Go wild for birds with just a metre of hedging as part of our Awesome Autumn campaign
Gardeners, landscapers, local authorities and community groups are being encouraged to embrace a ‘wild’ aesthetic and plant a metre of native hedges as part of our Awesome Autumn campaign (November 2026).
Autumn is often overlooked but is the ideal for establishing bareroot trees and hedges while providing vital habitats for birds and other wildlife.
Cian Lynch, our Assistant Manager (Commercial), explains:
“As part of our Awesome Autumn campaign, we’re encouraging people to think differently about autumn planting and to also consider wildlife before they trim their hedges for the winter.
Strong root systems before winter
“While spring traditionally gets most of the attention, autumn provides excellent growing conditions, with warm soils, cooler temperatures and typically more reliable rainfall helping plants establish strong root systems before winter.
“Just one metre of hedging can provide a meaningful habitat for birds, and autumn is the ideal time to get started. We’re encouraging everyone, from those with small gardens to community groups, housing projects and amenity planners, to plant native hedging and help build wildlife corridors across the UK.
Slightly wilder approach
“For those who have hedging already, embracing a slightly wilder approach and allowing hedges to flower, fruit and retain their natural shape, people can create richer habitats and valuable food sources while helping wildlife move more easily through the landscape.”
Native hedging plays a crucial role in supporting wildlife by providing nesting sites, shelter and food sources through berries and insects.
We’re encouraging everyone from gardeners to land managers at large estates to leave berries on plants well into winter, avoid excessive trimming and allow hedges to develop a more natural appearance for greater biodiversity benefits.
Bareroot season
The campaign also coincides with bareroot season, which began at the start of November.
Grown in open fields and lifted during dormancy, bareroot hedging is one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways to establish new hedges. The plants require no plastic pots, have lower transport impacts and are ideally planted during the autumn and winter months.
Cian continues:
“Now is the perfect time to plan and order bareroot hedging. Forward planning helps secure the varieties you want and ensures projects are ready to go when planting conditions are at their best. Whether you’re planting a garden boundary, community hedge or larger landscape scheme, bareroot offers excellent value and environmental benefits.”
Bird-friendly native species
Recommended bird-friendly native species include Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, Hornbeam, Dog Rose, Elder and Spindle, all of which provide valuable food, shelter and nesting opportunities for a wide range of resident and migratory bird species.
Expertise & free advice
We offer free expert advice on selecting native species, designing mixed hedging schemes, planting bareroot hedging and trees, and managing hedges for long-term biodiversity benefits.
For free expert advice on biodiversity-boosting, bird-friendly and bareroot hedging, download please download our complimentary guide here.
Worthy causes
We’re offering 100 selected UK schools, charities, community groups with environmental projects free bareroot hedging plants to help create wildlife habitats and green corridors nationwide.
We’re asking people to apply from November 1, 2026, until March 31, 2027, and bareroot hedging plants, also known as whips or saplings, will then be despatched in November 2027 when they are ready to plant. Find out more here!
How to find out more & order stock
Please call 01432 845 200 or email enquiries@wyevale-nurseries.co.uk.
Individuals looking to purchase hedging online on a smaller scale, can visit our Wyevale Hedges website here for further free advice and to make an order too.