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.
Blackthorn
(Prunus spinosa)
A spiny, densley branched tree that produces white flowers in early spring and purple-black fruits (sloes) in late summer.
Growth and size
Mature height: 4m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other insects.
Food plant of lackey, magpie, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed moths, as well as black and brown hairstreak butterflies.
Birds often nest among the dense, thorny thickets.
Soil and conditions
Grows in moist, well-drained soil.
Prefers full sunlight.
Hazel
(Corylus avellana)
Downy leaves, springtime catkins (known as lambstails) and 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.
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 shade in non-acidic, well-drained soils.
Can be planted as part of a native hedgerow.
Crab apple
(Malus sylvestris)
Sweet-smelling spring blossom and rosy, crunchy, tart autumn apples that are perfect for jams and jellies.
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
Source of early pollen for bees and other insects.
Apples are eaten by birds including thrushes.
Also enjoyed by mammals including badgers, voles and mice.
Soil and conditions
Tolerates most soil types and dryness.
Prefers sun or semi-shade.
Elder
(Sambucus nigra)
Please note: all parts of the plant are mildly poisonous and should be cooked before eating.
Growth and size
Mature height: 10m.
Growth rate: 30-60cm per year.
Supplied as 15-60cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
The flowers provide nectar for insects.
The berries are eaten by birds and mammals.
Dormice and bank voles eat the berries and flowers.
Food plant of moth caterpillars, including the white spotted pug, swallowtail, dot moth and buff ermine.
Soil and conditions
Grows everywhere, except on sand.
Prefers rich, fertilised soils.
English oak
(Quercus robur)
Also known as common or pedunculate oak. this tree is known for its size, age and acorns.
Growth and size
Mature height: 20-40m.
Supplied as 20-50cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Supports more than 2,300 species of insects, birds, fungi and mammals.
Acorns are eaten by squirrels, deer, badgers and birds.
Food plant for caterpillars including purple hairstreak butterfly and many moths.
Soil and conditions
Prefers well-drained, fertile soils.
Thrives in full sun, tolerates light shade.
Needs plenty of space for roots and canopy.
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 more than 300 species of insect.
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.
Wild cherry
(Prunus avium)
Produces beautiful blossom in spring and bright fruits in summer.
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
Early source of nectar and pollen for insects including bees.
Cherries are eaten by birds.
Soil and conditions
Grows best in full sun and fertile soil.
Won't tolerate waterlogged soil.
Best planted in a sheltered spot.
