Hedgerow Planting

Materials

Buy plants from a reputable supplier such as the Woodland Trust or a local nursery.
Choose a variety of native species which flower at various stages of the year, providing year-round food and shelter for birds and insects.
Select species suitable for the conditions in your school grounds (get an idea of what will work by seeing what looks healthy in your neighbourhood).
If possible, plant locally grown specimens which will be adapted to growing in your area.
Possible species include: Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea), Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Hazel (Corylus avellana). If you are unsure, seek advice from local conservation groups such as the Wildlife Trust.

Indicative Costs

Variable, from around £10 for a single sapling. Suppliers like the Woodland Trust offer a range of cost effective options for purchasing multiple plants/tree guards etc. from around £30 to £60.
You may be able to get a grant to help fund your planting.

Method

Plant new hedgerows, extend/fill gaps in existing hedgerows.
Plant shrubs between October and April, but avoid waterlogged or frozen ground.
Avoid planting under existing trees - shade and lack of water will restrict growth.
Space plants 30cm apart (it is easier to dig a trench for the plants than digging individual holes). For a thicker hedge, zig zag in a double row 40cm apart.
Keep the base of plants free from weeds until established (use a thick mulch of leaf mould or compost).
Water after the initial planting. The hedge shouldn't require much watering after this unless there is a particularly long dry spell - if you do, saturate the ground to ensure water soaks deep into the soil.

Benefits

Hedgerows provide habitat for birds, insects, hedgehogs and bats.

Maintenance

Trimming is essential for long-term hedgerow maintenance. The newly planted hedge will need an initial trim within the first couple of years to encourage dense bushy growth.
Plant and leaf-litter provide places for invertebrates to overwinter, so leave any tidying up until Spring.
Leave some non-diseased shrub prunings around the base of shrubs.
If clearing fallen leaves from the grass, place some directly under shrubs and in borders.
Use mulch to reduce the need for weeding during the first couple of years while plants are establishing. This will also help retain soil moisture.
Prune shrubs that need it after a few years.
Avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Useful links