Put to the Stake - Knick Care Season Ends - Germany Honors Centuries-Old Knick Hedges as Living Cultural Treasures

The centuries-old tradition of maintaining knick hedges in Schleswig-Holstein has now been recognised as part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage. These dense, living fences stretch for tens of thousands of kilometres across the region, playing a vital role in both ecology and agriculture. Without regular care every decade or so, their protective functions begin to fade.

Knick hedges first appeared in records around 1600, with large-scale planting beginning in the 18th century under Danish royal orders. Farmers were required to establish these living barriers, which later became a defining feature of Schleswig-Holstein's landscape. By the 1700s and 1800s, the hedges were carefully designed to suit local conditions.

The composition of each knick varies by region. In western areas like Dithmarschen and Nordfriesland, blackthorn and sloe dominate, chosen for their resilience against strong coastal winds. Eastern regions, such as Holstein, favour yew, elder, and hazel, which thrive in slightly different soils. A single well-maintained knick can contain 20 to 40 different shrub and tree species.

These hedges serve multiple purposes. They act as windbreaks, slow snowdrifts, and prevent soil erosion. Wildlife also depends on them, with roughly 7,000 species—from nesting birds to insects—using knicks as food sources and shelter. To keep them effective, farmers must trim the hedges through coppicing, a practice that must be completed by the end of February each year.

Estimates suggest the total length of knicks in Schleswig-Holstein now spans between 45,000 and 60,000 kilometres. Without maintenance every 10 to 12 years, they grow thin and lose their ability to protect fields and support biodiversity.

The recognition of knick care as cultural heritage highlights its importance to the region. Regular upkeep ensures these hedges continue to shield farmland, reduce erosion, and sustain thousands of species. Without this tradition, both the landscape and its wildlife would face greater risks from wind, weather, and habitat loss.