Wildlife Friendly & Secure

At Wharncliffe Allotments, we consider ourselves very lucky that native trees, hedgerows and bramble surround over 60% of our site. Maybe we can do with more, but what can you do to make your site secure and more attractive to wildlife?

We believe Allotmenteers have a real affinity with nature, not only do we enjoy working the land, but we have a desire to conserve and support wildlife. On visiting many allotments and looking around, you quickly realise the lengths and efforts people go to. It is always noticeable the variety of wildlife friendly habitats on most sites including; wet areas, bird boxes, bug hotels and much more.

Improving site security whist making it attractive to wildlife can be achieved by planting native hedging plants and trees such as hazel, elder, blackthorn, hawthorn, dog rose, field maple, beech, yew and the like will create natural habitats and nesting places for birds, shelter beneficial insects and provide berries for food.

Plot holders can also benefit from this natural harvest; the berries and flowers of elder, rosehips, and blackthorn sloes all having a use in the kitchen. The leaf litter and dense growth at the base of a hedge will also provide a home for hedgehogs and create a sheltered corridor for small mammals to travel along.

Of all the hedge plants the most valuable must be hawthorn: it is fast growing, tolerates most soils, responds well to pruning and supports a huge range of wildlife, thick thorny branches can improve security of a site. The hawthorn must be allowed to flower to reach its best so time any pruning accordingly. If there is a hedge on your allotment, prune it in late winter after the berries have gone, but before the start of the nesting season as it is illegal to disturb nesting birds.

The end of January is a good time to start pruning. To lessen the impact, cut back only a third of your hedge in rotation each year. This leaves one third undisturbed for at least two years. Remember to consult your allotment authority if you plan to replant an old hedge or start a new one.

It is often necessary to inform the relevant authorities before tree/hedge planting can take place, remember to discuss any proposal with your Allotment Committee first, they will be able to advise on the appropriate permissions on tree hedge row planting in your area.

#security #wildlife #hawthorn #birdbox #trees