Thornless Native Hedging – A soft, people-friendly native hedge mix ideal for boundaries where safety, access, and biodiversity are a priority, without the use of thorned species.
Equal split (16.6% each):
Elder ( Sambucus nigra ), Guelder Rose ( Viburnum opulus ), Orange Dogwood ( Cornus sanguinea ), European Spindle ( Euonymus europaeus ), Hazel ( Corylus avellana ), Field Maple ( Acer campestre ).
Countryside Stewardship:
Suitable for BN7 and BN11 planting where a thornless native hedge is appropriate, using the 30–50cm or 50–70cm bare-root options.
Thornless Native Hedging is a mixed native hedge designed for locations where safety, access, and biodiversity are the priority. This pack creates a soft, traditional countryside hedge using thornless species, making it ideal for public-facing boundaries, gardens, paths, and amenity planting where contact with people or animals is likely.
The combination of plants establishes into a dense, layered hedge without aggressive growth or sharp thorns. It offers a natural hedgerow appearance while remaining suitable for long-term management and regular trimming. All species included are native or long-established in the UK and contribute to a balanced, resilient hedge structure.
Varieties included – equal split (16.6% each):
Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Provides fast early growth, helping the hedge bulk out quickly in its first few seasons. Its soft stems and wildlife-friendly flowers and berries make it a valuable supporting species within a thornless mix.
Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
Adds structure and seasonal interest, producing spring flowers followed by autumn berries. Its bushy growth habit helps create volume without forming sharp or hazardous growth.
Orange Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Plays an important role in filling space within the hedge. Its regenerative growth responds well to pruning, helping maintain density and structure over time.
European Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
Increases diversity and resilience within the hedge. It contributes fine-textured growth and seasonal colour while helping achieve a natural, mixed hedgerow appearance.
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Forms a key structural element of the mix. Traditionally used in hedging, it responds well to trimming and coppicing and provides long-term strength and longevity.
Field Maple (Acer campestre)
Offers dense foliage and a naturally hedge-friendly growth habit. It helps knit the hedge together and provides a strong framework suitable for managed boundaries.
Countryside Stewardship BN7 & BN11
All species within this pack are suitable for native hedgerow planting under
BN7 (Gapping-up) and
BN11 (New Hedging) where a thornless hedge is appropriate to the site. When planted as a mixed native hedge using correct spacing and protection, this combination aligns with countryside hedgerow character requirements.
Grant eligibility applies specifically to the 30–50cm and 50–70cm 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, estates, and gardeners seeking a safe, attractive native hedge that supports biodiversity while remaining practical and easy to manage over the long term.