Woodland & Hedgerow

Woodland is nature in its wildest form, home to a large number of species - trees, mammals and birds, as well as many fascinating moths, butterflies, beetles and bats. 

When land is left alone without human intervention, it isn't long before small trees begin to develop. Species like silver birch and hawthorn often appear first, rapidly growing into sizeable trees. Patches of pioneers like bramble offer sanctuary to species such as ash and oak, which will develop into mature trees that create the vast canopies of broadleaved woodland. On sandy and poorer soils, shrub species such as gorse and broom come first, followed by birch and scots pine. The soil type, aspect and geographical location will dictate exactly what species will naturally thrive. 

A mature hedgerow is effectively a linear strip of woodland and contains a diverse range of shrub and tree species such as hawthorn, field maple and guelder rose, often supporting climbing plants like honeysuckle and wild clematis, as well as a variety of other wild plants and grasses. Hedgerows have formed an important part of our countryside for centuries, linking the habitats for wildlife by providing safe corridors to travel through. They are a key breeding habitat for birds like yellowhammer, linnet and whitethroat and provide excellent navigation routes for bats, who follow tree lines on their hunt for food. 

Whether you prefer to go down the route of leaving the land and seeing what naturally appears, or want to take a more traditional planting approach, we can help you create woodland and hedgerow wherever you are. 

We create and manage areas of woodland, advising on everything from tree and shrub species choice to nest box schemes and wildflower planting. If you have an area of existing woodland or hedgerow, or a blank canvas that you wish to plant up, please contact us for specialist advice.