Hedging

Native Hedging Plants:

This web site is designed to help people planting a short run (i.e. up to 100m) of native hedging.

However, if you are a farmer or landowner planting new hedges under a Countryside Stewardship Scheme, we are happy to discuss discounted prices for larger orders (5,000+ plants) – we can be very competitive!

Species:

Traditionally in Devon a native hedge is made up of:-

60-80% – Hawthorn(quickthorn) &/or Blackthorn

20-40% – 4 or 5 other species.

The 20-40% can be made up of any of the following species:- hazel, dogwood, guelder rose, dog rose, field rose, field maple, crab apple, spindle, alder buckthorn, wild privet, elder, wild pear, holly.

Other hedge species:

Sizes/number of plants:

Plants should be either 40/60cms or 60/90cms high. Allow approximately 4- 5 plants per metre (2 rows 30cms apart and staggered 45cms apart in the rows).

If the run of hedge is long enough, tree species can be planted to grow up within the hedge – one tree every 20m – 50m. Oak, Ash and Beech are the most common hedgerow trees, but choose species traditionally found in your area.

Protective fencing – spiral rabbit shelters:

If the new hedge is needed to be stock proof (against sheep, goats, horses, cattle etc.) then stock fencing will need to be erected. It needs to be far enough away to ensure the stock cannot browse the tops of the hedge plants.

If rabbits (or hares) are a problem, then the new hedge plants will need to be protected – (rabbits will quickly bite them off!) If stock fencing has been used, then rabbit wire can fixed to it to keep the rabbits away. It should be 31mm hexagonal mesh, 1050mm wide, 18 gauge.

If no stock fencing has been used, then you could consider using spiral shelters (supported by light bamboo canes) to individually protect the plants. The ones we supply are manufactured from re-cycled material and are transparent with a slight green tint to prevent leaf scorch and improve appearance. They need to be supported by a stout 90cms bamboo cane.