As part of this years winter works the grounds team have planted a 300 metre avenue of Hornbeam tree's along the roadside between Constantine college and the sports village and interplanted with a mixed species hedge between each one. 1500 Treebio 100% biodegradable spirals were used to protect the bare root plants from the 'bigger mammals'.
With very little to break up the landscape this area is renowned for being windy and eventually the hedge and the trees should offer some shelter along the path.
Once established the hedge will become not only a windbreak but a habitat, a feeding ground and wildlife corridor between the colleges for birds, mammals and insects.
The hedge comprises 6 native species with differing characteristics which have been chosen to offer a range of benefits to wildlife once established.
The dominant species used is Hawthorn which provides the sturdy backbone of the hedge with its flowers in May and berries into Autumn.
The remainder of the hedge is made up of Hazel, Dog Rose, Holly, Cherry and Guelder Rose.
The mix of species also ensures a long flowering period, there will rarely be a time when something isn’t in bloom providing pollen and nectar.
Bats as well as Bumble bees will also use the linear nature of the hedge line for navigation too.
