Hedgerows and the preservation of traditional field boundaries are integral to our biodiversity and ecology action plan at Wharfside Community Gardens.
Hedges provide an essential wildlife habitat, being the most widespread semi-natural habitat in the UK. They provide shelter and food for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 130 species listed in the Biodiversity Action Plan. These include lichens, fungi, reptiles, birds such as blue tit, yellowhammer and whitethroat, and mammals like bank vole, harvest mouse and hedgehog. Hedges with full size trees are even better for wildlife. Hedges also act as wildlife corridors, allowing species to move from one habitat patch to another.
Why is hedgerow maintenance required
Last year, we planted over one thousand native hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) whips in our hedgerows, but unfortunately, a large section of it was later damaged. This damage not only results in the loss of the resultant habitat, but also leaves the Community Gardens vulnerable to vandalism and theft.
It is essential that we maintain the planted whips, replacing any dead or diseased plants, in order to ensure our efforts and labour are not wasted and that a diverse and ecologically beneficial habitat is created. This includes establishing and maturing our hedgerows.
How Hedges Direct came to the rescue
We approached Lancashire-based Hedges Direct at the very end of the bare root season with a big request. They responded with an incredible donation of over thirty metres of bare root Hawthorn hedge stock, delivered to the site totally free of charge within days.
This extremely generous contribution will enable us to replace all of the damaged hedgerow sections within a week, ensuring that our hedgerows will thrive in the years to come.
Their contribution will not only benefit local ecology, but also our members, plotholders and the wider community. Hedgerows provide a diverse and thriving ecosystem, with environmental, aesthetic and practical benefits that go beyond what is easily quantified. This donation will help create a habitat beneficial to us all.
Who are Hedges Direct
Hedges Direct is a specialist in hedge plants, offering a wide selection of top-notch plants for all types of gardens. You can visit them online at www.hedgesdirect.co.uk or by calling 01257 494063. They even offer free nationwide delivery on most orders!
Will more garden plots be made available?
We have the capacity to expand our community gardens and are aiming to provide an additional 20 garden plots for next year. If you would like to reserve one of these plots, please complete the application form found on our website.
If you have any questions or need to get in touch, you can contact us at wharfside@triviumland.co.uk