The Jubilee Hedge

The Jubilee Hedge was planted along the furthest border of the meadow to commemorate the 2000 Jubilee year. It was created by a group of Friends during the workdays from December 2002 to March 2003.

Over 250 plants were used to create the hedge, provided by the Trustees or grown by the Friends. About half are hawthorn, with the remainder made up of a random mixture of blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose, field maple and holly, all of which are common in British hedgerows.

Despite difficult ground and weather conditions, and a temporary flood along part of the hedgerow, all the plants were set in before the start of the new growth.

Most plants survived, some species better than others. Holly was the exception with the greatest loss, possibly caused by the damp soil conditions, which were not ideal for the species.

The Jubilee Hedge has now grown into a tall hedgerow, providing a valuable wildlife habitat at New Hall Mill. Except for a small amount of essential management, it is left to grow naturally.

Beyond the hedge is a foot/cycle path and a brook called Plants Brook.

Botanical names of the plants in the hedge

• Hawthorn - Crataegus monogyna Jacq.
• Guelder Rose - Viburnum opulus L.
• Blackthorn - Prunus spinosa L.
• Field Maple - Acer campestre L.
• Dog Rose - Rosa canina agg.
• Holly - Ilex aquifolium L.