Bare root planting

With the bare root planting season in full swing, discover the best species for your hedgerow planting scheme.

Farm Hedging Species

A staple of the traditional English countryside view, farm hedging offers numerous benefits to both landowners and the broader landscape. Hedgerows can mark boundaries, divide fields, provide security, act as wind or snow breaks, offer shade and shelter to livestock, screen unsightly buildings, and enhance privacy. They also serve as conservation corridors and vital habitats for wildlife. Several hedging types are particularly suited for farm environments:

Types of Farm Hedging

Stewardship Hedging (Mixed Hedging)
Typically supported by Stewardship Grants, this hedging mix usually consists of 2-year-old plants. It often includes 70% Hawthorn, a native UK species, complemented by 5-6 other native species such as Blackthorn, Field Maple, Hazel, Spindleberry, Dog Rose, Buckthorn, Guelder Rose, and Holly. For self-funded projects, 1-year-old seedlings offer a more economical option, performing effectively despite being slightly thinner.

Stock Hedging
Ideal for containing livestock, stock hedging should avoid species with long thorns like Blackthorn. Hawthorn, with its shorter thorns, is suitable and discourages animals from eating the hedge. The most cost-effective option is 100% Hawthorn, though a mix can include Field Maple, Hazel, Dogwood, Dog Rose, Guelder Rose, and Hornbeam for variety.

Security Hedging
A thick, thorny hedge can add an extra layer of security.  Security hedging should be planted in double, staggered rows, with 5 to 6 plants per meter.  Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Dog Rose make a great mix of thorny species for security hedging, and once established form a strong barrier to entry.  Planting Blackthorn offers the benefit of Sloe berries should you wish to make Sloe gin for Christmas!

Field Hedging
Whilst mixed and stock hedging are suitable as borders to fields, single species can also work well.  As an alternative to the usual Hawthorn, you may wish to consider Beech or Hornbeam.  Both retain their dried leaves during the winter months, creating an attractive rustic appearance, whilst delivering a windbreak and habitat for wildlife.

Kitchen Garden/Domestic Hedging
Beech and Hornbeam make attractive hedges in a domestic situation.  They can be managed and allowed to grow tall (as can most hedging) – disguising or hiding buildings.  You may wish to consider adding Copper Beech to the mix.  Whilst this can be a little more expensive, the rich leaf colour adds depth to the hedge.

For evergreen species, consider Privet, Laurel or Boxleaf Honeysuckle (also known as ‘poor man’s box’). They require more considered management to retain a neat shape but offer all year-round greenery.

Protection
Protecting young plants is crucial for their establishment. Secure the plant protection after planting, fitting a cane alongside the plant and using spiral guards or Ecowraps. Plan to remove and recycle non-biodegradable protection after about three years once the hedge is established.

To order hedging plants and protection at preferential rates, please contact our Sundries team on 01507 602396, option 3, option 2 or email sundries@woldmarsh.com.

For more information on plant species, visit British Hardwood Tree Nursery website.