Native Hedging - Bare-rooted

The following trees are native to Great Britain and good for wildlife. If planting as a hedge, plant them about 1 ft apart, and, for a more traditional hedge, in two staggered rows, 1 ft apart. Bare-rooted stock is sent out from 1 November to 1 March but can be ordered all year round and despatched at the relevant time.

Bare-rooted trees - Each tree is approximately 16 ins to 2 ft (40 - 60 cm) high. When your trees arrive, unpack immediately and place in a bucket of water - it's important to ensure the roots do not become parched. Dig your hole or trench with sufficient depth to accommodate the roots comfortably. If you can't plant your trees for a few weeks you can either dig a temporary trench and "heel" the plants in at an angle, or keep them in water so they don't dry out. It is better, though, to plant as soon as possible after they arrive. It is vital to keep the plants well-watered for at least a year until they become well-established.

Barberry (berberis vulgaris)

Spiny, deciduous shrub/tree. Clusters of yellow flowers in May to June followed by red berries.

CAUTION - WHOLE PLANT IS HARMFUL EXCEPT FOR RIPE BERRIES

Dog Rose (rosa canina)

Also known as Wild briar. Deciduous. White or pale pink flowers changing to red hips which birds (and humans) find tasty!

Field Maple (acer campestre)

Small tree with yellow-green flowers. Deciduous. Supports epiphytic lichens and bryophytes and many insects.

Guelder Rose (viburnum opulus)

Clusters of small white flowers,like posies. Deciduous. Flowers are arranged with large sterile flowers on the outside and smaller, creamy-yellow, fertile flowers on the inside. Central flowers turn into clusters of drooping red berries in autumn. Birds like the berries. Hoverflies like the nectar.

CAUTION - LEAVES, BARK AND BERRIES POISONOUS

Hawthorn (crataegus mongyna)

Scented white flowers which turn into red beries. deciduous and thorny. Birds like the berries.

Hazel (corylus avellara)

Also known as Cobnut. Long, yellow catkins from February/March. Deciduous. Birds, squirrels, mice (and humans) enjoy the nuts!

Hornbeam (carpinus betulus)

Saw-edged leaves and hop-like fruits which birds enjoy.

Oak (quercus rober)

Common Oak, English Oak, Pedunculate Oak. Deciduous. Can live to 1000+ years. Supports many insects. produces acorns popular with squirrels.

Privet (ligustrum vulgare)

Evergreen. Panicles of small white flowers in summer which are very popular with butterflies and bees. Trim Privet hedges in May and August.

Rowan (sorbus aucuparia)

Bright red berries for birds. Lives about 100 years.

Sloe (prunus spinosa)

Also known as Blackthorn. Fruits are the main ingredient in sloe gin. One of the first trees to bloom in spring with white flowers, which turn into purple berries (sloes). Birds like the berries. deciduous. Thorny.