Hedgerow Planting and Maintenance

We have organised a hedgerow Community Planting Day on Saturday 31st November, 9am-6pm! Join us for a day of planting, fun, and making a positive impact on the environment. All ages and experience levels are welcome—whether you’re an expert gardener or just want to get your hands dirty! To sign up please visit the event page at Eventbrite

The Oval’s multi-species hedgerow planting project is a key part of our broader efforts to enhance biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem across our 4.2-acre community space. Our Ecology Group, comprised of volunteers and staff, is committed to improving the local environment through projects such as wildlife corridors, tiny forests, and a wellness garden. The new hedgerow, spanning approximately 250 metres in length, will be planted in four distinct areas and serve as a critical habitat for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Planting in a Coastal Environment

Coastal environments present unique challenges for planting due to exposure to salt air and strong winds. While the soil in coastal areas can sometimes be poor, The Oval benefits from nutrient-rich soil to a depth of approximately 600mm, thanks to its elevated clifftop location. This provides an excellent foundation for our hedgerow planting. Although somewhat protected from salt air, the site is still exposed to strong winds, which can affect the survival and growth of new plants.

Another advantage of coastal hedging is that it provides a natural windbreak, protecting more delicate plants (and people!). A well-established coastal hedge will reduce the impact of strong winds on smaller shrubs, giving them a better chance to flourish. The planting behind our existing hedgerow is already somewhat shielded, but extra care is required for new planting in the wellness garden, which is located only four or five metres from the cliff edge and fully exposed to the elements. In this particularly vulnerable area, we will plant species highly tolerant of both wind and salt air, including rowan, dog rose, holly, hazel, and hawthorn. These plants will not only survive the coastal conditions but also help protect the rest of the garden, enhancing biodiversity and providing seasonal interest.

Hedgerow Planting Plan

1. Location and Layout: The hedgerow will span 350 square metres across four areas at The Oval: Area A (112m²) along First Avenue, Area B (96m²) and Area C (35m²) along Eastern Esplanade, and Area D (135m²) located in the new wellness garden. It will be planted in double staggered rows with native species, providing food, shelter, and corridors for wildlife. The addition of this multi-species hedgerow will enhance the biodiversity of our existing single-species hedge, increasing the overall width of the hedge to around 2.5m (8ft).
2. Plant Selection: Following advice from the Woodland Trust, we will plant a diverse range of species including hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose, rowan, hawthorn, dogwood, wild cherry, silver birch, holly, downy birch, and goat willow. These species are well-suited to our coastal environment and will provide essential habitat and food sources for wildlife.
3. Planting and Ground Preparation
   Ground preparation will involve clearing and cultivating the soil to ensure optimal conditions. Saplings will be planted in double staggered rows with 50cm spacing, promoting dense growth. We will plant species in groups of four or five, as this will help the hedge plants to establish, as competition from different neighbours is reduced. A sheet mulch system (cardboard or newspaper topped with 2-3 inches of organic mulch) will be applied to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil quality. 
4. Protection: It is not envisaged that protection guards are needed for the saplings, as our urban environment eliminates risks from rabbits and deer. The new hedgerow, planted alongside our established one, is shielded from human activity that could damage the saplings.

Maintenance Plan

1. Pruning: Annual pruning in late winter or early spring will encourage lateral growth, resulting in a dense, bushy hedgerow. Selective pruning will also promote flower and berry production, vital for supporting local wildlife. We will avoid heavy pruning during late summer to allow berries to fully develop.
2. Weed Control and Mulching: Weeds will be managed through manual weeding by volunteers, with no use of chemicals. Mulch will be replenished annually using clippings from our established hedge to maintain soil health and support ongoing growth.
3. Watering: Regular irrigation will be crucial during the first two years to establish healthy root systems. Our on-site water supply, coupled with a 600-litre motorised water tank towed by a lawnmower tractor, will ensure efficient watering during dry periods.
4. Monitoring and Long-term Care: The hedgerow will be incorporated into our Nature Recovery Plan, with regular inspections to ensure its health. Any gaps will be replanted, and corrective pruning will be undertaken as needed to maintain a dense, thriving hedge. 
5. Community Engagement: Volunteers from The Oval’s Ecology Group and local residents will actively participate in the planting and care of the hedgerow. Community-led sessions will foster ownership and stewardship, while younger volunteers and schoolchildren will be recruited to help with ongoing projects.

Conclusion

The Oval’s multi-species hedgerow will become a key feature of the landscape, supporting local wildlife and contributing to the ecological health of the community. Our sustainable approach, community involvement, and commitment to long-term care will ensure that the hedgerow thrives for years to come.

We welcome your feedback! If you have any comments on our draft Hedgerow Planting and Maintenance Plan, please reach out to us using the form below.