Successful hedgerow establishment starts with the right species mix, appropriate planting methods and experienced delivery.
Whether establishing agricultural boundaries, restoring existing hedgerows or implementing wider landscape and habitat creation schemes, species selection is fundamental to the long-term structure, function and management of a hedge.
At Habitat Regeneration, we deliver bespoke hedgerow planting programmes for farmers, landowners, estates and environmental projects. Working alongside land agents, ecological consultants and landscape professionals, we implement planting schemes designed around individual site conditions, management objectives and project specifications.
From traditional agricultural hedges to diverse mixed-species planting schemes, our experienced teams combine practical land management knowledge with specialist equipment to deliver planting works efficiently and to a high standard.
The Right Hedgerow Species Mix
No two planting schemes are identical. The most appropriate hedgerow planting mix depends on the soil, drainage, exposure, local landscape character and the intended function of the hedge. Agricultural requirements, future maintenance and ecological objectives will also influence the final planting specification.
Depending on the site and project requirements, hedgerow planting may incorporate a combination of traditional hedging species, flowering shrubs, climbing plants and occasional standard trees.
Hawthorn │ Blackthorn │ Hazel │ Hornbeam │ Wild Privet │ Guelder Rose │ Wayfaring Tree │ Honeysuckle │Sweetbriar │ Oak and Crab Apple
Traditional and Species-Rich Native Hedgerows
Different hedgerow designs serve different purposes.
Traditional agricultural hedgerows often use a hawthorn-dominated mix, incorporating blackthorn, hazel and other native species to create dense, manageable boundaries with ecological value.
Species-rich native hedgerows can include a broader selection of flowering and fruiting shrubs, providing varied food sources, shelter and habitat structure throughout the seasons.
Where appropriate, occasional hedgerow trees can also be included to develop a more diverse landscape feature.
The most effective approach is not necessarily to maximise the number of species, but to select a suitable combination based on site conditions, ecological specifications and long-term management requirements.
Habitat Regeneration delivers hedgerow planting to bespoke client specifications, including schemes designed by land agents, ecologists and landscape consultants.
Designed for Long-Term Success Hedgerow Planting for Agricultural & Environmental Schemes
Hedgerow planting supports agricultural and environmental objectives, from strengthening field boundaries and providing livestock shelter to improving habitat connectivity, biodiversity and landscape character.
Habitat Regeneration delivers planting programmes to agreed specifications, including ground preparation, species selection, planting layout and establishment requirements.
BN11 Hedge Planting – Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants
The BN11 Planting New Hedges grant provides funding towards eligible hedgerow creation, subject to Countryside Stewardship requirements.
Habitat Regeneration delivers BN11 planting schemes for farmers and landowners, providing experienced teams and specialist equipment to complete works in accordance with approved specifications.
Read more about BN11 Hedge Planting and grant requirements
Funding availability and eligibility are subject to current scheme rules.
SFI26 – Hedgerow Management
The Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) provides support for managing eligible hedgerows, complementing capital funding for new planting.
Habitat Regeneration supports landowners with hedgerow establishment, restoration and ongoing management in accordance with relevant scheme requirements.
Specialist Hedgerow Planting Contractors
Habitat Regeneration delivers native hedgerow planting and restoration across agricultural holdings, private estates and environmental projects.
Working alongside landowners, land agents, ecological consultants and landscape professionals, we provide the practical capability to implement planting specifications efficiently and to a high standard.
Our services include:
- Native hedgerow creation and establishment
- Bespoke mixed-species hedgerow planting
- Traditional agricultural boundary planting
- BN11 grant-funded hedgerow planting
- Hedgerow restoration and gap planting
- Replacement planting following establishment assessments
- Hedgerow standard tree planting
- Ground preparation and plant protection
- Establishment aftercare and long-term hedgerow management
We also deliver hedgerow creation and enhancement works associated with Biodiversity Net Gain projects, Landscape and Ecological Management Plans (LEMPs) and wider habitat restoration programmes.
Planting Season and Establishment
The principal planting period for bare-root native hedgerow stock is generally November to March, when plants are dormant and ground conditions are suitable.
Planning ahead is essential, particularly for larger planting programmes or schemes requiring specific native species mixes, plant sizes or provenance.
Early coordination allows sufficient time to confirm planting specifications, source appropriate stock, prepare sites and schedule works within the planting season.
Long-term establishment also depends on effective aftercare. Weed competition, browsing pressure, moisture availability and planting losses should be monitored and addressed through appropriate management.
Habitat Regeneration can undertake replacement planting and remedial establishment works in accordance with management plans and recommendations from ecological or woodland advisors.