Hedgelands: A Journey Through the Wild Edges of Britain by Christopher Hart
Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize 2024 for Nature Writing
Discover the hidden wonders of Britain’s hedgerows in Hedgelands, Christopher Hart’s captivating exploration of one of our most overlooked yet vital habitats.
Hedges are far more than countryside boundaries. As Hart reveals, these living corridors are bursting with history, wildlife, and ecological importance. From the hawthorn and hazel of ancient hedges to the secret lives of hedgehogs, nightingales, harvest mice, and countless other species, Hedgelands shows how hedgerows stitch the British landscape together and act as powerful allies in the fight against climate change.
Described as “joyously readable” (Country Life) and “eye-opening and inspiring” (Daily Mail), this book combines history, ecology, culture, and natural history writing in one engaging journey. Along the way, Hart uncovers the deep ties between hedgerows and our language, traditions, and everyday lives—while celebrating their vital role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and countryside protection.
Whether you’re a walker, gardener, or lover of nature writing, Hedgelands will change the way you see the green edges of fields, lanes, and gardens forever.
Book details:
Praise for Hedgelands:
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“A passionate celebration and exploration of our wonderful hedgerows.” – Dave Goulson, author of Silent Earth
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“A wonderful history of the threads that stitch the British countryside together.” – Jake Fiennes, author of Land Healer
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“Occasionally an environmental solution comes along that is so breathtakingly simple you can’t believe that not everyone is already doing it.” – The Sunday Times
Bring the British countryside to life on your bookshelf with Hedgelands – a celebration of the humble hedge and its astonishing power to shape our future.
