Hedging our bets for wildlife

By the National Trust

Planting new hedgerows is a fantastic way of creating new habitats for wildlife.

Here, our Head of Nature Conservation, Ben McCarthy, considers the fate of our hedgerows and the benefits they bring to the landscape.

“During the latter half of the last century many of our hedgerows were grubbed out in a bid to increase field size and improve agricultural productivity. While this practice has slowed in recent years, overzealous management or simple neglect have seen many of our hedgerows become tightly shorn and full of gaps.

“This has had significant impact - these historic boundaries are a mainstay of old maps whilst our wildlife has suffered as this sinuous network has been removed across whole landscapes.

“At the National Trust we’re planting new hedgerows to tackle the climate and nature emergencies. Hedgerows can be fantastic habitats when left to flower and grow and are included in our plans to plant 20 million trees by 2030.

“Hedgerows also serve as important wildlife corridors, linking together fractured landscapes and enabling wildlife to navigate across the countryside. These corridors are essential for connecting what would otherwise become increasingly isolated and vulnerable habitats.

“Some smaller species of mammal, such as voles, field mice and shrews, will not cross open areas for fear of being taken by predatory birds such as tawny owls, kestrels and buzzards. Hedgerows provide vital cover.

“They are also great navigational aids – helping bats find their way to and from their roosts and feeding grounds.

“Hedges also play a major role in preventing soil erosion by stabilising the soil, and on slopes they help to prevent soil creep and reduce the leaching of nutrients from the soil. And, like woodlands, they help to regulate water supply and reduce the risk of flooding.

“A healthy hedgerow can contain up to 15 woody species including hawthorn, hazel, spindle, wayfaring tree, field maple and elder. Some of our oldest hedgerows can be up to 10 metres wide. These can be particularly rich in birdlife including songbirds such as yellowhammer and corn bunting, as well as the more familiar robin and goldfinch.

“As well as providing song posts, shelter and nesting opportunities for both woodland and farmland birds, the nectar, berries, nuts and leaves will provide food for a range of wildlife.”

We can apply the same principles to hedge planting in gardens. Here our Head of Gardens & Parklands, Andy Jasper, provides some top tips on how to plant a successful hedgerow.

The late autumn and winter period – November to early March – is one of the best times of year to plant new hedges before the start of the growing season. The principles and reasons for planting hedgerows in the open countryside also apply to gardens – where they provide food and shelter for wildlife, including the now endangered hedgehog.

Top planting tips:

1. Consider your soil type and aspect and use of the hedge – is it for screening? Is it for impact? Consider your neighbours, especially if it’s a boundary hedge
2. Think about the types of hedging plants you’d like. Do you want a formal or informal hedge? Something which is evergreen or deciduous? A mixture of different native tree species could offer year-round interest and is great for wildlife. Some of the best trees to consider for garden hedging are hawthorn, beech, privet, rosa rugosa, yew, euonymus, pittosporum, black thorn, holly, laurel and Photinia red robin, forsythia, escallonia and fuchsia, lilac. 
3. Order your trees from a reputable supplier – preferably either as bare rooted tree whips, root balls or peat free containers. Try to find a supplier that grows peat-free.
4. Prepare the ground by digging your trench and follow the planting and preparation guidelines from your supplier, for example, use mushroom compost or mycorrhizal fungi if using roses. 
5. Carefully plant your trees and firm the soil around them with gentle pressing using your foot
6. Add surface mulch to improve moisture retention if required.
7. Water in and regularly check your new hedge to ensure sufficient moisture to help them establish - especially during the growing season.
8. Keep an eye on the weather and temperature. If there is a dry spell, water your hedging sparingly. 
9. Regular pruning will help establish the plants as a thick healthy hedge.
10. Sit back and enjoy watching your hedge grow!