Hawthorn
(Crataegus monogyna)
Produces white-pink blossom in May that becomes ruby-red berries, called haws, in summer.
Growth and size
Mature height: 10m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Supports more than 300 species of insect.
Flowers are eaten by dormice.
Source of pollen and nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Haws are eaten by migrating birds such as redwings.
Soil and conditions
Shade-tolerant.
Prefers non-acidic, well-drained, moist soils.
Can be planted as part of a native hedgerow.
Dog rose
(Rosa canina)
A shrub with pale pink flowers in spring and glossy rose hips in autumn.
Growth and size
Mature height: 1.5m.
Supplied as 20-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Source of nectar for insects.
Hips are eaten by birds and mammals.
Soil and conditions
Prefers full sun and moderately fertile, moist and well-drained soil.
Tolerates poor soil.
Apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch in late winter or early spring.
Hazel
(Corylus avellana)
Springtime catkins (known as lambs’ tails) rely on wind and insects for pollination. Produces shiny brown nuts in autumn.
Growth and size
Mature height: 8m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Source of early pollen for bees that's an important protein for their growth and development.
Host plant for moth caterpillars such as the large emerald and barred umber.
Nuts are a favourite food of birds and mammals, including hazel dormice.
Soil and conditions
Tolerates most soils, especially damp or wet areas.
Forms a bushier shape on drier soils.
Silver birch
(Betula pendula)
A graceful tree with light, triangular-shaped leaves and distinctive, silvery-white peeling bark.
Growth and size
Mature height: 25m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Seeds are eaten by long-tailed tits, siskin, greenfinch and redpolls.
Food plant for a number of insects.
Soil and conditions
Prefers sandy or acidic soils.
Will grow in most conditions.
Goat willow
(Salix caprea)
In spring, produces male catkins that look like cats' paws.
Growth and size
Mature height: 15m.
Supplied as 20-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Leaves are eaten by lots of insects.
Food plant of the elusive purple emperor butterfly.
Soil and conditions
Prefers damper areas around ponds or water.