<p><strong>Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize 2024 for Nature Writing</strong></p><p><strong>'[A] joyously readable book- it riffs along like breeze in the hedgerow.' John Lewis-Stempel in <em data-stringify-type="italic">Country Life</em></strong></p><p><strong>'Hart's passion for the potential that resides here is intoxicating. Occasionally an environmental solution comes along that is so breathtakingly simple you can't believe that not everyone is already doing it.' <em data-stringify-type="italic">Sunday Times</em></strong></p><p><strong>'[Hart] has written an eye-opening and inspiring book which will leave you with a deep appreciation of these wonderful habitats' <em data-stringify-type="italic">Daily Mail</em></strong></p><p><strong>In this joyous journey around the wild edges of Britain, Christopher Hart takes us through the life, ecology and history of the humble British hedge, showing us how this much-loved (but somewhat overlooked) feature is inextricably woven into our language, history and culture.</strong></p><p>Hedges - or hedgerows - have long been an integral part of the British landscape; a bastion of privacy for our gardens, a protective presence on winding country lanes and a vital hiding place for birds and beasts on farmland.</p><p>This man-made marvel is finally getting its time in the sun. Recognised as an environmental hero and a powerful climate ally, hedgerow is now considered the greatest edge habitat on earth, offering thorny scrub, mature woodland, grassland and even wetland. It plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and provides essential protection against the elements.</p><p><em>Hedgelands</em> highlights the hawthorn and hazel of ancient hedges; the abundance of wildlife, from the elusive dunnock to the striking nightingale, the industrious hedgehog to the little harvest mouse; and the free pickings that the hedgerow offers, making it an essential - and delicious - element of any countryside ramble.</p><p><em>Hedgelands </em>will tell you everything you never thought you needed to know about this wild, diverse and rich habitat - and you might even look at your humble hedge in a whole new way.</p><p><strong>'<em data-stringify-type="italic">Hedgelands</em> combines history, celebration, lament and warning. Christopher Hart is a companionable writer, and makes a powerful case that, at a time of ecological hazard, well-nurtured hedges can play an astonishing role in buttressing the future.' <em data-stringify-type="italic">The Spectator</em></strong></p><p><strong>'A wonderful history of the threads that stitch the British countryside together.' Jake Fiennes, author of <em>Land Healer</em></strong></p><p><strong>'A passionate celebration and exploration of our wonderful hedgerows. You'll be swept along by Hart's intoxicating enthusiasm.' Dave Goulson, author of <em>Silent Earth</em></strong></p>