earthworms and other invertebrates which thrive in deciduous or mixed woodland where there is plenty of rotting wood and leaf litter left on the woodland floor.
In response to your concerns for the safety of the goshawks, it's true that particular wind farms, for example, in the United States, have received publicity due to the negative impact they have had on bird populations in their locality. Several studies have since been completed to assess the impact of wind farms on bird populations in the UK, in terms of disturbance, habitat loss and collisions with turbines. Consequently, UK wind farms are now subject to very stringent planning regulations in relation to their effects upon local wildlife. However, if you feel you need further guidance on the planning and Environmental Impact of wind farms, one of the best sources of up to date information and advice is the RSPB.
I hope this helps!
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