I saw a website in this country offering mixed hedge combinations,
tailored to individual requirements. Unforunately I can't remember
the URL, so you'll have to search on Google!
I do remember that it said Quickthorn seems to be preferred to
Hawthorn
nowadays as it grows faster. ISTR that Blackthorn was in there too, plus
others. Any such hedge seems to have to be cut back hard in its first year
to encourage dense growth at its base. The mixed hedge can be thickened
with rambling species roses like the Dog Rose, Sweet Briar, Honeysuckle
etc. Hornbeam is deciduous but retains its leaves until spring.
Beech is good too as it keeps its leaves on during winter, but I read
it
takes a while to get established and grows slowly. Yew and Holly are
fantastic but only grow some 8-9"/year. I don't think any of the above
"stop" at 4-5 feet. You can probably mix 'n match all the above.
If you want a lasting hedge which automatically limits its own height
to 4-5 feet, gets there quickly and is impenetrable even in winter I think
( and wiser heads may know different ) that you're going to be disappointed.
I take it plants like Laurel, Box and Privet are too formal/wildlife
unfriendly for you? Privet will get to the height you require quite fast but
sucks all the nutrients out of the soil. I'm no expert, you'll have to work
out
what will work best in your situation yourself, but the above suggestions
may
be of some help,

Andy.

"Sue & Bob Hobden" wrote in message
...

"Mike wrote in message
Can anyone give me some advice/recommendations on hedging.

Having read your requirements and your rural location my immediate thought
was Hawthorn.

British native so excellent for wildlife and the environment.
Used by farmers to keep livestock in/out.
Flowers.
Berries.
Can be easily trimmed. But remember a hedge should be "A" shaped in
cross-section not with vertical sides (and never "Y" shaped).
Grows thick and very thorny.
Can get "whips" cheaply if buying lots.

--
Bob

www.pooleygreengrowers.org.uk/ about an Allotment site in
Runnymede fighting for it's existence.