Skip to main content
Dryad

Managing hedgerows for biodiversity: Disentangling the effects of trimming, structure and connectivity on the use of linear features by bats

Tarcy, Noé12; Froidevaux, Jérémy S. P.34; Leroux, Camille56; Matutini, Florence16; Kerbiriou, Christian76

Research facility: Office Français de la Biodiversité
Published Oct 16, 2025 on Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.9s4mw6mvz

Data files

Oct 16, 2025 version files 704.69 KB
Oct 16, 2025 version files 704.69 KB

Click names to download individual files

Abstract

Hedgerows are key semi-natural elements in European agricultural landscapes supporting diverse wildlife, including bats, that depend on these linear elements for foraging and commuting. Despite replanting initiatives, many hedgerows remain degraded due to intensive management practices such as over-trimming. To develop effective and generalisable conservation guidelines, more research is needed to understand how both management practices and intrinsic hedgerow characteristics influence bat species with different foraging strategies.

We conducted passive acoustic monitoring across 448 hedgerows to assess the influence of six characteristics on bat activity: trimming method, height, width, foliage density, connectivity, and woody plant diversity. We examined responses for two species associated with hedgerow landscapes (Barbastella barbastellus, Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), and three echolocation guilds: short-, mid-, and long-range echolocators (SRE, MRE, LRE), corresponding to clutter, edge, and open space foragers, respectively.

Pollarding consistently increased bat activity, especially for tree-dwelling species, likely by maintaining mature trees with larger crowns and diversified microhabitats. Coppicing generally reduced activity for SRE, B. barbastellus, and R. ferrumequinum, while increasing LRE activity. Taller, tree-filled hedgerows generally supported higher bat activity, whereas width and foliage density had more limited effects. Finally, uninterrupted hedgerow segments enhanced SRE and MRE activity, highlighting the importance of local habitat continuity in creating effective corridors for bat movement. Woody plant diversity was also positively associated with SRE activity. These results were mostly consistent across simplified open croplands and structurally complex bocage landscapes.

Synthesis and Applications: Our findings underscore the value of targeted hedgerow management in promoting on-farm bat activity, and support the integration of simple hedgerow quality assessment protocols into agri-environment schemes. Consistent with previous research, we confirm the importance of tall, tree-filled hedgerows and emphasize the need to preserve mature trees. We also provide novel insights: hedgerow continuity and low-intensity trimming methods can further improve habitat suitability, particularly for tree-dwelling bats. Our management recommendations align with evidence from other taxonomic groups, including birds and invertebrates, and can contribute to broader biodiversity conservation strategies.