Clearing Banks

I have been clearing a bank of ivy, ready to plant a hedgerow of native shrub and tree species. Even though ivy provides wildlife with shelter and food, it can become quite invasive in a garden setting. Don't worry, I have left the tops of the banks full with ivy, so to leave any invertebrates which use the plant to overwinter. Also, the elm trees are supporting much ivy which has flowered and now provides berries and shelter for birds and mammals.

The bank does look a little brutalised, but im going to plant up with grass and native hedgerow plants to provide a mosaic of habitats within the garden.

The next stage is to plant the 100 trees and shrubs, wait 5 years and eventually lay the hedge.