Hoopers Hypothesis

[Shewie]

What's the general opinion on Hoopers Hypothesis these days, is it still creditable ?

I read about this ages ago and then forgot to follow it up, then something on telly reminded me about it tonight.

So in brief, to date a hedgerow it's the number of woody species in a 30yd length multiplied by 100.

e.g. 7 (species) x 100 = 700 years old

Has anybody ever tried it, have you been able to back it up with factual documentation ?

Just curious

 

[TomBartlett]

It seems that as of 2004 at least, Dr. Hooper is still standing by it (link)

 

[Shewie]

Ahh thanks for the link Tom

Ever tried it yourself ?

 

[locum76]

I planted a hedge with five species in it last year...

 

[Harvestman]

It works, plus or minus 200 years!

Generally.

Most of the time.

Assuming the hedgerow is relatively ancient

etc