Traditionally its likely that many trees were cut to provide fodder for animals, and that animals were allowed to more freely graze surrounded by significant numbers of trees, or adjacent to regularly laid hedges in the UK. Now we are looking for more nature positive farming methods, and ideas of how livestock and wildlife can live together, utilising trees and plants for multiple uses is becoming more and more popular. Hedges are fantastic for wildlife, and if they can provide a home for bugs, birds and bees, whilst also providing food and shelter for livestock, that has to be a win win win. Remembering how we used to do that however, and what works best, now needs to be relearned, and places like the Knepp Estate are helping lead that charge.

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