BN11 HEDGE PLANTS, MIXED NATIVE FARM HEDGING & STEWARDSHIP PLANTING

Our mixed native farm hedging is grown at our West Sussex nursery and supplied bare root, priced per metre. Around 60% hawthorn with at least five other native species, it grows into a thick, stock-proof hedge that feeds and shelters wildlife, and it is suitable for Countryside Stewardship BN11 planting.

Bare root season starts in early November. Order now to reserve your plants and we will despatch them as soon as they are lifted.

Planting a farm or estate hedge? Email sales@millfarmplants.co.uk for a quotation on large orders.

What's in our native hedging mix

Each mix is around 60% hawthorn, which forms the dense, thorny backbone of the hedge. The rest is made up of at least five other native species, usually chosen from:

• Blackthorn: white spring blossom and sloes in autumn
• Field maple: rich autumn colour
• Hazel: catkins in late winter and nuts in autumn
• Dogwood: red winter stems
• Crab apple: spring blossom and small fruit
• Guelder rose: white flowers and red berries
• Dog rose: summer flowers and hips

The exact mix varies a little with what is ready to lift each season. Together they give flowers, fruit and cover through the year, and a varied hedge that wildlife can use from spring to winter.

Sizes and plants per metre

Choose from three sizes: 40 to 60cm, 60 to 90cm and 90 to 120cm. All are bare root and priced per metre, with a lower rate for 100 metres or more.

We supply 5 plants per metre, planted in a double staggered row. That is 500 plants for every 100 metres of hedge. For Countryside Stewardship BN11 planting, the rules ask for at least 6 plants per metre, so 600 plants per 100 metres.

See our guides to planting a bare root hedge and how many hedge plants per metre.

Countryside Stewardship BN11 planting

Our native farm hedging mix is suitable for BN11 Planting new hedges, a Countryside Stewardship capital item. The BN11 specification on GOV.UK currently asks for:

• at least 6 plants per metre, in 2 staggered rows 40cm apart
• native species only, with no single species making up more than 70% of the planting
• 2-year-old transplants, 45 to 60cm tall
• livestock fencing at least 1.2m from the centre of the hedge where needed, and the hedge kept weed-free until established

BN11 currently pays £22.97 per metre under Capital Grants 2026. Check the latest guidance on GOV.UK before applying. For stewardship orders, email us with your length of hedge and we will send a quotation.

Planting and aftercare

Plant bare root hedging while it is dormant, between November and April, avoiding frozen or waterlogged ground. Water well after planting and keep the base of the hedge free of weeds for the first two years while it establishes.

Spiral guards with a bamboo cane protect young plants from rabbits. They are not biodegradable, so remove them once the hedge is established. In the first two years, cut back new growth to encourage the hedge to thicken from the base. After that, trim the sides and top once a year in autumn or winter, never in spring or summer when birds are nesting.

With good aftercare, native farm hedging can reach around 2m in about three years.

Delivery

We despatch from our nursery in West Sussex by carrier to mainland UK. We are unable to deliver to the Highlands, Ireland or the islands. Larger orders travel on a pallet, with a minimum order of £100 excluding VAT. Pre-ordered bare root plants are despatched as soon as they are lifted, from early November, and we will be in touch before your delivery arrives.

For large orders, email sales@millfarmplants.co.uk or call 01798 831008.

Frequently asked questions

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