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Hedge planting variety is the spice of life

Christine Butler, Countryside Management Branch, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

We are now well into the hedge-planting season, these dry cool days are perfect for the job. New hedges can be planted any time up until the end of March.
Participants in the Countryside Management Scheme and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme can receive funding for planting mixed species hedges. Many participants will have agreed to plant a minimum number of metres during each year of their scheme agreement.
When planting a new hedge it is important to plant a mixture of species. Not only are mixed species hedges more attractive than a single species hedge but they will also attract more wildlife in years to come. The guidelines listed must be followed if you are planting a new hedge under an agri-environment scheme. Even if you are not in a scheme, following this advice will bring benefits to the countryside and wildlife.
 Plant at least five species along each 30 m length of hedgerow - use 75 percent hawthorn and 25 percent other native species.
  •  Other suitable species include blackthorn, hazel, holly, dog rose, whin together with alder and willow for wetter places.
  •  Beech is not considered truly native, however it may be used where it has been planted historically in the landscape.
  •  Plant some trees along the length of the hedge spaced about 15m apart - suitable species include oak, wild cherry, crab apple, birch, rowan.
  •  Plant the thorns in a double staggered row about 30 cm (12 inches) apart.
  •  Make provisions for weed control - putting down black plastic at this stage will save a great deal of time weeding in the first 3-4 years.
  •  Protect newly planted hedges from livestock by erecting a fence on either side of the hedge. It is recommended that the fences are about two metres apart.
  •  If rabbits are a problem in the area, consider erecting rabbit proof fencing.
Further advice on all aspects of hedge planting can be obtained from Countryside Management staff at your local DARD office.