Blackbirds, thrushes and, robins, all treat the hedgerow like a well-stocked larder come late summer and autumn. The tangle of branches also makes rather good nesting real estate, safely out of reach of anything with designs on their eggs.

Come spring, the hedgerow blossoms and the bees, butterflies and hoverflies duly turn up for it, quietly responsible for most of the fruit we'll be foraging later.

Hedgehog motorways… Hedgehogs dart down the hedgerows between gardens and woodland, while mice and bats all rely on the shelter and snacks on offer. Foxes tend to potter along too, making the most of whatever insects, fruit and smaller creatures happen to be about.

Ladybirds, beetles, spiders and all manner of other mini beasts thrive in the hedgerow's many nooks. These little critters feed the birds and mammals above… the circle of life.

Peter Rabbit™ knew a good hedgerow when he saw one (thank goodness his own blackberrying trip ended rather better than his fathers did). Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail, (much more sensible), went off and picked blackberries like well-behaved rabbits should. Peter, naturally, went straight for Mr McGregor's garden instead, because the grass really is always greener when there's a locked gate involved.

There’s a useful lesson in there somewhere about foraging responsibly… or at least listening to your mother!

As the summer days shorten, the blackberries ripen, and just like that, it's time for blackberry foraging. Collect a colander for all sorts of jams, jellies, compotes and puddings.