When we say that we are planting both native and non-native trees and shrubs, many conservationists wince visibly. However, we want to try something a bit different than traditional conservation projects with our tree and shrub planting. Our aim is to reliably provide food for birds, bees and butterflies throughout the year. Climate change will result in different weather patterns and it is likely that in some years native staples will not fruit or flower in our area. Habitat fragmentation will make it more difficult for animals to access food elsewhere. The site is wedged between housing estates and regretfully many gardens are now predominantly paved. In addition, invasive animals like grey squirrels can deplete native food stocks (they are eating a lot of hawthorn berries -haws- around here). We have therefore chosen a mix of natives and non-natives for our site.
Our selected non-natives are predominantly close relatives of natives, including hawthorns, rowans, crab apples and hollies. We will observe which varieties and species are most popular with birds and insects and thereby be able to provide advice to those who want to plant for wildlife but still have something ornamental in their garden.
Our signature tree is a crab apple variety called Red Sentinel. We already have them in the front and back of our house and are planting a total of 6 of these on Bourneley Meadow. It has beautiful spring blossom and lovely little apples that are now just colouring red. The apples are quite hard, and birds don’t eat them until late in winter and early spring, when other resources are depleted. We are hoping that this will provide a larder for hungry birds during the hard times…
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