Once upon a time, there was a hedge
In its midst fleeted wings, in and out and about
Where nests were stylistically constructed
And families raised, broods nurtured
A setting which provided food, shelter and fun
A channel for communication, homes for voles and mice
A landmark for the returning swallow
And perches for passers-by, a barn owl on a moonlit night.

Once upon a time, there was a hedge
Planted, tendered and lovingly contained
Smoothed out in the winter, let to sprout in spring
A wind-break and protection
Refuge for the pollinators
Indeed, it increased the yields
Putting a smile on the tiller’s face
Bringing hope to his kith and kin.



Once upon a time, there was a hedge
An old hedge with May thorn and maple
Sloe, blackberry, hazel and dog rose
A safe haven for dunnock, robin and wren
Watched over historic time
By man and his beasts
And every other beast around
The moon kept its eye on it too.

Once upon a time, there was a hedge
But alas! It is NO MORE
Torn, shaved, sliced, ravaged, amputated,
Grubbed, removed, eradicated, eliminated
Shrubs and all the homes exterminated
Animal highways and avenues wrecked
Channels of communication uprooted, yes forever
While everyone slept, unknown forces worked havoc.

When we should be planting hedges
For those who are yet to be born
We sleep undisturbed through the night
As hedges are razed
Tomorrow, we will all be asking
Where is that lovely hoot, the bark of the fox
The charm of gold finches, the yellow hammer
Dog’s mercury, male and female, and the cuckold’s pint?

They died with the hedge, our children will reply.