is the collective name of a group of English hop varieties originally known as dwarf hops and hedgerow hops. The name was changed to hedge hops after growers thought that hedgerow suggested wild rather than cultivated hops. Hedge hops grow shorter than conventional varieties, often no higher than 2.5 meters (roughly 8 feet), which allows them to be raised on a lower wirework system. They can be harvested by mobile machines that comb the hops from the hedge without needing to cut the bines. This dramatically reduces the labor intensity of hop cultivation and thus the overall cost of production. The compact growth also makes hedge hops more accessible for targeted spraying, which is another cost savings. Hedge hops are cultivated mostly in the West Midlands of England, although there are also breeding programs for hedge varieties in Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States. The original breeding program for hedge hops was started by Dr Ray Neve in 1977. It was continued by Dr Peter Darby in 1981. The first commercial variety, First Gold, is a Golding-like dual-purpose hop suitable for both bittering and aroma additions that was released for commercial cultivation in 1995, followed by five additional varieties: Herald was released in 1996 and has since been discontinued. Pioneer is primarily a bittering hop that was released in 1996. It may also be used for dry hopping. Pilot, a bittering hop, was released in 2001. Boadicea is a dual-purpose hop that was released in 2005. Finally, Sovereign, a Fuggle-like hop, is used primarily for its aroma. It was released in 2006. See first gold (hop), pioneer (hop). Currently, roughly one-quarter of all hop acreage in the United Kingdom is planted with hedge hops.