Useful hedgerow plants in Surrey: knowledge, uses and wellbeing benefits

Abstract

Background: Hedgerows are a valuable feature of the British countryside and the produce from them has been used by humans for centuries. Useful hedgerow plants (UHP) are still used for food, fuel, craft and medicine, and since the Covid 19 pandemic, interest in foraging and wild edible plants (WEP) has grown, yet there is a lack of research about the cultural relationship between people and hedges. This study looked at what the Surrey public know about hedgerow plants and what wellbeing impact this knowledge offers.

Methods: Utilizing a mixed methodology centered on ethnobotany and social sciences, the research studied quantitative and qualitative data to explore the importance of hedgerows to the public. An online questionnaire and face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants from across Surrey and the results analyzed using R.

Results: Participants cited 107 species with 274 unique uses recorded. Both current and childhood residence had an impact on knowledge and usage; specifically, a rural childhood was a major factor in plant knowledge with over 80% of participants gaining knowledge in childhood. Reasons why UHP are important to the public were explored and various kinds of wellbeing, including connection to nature and community, mental health benefits, and enjoyment, are linked to knowledge of UHP.

Conclusions: There is a wide diversity of knowledge of UHP across Surrey and this knowledge, and resulting usage, can have a positive impact on both users and hedgerow health and conservation. Knowledge acquisition typically happens in childhood and resulting policy implications are suggested.

Keywords: Useful Plants, Hedgerows, Wellbeing, Connection to Nature, Wild Edible Plants, Ethnobotany, Foraging.