1 . One New Year’s Day, ecologist Rob Wolton came up with an unusual resolution—to spend the next 12 months studying a hedge(树篱) 40 metres from his house in the middle of Devon. He wanted to make a list of every plant, animal and fungus(真菌)that used it. After a year of observations he had found 2, 000 species—far more than he imagined. Wolton says he enjoyed it hugely and his findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that hedges should not be overlooked.

“There is increasing recognition that much of the wildlife finds shelter in the hedges. But they’re much more than just wildlife passages—they are really important as habitats in their own right,” he says. The European commission’s Joint Research Centre recently argued that as the climate crisis worsens, hedges are expected to play more roles as they move in response to environmental change. Their deep roots help sequester carbon(固碳), and they also reduce the likelihood of flooding downstream, suck nutrients and pollutants out of water, and prevent soil loss. Alongside these functions, there is a cultural benefit to hedges too—I think lots of us who live in England think of the hedge landscape as being quite typical, says Wolton.

After the Second World War many hedges were removed to create more productive land. Only about one in three hedges in England are in good condition, according to the most recent research done in 2017.

The main issues are hedges being cut too severely and too frequently, which leads to loss of wildlife and gaps. A squirrel, for example, will turnaround if there is a gap of five metres. New hedges are being planted with single species, instead of many, which decrease the wildlife they can support.

It’s hard to say if interest in hedges will translate into action on a national scale，and much depends on what landscape features Environmental Land Management scheme.

1. What is the significance of Wolton’s study of the hedge?

A．It makes Wolton’s resolution come true.

B．It shows Wolton’s fondness of the hedge.

C．It indicates the important role of the hedge.

D．It points out the number of animals and plants.

2. What does Paragraph 2 mainly talk about?

A．Hedges provide home for wildlife.

B．Hedges are used to fight climate crisis.

C．Hedges area typical symbol of England.

D．Hedges have advantages in different aspects.

3. Why does the author mention “A squirrel” in Paragraph 4?

A．To show the diversity of wildlife in hedges.

B．To explain the bad effect of gaps in hedges.

C．To call for more species of plants in hedges.

D．To present what the loss of wildlife is like.

4. What can we infer from the last paragraph?

A．The favorable policy on hedges is undecided.

B．Public attention in hedges will be intensified.

C．A national scale protection is soon underway.

D．Environmental Land Management will fund hedges.