habitat creation | hedgerow management
hedge planting
Planting hedges, whether a new hedge is to be planted or along the line of an existing old hedge it is worth considering the retention of any remaining healthy shrubs. A little well-rotted manure will ensure a quick take of the shrubs if the soil is exhausted along an old hedgeline.
The ratio of hedgerow trees whether planted or promoted from the existing trees and shrubs in the hedge, should reflect the number traditionally present. Appropriate native species should be chosen. Saplings growing up through the hedge can be tagged and allowed to develop into trees.
Recommended Native Hedge species
| Thorny wood sp. | Smooth wood sp. |
| Blackthorn | Crab apple |
| Wild cherry | Field Maple |
| Holly | Hornbeam |
| Hawthorn | Hazel |
| Dog Rose | Alder |
The care of young hedges is similar to that of planted trees, and involves mulching and weeding for the first three years or so. Hawthorn and blackthorn are normally cut back to 10cm above the ground after planting in autumn. This encourages bushy growth. The hedge is then pruned back in the winter by a third the following 3-4 seasons.
Method for Hedge planting
- Choose the species you want, judge from what trees are nearby in the woods or hedgerows.
- To be a useful wildlife habitat and barrier, most hedging needs to be done in a double row. The distance depends on how dense you want the hedge to be, and if you want it to be laid or trimmed. Trimmed hedges need to be closer together, but as a rule for both plant between 20-30cm spacing in the row, with rows 15-40cm apart.
- Where the water table is high, the creation of a well drained bank will assist in the growth of hedge plants, and the water-filled ditch will be as additional useful habitat.
- Aftercare is just as important as planting properly, mulch or weed around the new plants to favour their survival.
Guideline for Hedgerow spacing
Wildlife friendly field margins
A margin of rough grassland, at least three metres each side of the hedge, will help buffer the hedge from farming operations. If left uncut during winter it will provide a winter resting place for predatory insects that will feed on crop pests. Flowers in this grassy strip will help provide a source of nectar for bees and butterflies which will help pollinate surrounding plants. Where space allows, ponds and groups of trees and shrubs at field junctions will add to the conservation interest of the whole area. This is just as valuable in gardens, leave those borders alone and you will be surprised at the increase in activity of wildlife there.
related links
Due to the decline in Hedgerows a large number of volunteers are proficient hedgelayers, for more information:
The Hedgerow and Woodland Conservationists - Val Batt Rawden 01344 455909
Farming and Wildlife advisory group Information on Hedgerow establishment and Management