Time to mix up hedgerows

I want to put forward a view against monoculture hedges. Over the years, fashions for hedgerows have changed, from privet to box, to red tip photinia and griselinia – we seem obsessed with single-plant hedges. But here an opportunity is missed to have a mix of plants and in so doing provide a selection of wildlife habitats.

I accept that some people want an evergreen hedge, but even then a mix can be used, such as yew with laurel and even beech. I’ve mixed hawthorn with blackthorn, escallonia, cotoneaster and variegated holly. I even put in a prickly mimosa bush for colour! All are attractive to bees, birds and many passersby.

Paul Willis, by email