Basse-Normandie (Lower Normandy) and its landing beaches are known for their hinterland made up of bocage. Since the Middle Ages, fields have been lined with small low walls, Irish style, or with hedges interspersed with fruit trees and brambles. Such a layout aimed to preserve the soil by containing rainwater. The Bataille des Haies (Hedgerows War) slowed down the US soldiers following their landing in low visibility. The Germans had a better knowledge of the field, having been there for four years, and the battle lasted until August 1944.