Hedges are used by wildlife for shelter, feed, nesting and hibernating.
A mixed hedge with some flowering/fruiting species (eg hawthorn, rowan, bird cherry, holly and hazel) and some species which hold their leaves (eg beech, holly and oak) will provide a range of benefits throughout the year.
There are a few species which are found in hedges which, in some circumstances, can cause issues. Blackthorn tends to sucker out into fields, so if the hedge is going to be through agricultural fields, blackthorn may not be ideal, although could be used in corners or where any it’s spreading habit is not a problem.
Elder has a tendency to cast heavy shade, and so shades out other species. It then loses its leaves early in the autumn, creating increasingly large gaps in the hedge.
Over time, hedges will naturally have other species added, like bramble and rose, through bird droppings.
