Green lanes: biodiversity reservoirs in farmland?

Green lanes are composed of an unmetalled track with field boundaries on either side; boundaries can be grass banks, hedges, wood edge or stone walls. We describe studies on the basic dimensions and structure of green lanes, their botanical composition and their value as butterfly habitat. Green lanes are compared with other field boundary structures and are shown to have high wildlife value. The importance, status and protection of green lanes are discussed as well as their potential role within agri-environment schemes for promoting biodiversity in the wider countryside.