....are oases of diversity, and genetic refuges in an increasingly monotonous landscape. They are places of shelter for so many creatures, places for them to breed and eat. Hedges also have a positive effect on rainfall, wind speed and erosion, they bring structure to the countryside and are a delight to behold. They provide fuel, and wild food for both animals and people, now and in time of crisis. A purely monetary economic viewpoint must have steered a colourful (mostly green), multi-faceted path against this kind of philosopy, justifying our claim to be thinking, sentient beings.