Bird Friendly Hedging β A native bare-root hedging mix designed to provide shelter, nesting habitat, and a reliable food source for birds throughout the year, while forming a strong, traditional countryside hedge.
Equal split (16.6% each):
Orange Dogwood ( Cornus sanguinea ), Hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna ), Hazel ( Corylus avellana ), Blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa ), Alder ( Alnus glutinosa ), Hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus ).
Countryside Stewardship:
Suitable for BN7 & BN11 planting when selecting the 30β50cm or 50β70cm bare-root options.
Bird Friendly Hedging is a native bare-root hedging mix specifically selected to support bird life while forming a strong, traditional countryside hedge. This pack focuses on providing dense shelter, nesting opportunities, and seasonal food sources, making it ideal for environmental planting, field boundaries, and wildlife-focused schemes.
The combination of thorny, structural, and berry-bearing species creates a layered hedge that thickens from the base upwards. This structure is particularly important for birds, offering protection from predators, shelter during harsh weather, and suitable nesting habitat throughout the year. All species included are native or long-established in the UK and are commonly found in traditional hedgerows.
In addition to its wildlife value, this mix establishes into a durable, resilient hedge that responds well to traditional hedge management. It is suitable for rural, agricultural, and estate planting where biodiversity enhancement is a key objective alongside boundary definition.
Varieties included β equal split (16.6% each):
Orange Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Provides dense branching and seasonal berries that support insects and birds. Its growth habit helps fill gaps within the hedge, improving shelter and overall hedge density.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Forms the backbone of the hedge and is one of the most valuable native plants for birds. Its thorny structure offers excellent nesting cover, while its autumn haws provide an important food source.
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Adds long-term structure and strength to the hedge. Its dense growth habit and response to trimming make it ideal for managed hedgerows, while its catkins and nuts support wildlife.
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
Contributes strong basal growth and thorny protection, creating safe nesting areas for small birds. Its early spring flowers also support insects before many other hedgerow plants come into leaf.
Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
Is particularly valuable for wetter ground and low-lying areas. It supports a wide range of insects and provides additional structure and shelter within the hedge, benefiting bird populations.
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Provides dense structure and winter shelter, often retaining dry leaves through colder months. Its strong framework makes it a reliable long-term component of bird-friendly hedging.
Countryside Stewardship BN7 & BN11
All species within this pack meet the published planting specifications for
Countryside Stewardship BN7 (Gapping-up) and
BN11 (New Hedging). When planted as a mixed native hedge using correct spacing, protection, and management, this combination aligns with the traditional hedgerow character expected under grant schemes.
Grant eligibility applies specifically to the 30β50cm and 50β70cm bare-root options. Larger sizes, pot-grown plants, or alternative root formats fall outside standard grant specifications and should be treated as non-grant planting.
This pack is ideal for land managers, farmers, estates, and conservation-led projects looking to enhance bird habitat while establishing a practical, long-lasting native hedge.