Special Hedging Mixes Inspectors Like: A Farmer’s Guide to Native Species That Tick Every Box

Why native diversity matters — and how to build a hedge mix that fits BN7 and BN11 Countryside Stewardship rules.

When it comes to Countryside Stewardship hedging (BN7 for gapping-up and BN11 for new hedges), inspectors consistently favour mixes that show thought, diversity, and good use of native species. A well-designed planting scheme does more than tick boxes: it strengthens wildlife corridors, supports pollinators, improves soil and shelter, and creates a hedge that will stand for decades.

Below is a practical, farmer-friendly guide to the accepted native species, what soils they prefer, and the biodiversity benefits each brings to your BN7 or BN11 hedge.

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⭐ Why Inspectors Like Diverse Mixes

A mix of species shows that you are:

• Following DEFRA guidance

• Creating resilience (no single pest or disease can take the hedge out)

• Supporting a range of wildlife, not just one group

• Building long-term structure, blossom, berries, and seasonal interest
  

Most importantly, it proves your hedge has been planted with environmental value in mind — not just the bare minimum.

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Accepted Native Hedgerow Species (BN7 & BN11)

Below is the recommended species list used in most compliant Countryside Stewardship hedges.

For each plant, you get:

• Best soils and sites

• Growth habit

• Wildlife benefits

• Why inspectors like to see it

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Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)

Soils: Almost all soils — clay, chalk, loam, sand. Very drought-tolerant. Sites: Exposed or sheltered. Excellent for tough conditions. Benefits: Mass spring blossom for pollinators; autumn haws for birds; fast growth; fantastic stock-proof structure. Inspector appeal: The backbone of any proper British hedge. Reliable establishment and high wildlife value.

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Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)

Soils: Prefers heavier soils but adapts well. Sites: Thrives in exposed, coastal, and windy areas. Benefits: Early nectar for insects; dense thickets for nesting; sloes for birds and mammals. Inspector appeal: Adds density and early-season food — great for farmland biodiversity.

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Field Maple (Acer campestre)

Soils: Performs well on chalk, limestone, and free-draining soils. Sites: Best in sunny or semi-shaded positions. Benefits: Vibrant autumn colour; valuable to aphid predators; supports moth species. Inspector appeal: A good structural species that lifts the overall mix quality.

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Hazel (Corylus avellana)

Soils: Moist, fertile soils, but extremely adaptable. Sites: Thrives in both hedges and woodland edges. Benefits: Catkins for early pollen; nuts for small mammals; excellent coppicing species. Inspector appeal: A sign of long-term thinking — supports dormice in suitable areas.

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Dog Rose (Rosa canina)

Soils: Light, well-drained soils preferred. Sites: Full sun or partial shade. Benefits: Summer flowers for insects; autumn hips for birds; adds height and scrambling structure. Inspector appeal: A biodiversity booster. Rose hips are a classic winter food.

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Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)

Soils: Best on chalk, limestone, or nutrient-poor soils. Sites: Full sun. Benefits: Striking pink autumn fruits; supports dozens of moth species. Inspector appeal: Excellent indicator of a healthy, species-rich hedge.

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Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)

Soils: Prefers moist, fertile soils; tolerates wetter areas. Sites: Hedge bottoms, wetter margins, lowland areas. Benefits: Showy blossom; bright red berries for birds; high pollinator value. Inspector appeal: Great for wetter fields where other species struggle.

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Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)

Soils: Moist, fertile soils. Sites: Thrives near waterways, damp hedges, and colder regions. Benefits: Early flowers, glossy berries, and strong insect support. Inspector appeal: Shows good species selection for northern or wetter farms.

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Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)

Soils: Most soils except waterlogged ground. Sites: Exposed sites, rough pastures. Benefits: Blossom for bees; fruits for birds; adds height and longevity. Inspector appeal: A strong biodiversity and structural species inspectors often praise.

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Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

Soils: Best on chalk and limestone; tolerates dry soils. Sites: Sunny hedges. Benefits: Autumn colour; berries for birds; stems provide winter structure. Inspector appeal: Brilliant for visual diversity and winter habitat.

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Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Soils: Chalky, limestone-rich, or dry soils.

Sites: Sunny, sheltered spots.

Benefits: Flowers packed with nectar; black berries for birds.

Inspector appeal: A wildlife-friendly “filler” species for dry sites.

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Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Soils: Acidic to neutral soils; avoids waterlogged ground.

Sites: Shady hedgerows, woodland edge.

Benefits: Evergreen shelter; berries for thrushes; winter cover for livestock.

Inspector appeal: Evergreen structure is highly valued in stewardship hedges.

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Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Soils: Chalk, limestone, and well-drained soils.

Sites: Sunny positions.

Benefits: Essential host plant for Brimstone butterflies; berries feed birds.

Inspector appeal: Adding buckthorn signals clear biodiversity intent.

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Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)

Soils: Moist, acidic soils; great for damp ground.

Sites: Stream edges, wetter hedges.

Benefits: Nectar-rich flowers; berries for birds; supports rare species.

Inspector appeal: Excellent option for wet or shaded field boundaries.

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Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantana)

Soils: Chalk and limestone are ideal.

Sites: Sunny, dry areas.

Benefits: White blossom; red-to-black berries; strong for pollinators.

Inspector appeal: A hardy shrub that thrives where others fail.

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Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Soils: Most soils, including acidic upland soils.

Sites: Exposed, windy locations.

Benefits: Heavy berry crops; supports thrushes, blackbirds, and pollinators.

Inspector appeal: Great choice for upland or windy farms.

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✅ How to Build a Mix Inspectors Will Approve

A good BN7 or BN11 hedge typically includes:

• 60–70% core species (Hawthorn & Blackthorn)

• 30–40% diversity species (Spindle, Hazel, Dog Rose, Maple, etc.)

This shows:

• Proper adherence to rules

• A thoughtful planting scheme

• Clear biodiversity value
  

Our BN7 and BN11 hedge packs are pre-designed to meet these ratios.

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🛠️ Need a Ready-Made Scheme?

We can produce:

• BN7 (gapping-up) hedge packs

• BN11 (new hedges) packs

• Custom species mixes based on soil or inspector feedback

• Planting plans and species percentage sheets