How native hedging can help boost biodiversity in gardens and communities
Hedgerows are far more than garden boundaries. They provide essential habitats for birds, offering nesting opportunities, shelter from the elements and valuable food sources throughout the year.
Native hedges also act as wildlife corridors, helping species move safely between habitats across both urban and rural landscapes.
According to John Lawrence, Amenity Sales Manager at our Associate Member, Wyevale Nurseries mixed native hedging delivers some of the greatest biodiversity benefits.
He explains: “Mixed native hedging provides food, shelter and movement corridors for birds while enhancing biodiversity across the wider landscape.”.
Recommended native species for bird-friendly gardens
For garden centres looking to recommend wildlife-friendly planting options to customers, several native species can make a significant difference:
Hawthorn and blackthorn
Crataegus monogyna and Prunus spinosa produce berries that provide an important winter food source for birds, particularly migratory species such as redwings and fieldfares.
Hazel and hornbeam
Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) create strong structure within a hedge, offering ideal nesting sites and protective cover.
Dog rose, elder and spindle
These species are highly valued for their fruits and contribute significantly to wildlife food chains, supporting a variety of birds and other beneficial species.
Together, these plants can help support birds ranging from winter visitors such as fieldfares and bramblings to summer migrants including whitethroats, willow warblers and spotted flycatchers.
Practical advice for gardeners
Wyevale Nurseries recommends:
- Selecting native species suited to our country’s growing conditions.
- Creating mixed hedging schemes rather than planting a single species.
- Using correct planting techniques for bareroot hedging.
- Managing hedges sensitively to encourage wildlife.
Simple changes can also make a difference. Leaving berries on plants through winter, avoiding excessive trimming and allowing hedges to retain a more natural appearance can create richer habitats for birds and pollinators.
Supporting wildlife one metre at a time
One of the most encouraging messages for gardeners is that even a small amount of hedging can have a positive impact.
John says: “Just one metre of hedging can provide a meaningful habitat for birds. We’re encouraging everyone from gardeners with small gardens to groups with community spaces to plant a native hedge and participate in building wildlife corridors across the UK landscape. It’s the ideal time for bareroot hedge planting too.
“Our bareroot season runs from November until the end of April as, thanks to our cold stores, our plants remain fully dormant even when outside temperatures rise – helping maintain quality and extending the lifting season, and bareroot is the most cost‑effective way to plant a hedge.”
More free advice
Wyevale Nurseries provides a free online guide covering species selection, planting techniques and long-term management of wildlife-friendly hedging, please download its guide here.