Revitalizing Our Landscape: The Thrill of Planting Hedgerows on the Estate

As the crisp air of late autumn wraps around our estate, an exciting transformation is taking place. It’s the prime season for planting bare root hedging, and our dedicated team, led by Laggy (Estate Maintenance), has been hard at work. In just ten days, they’ve skilfully planted an impressive 13,236 bare roots, covering a total of 2,206 meters.

All the bare roots that are being planted are connecting existing woods and hedgerows together, leading to what we hope will be an increase in wildlife across the Estate with one in particular mammal being desired and that is the hedgehog. Fingers crossed!

Understanding Bare Root Hedging Plants

Before diving deeper, let’s talk about what bare root hedging plants are. These plants are the most cost-effective option for large-scale projects like ours. Grown in fields, they are lifted when dormant—between November and April—and the soil is shaken off. This process ensures the plants are fresh and ready for their new home in the ground, making this time of year perfect for planting.

The Ideal Locations for Planting

Choosing the right location to plant a bare root hedge is crucial for its success. On our estate, these hedges serve as natural boundaries in arable fields, clearly defining the extents of different areas. They are also ideal for large-scale plantings. The nature of bare root hedges allows us to plan extensively without the immediate need for a mature hedgerow, giving nature the time to flourish at its own pace.

The Varieties We Are Planting

This year, our selection of hedging plants includes a mix of native species chosen for their resilience and environmental benefits. These include:

  • Hawthorn
  • Blackthorn
  • Sloe berries
  • Hazelnuts (great source of food for mammals)
  • Dog wood (great for pollinators)
  • Spindle
  • Dog Rose
  • Field Maple

Each species was selected to contribute to biodiversity, support local wildlife, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of our landscape. Throughout the year the hedgerow will portray a variety of colours in the berries and leaves, with pink flowers, white flowers and red leaves.

The Importance of Planting Hedges

Planting hedges goes beyond just improving the visual appeal of the estate. Here are several compelling reasons why we’re committed to this project:

  1. Biodiversity Boost: Hedges provide crucial habitats and corridors for wildlife, supporting a diverse range of insects, birds, and mammals.
  2. Soil Protection: They play a vital role in soil conservation, preventing erosion and promoting healthier soil ecosystems.
  3. Carbon Sequestration: As they grow, hedgerows absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate climate change.
  4. Wind and Noise Barrier: Strategically placed hedges act as natural barriers to wind and noise, creating a more tranquil and sheltered environment.
  5. Historical Landscape Integration: Hedges help maintain the historical integrity of our rural landscape, preserving the traditional look and feel of the area.

Looking Forward

As we continue to expand our hedgerow network, the environmental and aesthetic benefits will grow exponentially. Each plant that takes root is a step towards a more sustainable and vibrant ecosystem. This undertaking not only beautifies the estate’s landscape but also contributes significantly to our local environment and global ecological health.

Stay tuned as we update you on their progress and educate you on what and why we are doing certain things on the Estate.

Enjoyed reading this? Read a previous blog post on ‘Why hedgerows are crucial to reaching sustainable farming goals’ here