In this episode of Creative Connections, we explore one of the most familiar yet often overlooked features of the British countryside: the hedgerow. What is a hedgerow? Why were they planted? How are they managed? And what plants, wildlife, traditions and folklore can be found within them? Join us as we take a closer look at these living boundaries, from hawthorn and blackthorn to hazel, elder and sweet chestnut, and discover why hedgerows remain such an important part of our landscape today. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe and share it with others who enjoy the natural world and the stories behind it. The video version can be found at: https://youtu.be/K95aFW2my9o Image and video credits: All video footage and many of the photographs were created by Creative Connections. Additional images sourced from Wikimedia Commons are listed below with full attribution and licence details. Hawthorn (121199447).jpg. Andy / Andrew Fogg from near Cambridge, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Colours of Hawthorn Blossom 3 - geograph.org.uk - 4506402.jpg. Colours of Hawthorn Blossom 3 by Bob Harvey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hawthorn - geograph.org.uk - 4180352.jpg. Hawthorn by Bob Harvey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Blackberries, Pitts Lane - geograph.org.uk - 1492491.jpg. Trish Steel, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Blackthorn blossom - geograph.org.uk - 6804639.jpg. Blackthorn blossom by Robin Webster, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Butterfly on Bramble Blossom - geograph.org.uk - 5496729.jpg. Butterfly on Bramble Blossom by Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Elder blossom - geograph.org.uk - 8329590.jpg. Elder blossom by Jonathan Billinger, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Ripe Elderberries - geograph.org.uk - 1493180.jpg. Jonathan Billinger / Ripe Elderberries, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Ripening hazel nuts, Churchland Fields - geograph.org.uk - 5301926.jpg. Ripening hazel nuts, Churchland Fields by Patrick Roper, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hazel Catkins - geograph.org.uk - 7421480.jpg. Hazel Catkins by Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Ilex species, Common Holly 1 - geograph.org.uk - 1045017.jpg. Jonathan Billinger / Ilex species; Common Holly 1, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Dog Rose - geograph.org.uk - 452045.jpg. Pam Goodey / Dog Rose, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Dog Rose - geograph.org.uk - 3784952.jpg. Dog Rose by Bob Harvey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Field maple leaves - geograph.org.uk - 6492336.jpg. Field maple leaves by Bob Harvey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Ash tree leaves - geograph.org.uk - 7637002.jpg. Ash tree leaves by Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cuckoo spit in the hedge - geograph.org.uk - 852264.jpg. ceridwen / Cuckoo spit in the hedge, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Froghopper nymphs from Cuckoo spit - geograph.org.uk - 6504677.jpg. Froghopper nymphs from Cuckoo spit by M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Recently cut hedgerow on Piper's End, Letty Green - geograph.org.uk - 7042928.jpg. Recently cut hedgerow on Piper's End, Letty Green by David Howard, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Modern hedgelaying (geograph 3734710).jpg. Bob Harvey / Modern hedgelaying, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Towpath, hedge and farmland near Castlecroft, Wolverhampton - geograph.org.uk - 7645488.jpg. Towpath, hedge and farmland near Castlecroft, Wolverhampton by Roger D Kidd, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Farmland near Radwinter End - geograph.org.uk - 5835352.jpg. Farmland near Radwinter End by M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hawthorn blossom alongside Hearts Delight Road - geograph.org.uk - 4972492.jpg. Hawthorn blossom alongside Hearts Delight Road by Marathon, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Haws - geograph.org.uk - 281815.jpg. Anne Burgess / Haws, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Brambles, 2 - geograph.org.uk - 5052027.jpg Brambles, 2 by Jonathan Billinger, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Common Froghopper (Philaenus spumarius) (14446738521).jpg. Martin Cooper from Ipswich, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hedgerow_in_Blossom_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2906234.jpg. Hedgerow in Blossom by Tony Atkin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Hedge trimming near Little Wauldby Farm (geograph 6686490).jpg. Ian S / Hedge trimming near Little Wauldby Farm, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Berries in the hedgerow - geograph.org.uk - 5974472.jpg. Berries in the hedgerow by Adrian S Pye, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. #Hedgerows #SouthDowns #Wildlife #BritishCountryside #CreativeConnections