III. Species Action Plans - Newcastle City Council

9. Lowland Grassland
10. Scrub, Shrub & Hedgerow
10. SCRUB, SHRUB &
HEDGEROW
General Description
Scrub
Scrub is generally an ephemeral habitat,
part of the process of succession to
woodland. It is often found at the edges,
or in glades, of mature woodland but
more extensive stands are usually
associated with neglected bare ground,
pasture or meadow. Occasionally scrub
is a relic of degraded woodland. In all
cases scrub communities are transitional
and unstable, though the soil condition
can affect the rate of scrub colonisation
or succession to woodland.
Hedgerow
A hedgerow is a row of shrubs or
bushes, which forms a boundary. This
barrier is primarily for stock control but
also provides shelter for livestock, crops
and wildlife. Hedgerows can act as
barriers to erosion, provide a visual
amenity, delineate fields and property
boundaries and provide conduits for
wildlife movement. Hedgerows are
wildlife-rich habitats and support a
number of species of concern within the
UK such as linnet, bullfinch, dunnock
and song thrush.
Hedgerows can be deliberately planted
or represent the remnants of previous
field boundaries. In association with the
woody plant species there can be a
number of associated earth works,
consisting of a bank and usually one or
two ditches along the line of the hedge
and these can sometimes be of historical
importance. Grassland margins along
with mature trees within the hedge line
are also extremely valuable as they form
an important reservoir for wildlife in
conjunction with the hedgerow.
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Shrub
Shrub is used as a term to separate
native scrub composed of species such
as hawthorn and gorse, and areas of
shrub planting using introduced species
such as cotoneaster, pyracantha etc.
Shrubs and shrubberies usually occur in
more formal landscaping schemes within
built areas, but can still provide a
significant contribution to biodiversity for
insects and birds in particular.
Current Status
Most of the valuable scrub sites found in
North Tyneside and Newcastle are found
on brownfield land, along waggonways,
road verges and isolated areas of
unmanaged open space. In addition to
this, there are also many sites where
ornamental shrubs are planted for
amenity and screening such as areas
around Royal Quays in North Tyneside
and Newcastle Business Park on the
banks of the River Tyne. Although more
manicured, these areas still provide
biodiversity value for birds and insects.
Private gardens and parks are
particularly important for scrub, shrub
and hedgerow providing some of the
largest areas for these types of habitat in
urban areas.
10. Scrub, Shrub & Hedgerow
Newcastle & North Tyneside Biodiversity Action Plan