Turn those winter cuttings into conservation with a ‘dead hedge’

Making Space for Nature by John Orr

Ever wondered what to do with all that brash left over from pruning or clearing work undertaken this winter? Rather than sending it off to be chipped or burned, why not turn it into a dead hedge – a wildlife-friendly fortress of twigs, branches, and general woody odds and ends?

That’s exactly what a fantastic group of volunteers and I have been doing at Castle Heather, Inverness, and let me tell you, the local wildlife is already taking notice!

A dead hedge is exactly what it sounds like: a row of sturdy stakes knocked into the ground with heaps of cut branches and twigs wedged in between. It’s a no-fuss, all-natural barrier that doubles as a five-star refuge for birds, insects, and small mammals.

Why bother?

You might think a pile of sticks isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but to wildlife, it’s a prime habitat. Birds such as wrens, robins and dunnocks will happily flit in and out, using it as a sheltered nesting spot or a handy foraging ground for juicy insects.

Hedgehogs might take refuge inside, away from prowling predators. Even amphibians like toads and newts can sneak in, enjoying the damp, undisturbed corners.

Then there are the insects. Beetles, spiders, and woodlice who will move in almost immediately, breaking down the wood over time and creating an entire ecosystem. If you’re lucky, you might even attract a stag beetle or two – one of the UK’s largest and most impressive insects.

How to build one

Dead hedges aren’t just beneficial for wildlife; they’re incredibly easy to build, and you don’t need a degree in engineering to do it! Here’s how:

Find your materials – Gather up brash, twigs, and branches from tree and shrub work. No need to be fussy – variety is great!

Set up the stakes – Drive sturdy wooden stakes into the ground about 50cm apart in two parallel rows.

Fill it up – Start stacking your brash between the stakes, making sure to pack it in tightly. Over time, it will settle down, and you can keep topping it up as needed.

Enjoy the results – Stand back and admire your work! Before long, birds will be flitting in and out, and beetles will be scuttling about.

A win-win for people and nature

Dead hedges aren’t just good for wildlife; they also create natural boundaries, offer wind protection, and keep areas looking tidier than a chaotic pile of brash.

Plus, they’re a great way to get outdoors, work together, and do something hands-on for conservation. At Castle Heather, our team of volunteers has put in a stellar effort, and it’s been fantastic to see people come together to build something that will benefit nature for years to come.

So next time you’re staring at a pile of cuttings, wondering what to do with it all – don’t reach for the matches or call in the wood chipper. Build a dead hedge instead!

Trust me, the wildlife will thank you (in its own quiet, scurrying, chirping way).

• John Orr is the High Life Highland countryside ranger for Inverness.

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