Timing of berry depletion rates of three common hedgerow shrubs

Many hedgerow shrubs have the potential to produce an abundance of berries that provide a vital winter resource for a variety of taxa. This study examines the temporal variation in the availability of berries on three of the most common hedgerow species in the UK, i.e. hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose. Because of their abundance, convenient size and early ripening, hawthorn berries are preferred when fruit of all three species are available. Berries are utilised from early October until the middle of January, by which time the crop is almost depleted. In the arable landscape of the UK, hedge cutting most frequently occurs between harvest and drilling (July–October). Later timing (and reduced frequency) of hedgerow cutting is therefore recommended to enhance the availability of this important winter resource.