How hedges help combat air pollution
As concerns about air quality grow, hedges are emerging as a natural and effective solution to help reduce pollution – especially in urban environments. These green barriers do more than just mark boundaries; they actively clean the air we breathe.
Details from the Royal Horticultural Society highlights that hedges can capture airborne pollutants, including particulate matter from traffic emissions.
Positioned between roads and residential areas, hedges act as filters, trapping harmful particles and improving local air quality.
Ultrafine particles
A study led by the University of Cambridge and Lancaster University found that roadside hedges significantly reduce ultrafine particle pollution around schools.
Using magnetic analysis, researchers showed that hedges can absorb particles from vehicle exhaust, brake pads and tyres. These particles, known as PM2.5 and PM10, are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially in children.
Beyond pollution control
Beyond pollution control, hedgerows also contribute to biodiversity, carbon capture and climate resilience. According to The Tree Council, hedges are the UK’s largest wildlife habitat and play a vital role in absorbing carbon and filtering pollutants. Natural England’s recent report even suggests that hedgerows can store as much carbon as some woodlands, making them a key player in nature-based climate solutions.
Hedges for public health
With more than 700,000km of hedgerows across Britain, their potential to improve air quality and public health is immense.
As urban areas continue to expand, integrating hedges into city planning and school environments could be a simple yet powerful step toward cleaner air and healthier communities.
Ordering your hedging
We’re taking orders for bareroot hedging and trees now and are able to despatch stock into the spring. Get your orders in ASAP. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you with your hedging requirements; whether you need free advice or to order stock.
To help extend the supply season, we use our state-of-the-art 3,000 cubic metre cold store. We also have container hedging available all year round.
Find out more
Like to know what varieties we grow and the benefits of using each one? Our Bareroot Hedging and Forestry Catalogues are also available to download here.
If you like a physical copy, please call us on 01432 845200 or email enquiries@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk.
Not a business?
Visit our Wyevale Hedges website. It’s designed to cater to individual customers looking to purchase hedging on a smaller, non-wholesale scale.