Tales of the Irish Hedgerows

Tales of the Irish Hedgerows brings together the folklore, traditional beliefs and natural history associated with Ireland’s hedgerow plants and wildlife. Tony Locke organises the book by species, covering trees and flowers such as elder, blackthorn, hawthorn, hazel and foxglove, alongside animals including the hedgehog, badger, fox, hare and bat.

Birds, insects and other small creatures receive the same treatment, from the wren, robin and owl to the bumblebee, ladybird, frog and garden snail. Irish names accompany many entries, while accounts of fairy beliefs, protective customs, traditional uses and country lore show how closely the hedgerow has been linked with rural life and the natural world.