A new study by researchers from the Netherlands and Australia has found that bushy hedges are an effective means of maintaining biodiversity in urban landscapes. Compiled by surveying green spaces in urban locations, the study found that locations with dense hedges had a greater diversity of species than those with only grass or open space. Unlike grass, dense hedges provide a range of habitats for multiple species from sheltered nests to an environment in which small creatures can thrive. The findings can be used to shape future urban landscaping design to make green spaces more favourable to the growth of hedges.
New Study Highlights Importance of Bushy Hedges in Urban Landscapes
Urban landscapes are playing a vital role in our lives. They are not limited to just being a source of aesthetics and beauty, but they work as habitats for many different species as well. However, as the population of the world’s cities increases, they are starting to take over more and more land that was once covered in native plants and habitats for different wildlife.
That is why researchers have conducted a new study which highlights the importance of bushy hedges in urban landscapes. The study found that these hedges are a major factor in maintaining biodiversity and supporting various species in cities.
The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Netherlands and Australia. They surveyed the green spaces in a range of urban landscapes and recorded the number of different species that were found in each area. They found that the areas with more bushy hedges had a greater diversity of wildlife than those with just grass and open space.
Bushy hedges, unlike grass, provide a diverse set of habitats for different species. The dense foliage and branches provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. The hedges also provide a complex network of small spaces where insects, spiders, and many other invertebrates can thrive. All of these species make up an essential part of our urban ecosystems.
One of the study’s authors, Dr. Martin Breed from the University of Adelaide, commented that “People often forget about the importance of hedges in our cities. They are a key feature of green spaces, providing food, shelter, and breeding sites for a range of species. By recognizing this, we can better design our urban areas to support biodiversity and create more robust ecosystems.”
The importance of this research lies in its ability to shape the future design of urban landscapes. Urban planners and designers can use this information to create green spaces that are more favorable for the growth of bushy hedges, or to incorporate existing hedges into new projects.
FAQs:
1. What are bushy hedges?
Bushy hedges are walls or barriers made of dense shrubs, bushes, or trees.
2. Why are bushy hedges important?
Bushy hedges provide a diverse set of habitats for different species, offering shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals, and providing a complex network of small spaces where insects, spiders, and many other invertebrates can thrive.
3. What makes bushy hedges better for wildlife than grass or open spaces?
Bushy hedges provide a greater diversity of habitats as they offer shelter and breeding sites, and a complex network of small spaces for wildlife to thrive.
4. How can urban planners use this research?
Urban planners and designers can use this research to create green spaces that are more favorable for the growth of bushy hedges, or to incorporate existing hedges into new projects. This would result in not just a more beautiful landscape but one that supports biodiversity and creates more robust ecosystems.
