Planting a native hedge for wildlife
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Suggested lead photograph: planting a native hedge for wildlife
A good native hedge mixes hawthorn, blackthorn, field maple, hazel, guelder rose, dog rose and holly. Plant it bare root between November and March in a staggered double row, and trim it in winter, outside the nesting season.
A mixed native hedge is one of the best things you can plant for nature. It gives pollinators early blossom, gives birds and mammals autumn berries and nuts, and offers safe places to nest and shelter all year round.
What goes into a native mix
Each species in the mix earns its place. Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn) brings May blossom and red haws, while Prunus spinosa (blackthorn) adds early white flowers followed by sloes. Acer campestre (field maple) gives golden autumn colour, and Corylus avellana (hazel) offers catkins and nuts. Viburnum opulus (guelder rose) contributes white flowers and glossy red berries, and Rosa canina (dog rose) pale pink flowers and hips. Ilex aquifolium (holly) completes the mix with evergreen cover through winter.
We tailor the proportions to your soil and setting, so a damp site might take more guelder rose and a chalky one more field maple.
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Suggested photograph: planting
Planting
Plant bare-root whips between November and March, at about five per metre in a staggered double row. Mix the species randomly along the row rather than in blocks, so the hedge looks natural as it grows. Water in well and mulch.
Looking after it
Keep the base weed-free for the first two years. Trim in winter, between late autumn and late winter, so you avoid the bird nesting season, which generally runs from March to August. Cutting every other year, or one side at a time, leaves more flowers and berries for wildlife.
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Suggested photograph: order native hedging
Order native hedging
Our mixed native hedging can be tailored to your site. Tell us your hedge length and we will do the rest.