18
of hedges of known age
4. Assumption that hedges were initially
single species and were subsequently
invaded at a constant rate.
5. Lack of space in a thirty yard stretch to
accommodate more than about a dozen mature
shrubs.
6. No account taken of ecological factors
7. No account taken of the planting of mixed
hedges
8. Effect of different histories of management
9. Doubts over statistical evidence used in
support of the technique
The author of this criticism concludes that
hedges with four or fewer shrubs are likely to
date between 1750 and 1850 while those with
more are likely to be older.
On our field trip we used the species list
published by the Essex County Council Planning
Department on their Hedgerow Record Sheet.
These were:—
Ash
Blackthorn
Broom
Builace
Purging Buckthorn
Cherry
Crab Apple