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.
Hazel
(Corylus avellana)
Downy leaves, springtime catkins (known as lambstails) and shiny brown nuts in autumn.
Growth and size
Mature height: 8m.
Growth rate: 40-60cm per year.
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, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches and jays, and mammals, including hazel dormice, bank voles and wood mice.
Soil and conditions
Tolerates shade in non-acidic, well-drained soils.
Can be planted as part of a native hedgerow.
Holly
(Ilex aquifolium)
A much-loved evergreen with glossy, spiny leaves. In winter, female trees produce bright-red berries.
Growth and size
Mature height: up to 15m.
Supplied as 15-30cm cell-grown saplings.
Can be planted all year round with proper care.
Value to wildlife
Foliage provides year-round shelter for birds and insects.
Winter berries are an important food source for birds including thrushes.
Food plant for holly blue butterfly caterpillars.
Soil and conditions
Thrives in well-drained, fertile soils.
Tolerates sun and partial shade.
Can be grown as a tree, hedging or topiary.
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.
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.
English oak
(Quercus robur)
Home to a huge variety of UK wildlife, including invertebrates, birds, mammals and fungi.
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
Food plant of purple hairstreak butterflies.
Leaf mould supports fungi and invertebrates such as stag beetles.
Bats and birds such as pied flycatcher and marsh tit nest in holes and crevices.
Soil and conditions
Tolerates most well-drained soils.
Avoid waterlogged sites.
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.
