On The “Hedge” of my Seat

The weather has been kind so far this winter and has given us the opportunity to look after our hedges.
This time we have focused on replanting established hedges from a few years back, we try to plant as many native plants as possible. The list composes of hawthorn (crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (prunus spinea), hazel (corylus avellana), holly (ilex aquifolium), crab apple (malus sylvestris), beech (fagus sylvatica), wild cherry (prunus avium), hornbeam (carpinus betulus).
There are many reasons to maintain hedges, from field demarcation to stock shelter from the weather and to prevent land erosion. Hedges have so many beneficial factors to wildlife from providing feed, to habitat, to display platform and for nesting sites.
As part of our program of wildlife habitat recovery, we focus on replanting the gaps missing in the hedges. With the help of a local casual labour force, we have replanted almost 10,000 trees.
Hunter, our apprentice on Balcaskie, has been asked to plan and organise and bring to completion an amenity plantation around North Baldutho Farmhouse as part of his course work. The plantation is approximately 0.5 hectare and on an exposed site. Hunter was asked to identify the ground condition and select species to match the conditions. the selection is as follow, scots pine, oak, beech, hornbeam, larch, hawthorn, blackthorn, cherry, native apple and Norway spruce to provide shelter to growing trees.
This year again we will take part in the Big Farmland Bird count organised nationwide by a multitude of partners and taking place from 8th until 17th February. We will share our data collected and encourage all to take part https://www.bfbc.org.uk/