Since the initiation of the Countryside Survey of Britain in 1978, records have been made beside roadside verges, stream-sides and hedges to determine their contribution to biodiversity in lowland landscapes. In a recent project in Estonia the same basic methodology has been used to collect data for a similar objective, but also to provide a framework for modelling the potential impacts of climate change on the expansion of species. 35 one kilometer squares were surveyed with records being made in over 300 plots. Because there are no hedges in Estonia, plots were placed along lines of trees and shrubs. The results will therefore be used in the paper to identify similarities in the contribution to the resources of biodiversity between the two countries, although the comparisons can only be made with the environmental classes defined as Arable Landscapes in Britain because otherwise the bio-geographical differences are too great. The verges had many species in common eg Lolium perenne and Agropyron repens and had a similar structure because of mowing regimes. There were bio-geographical differences eg the absence of Bellis perennis in Estonia whereas eastern species such as Galium boreale are present. Streamsides also had similar assemblages of wetland species but comparisons have yet to be made between hedges and lines of trees.
Therefore, although in different bio-geographical zones, linear features fulfil similar landscape ecological roles in lowland agricultural landscapes in Estonia and Britain and their contribution to the resources of biodiversity are threatened by the same processes.