The Sleeping Beauty hedge was planted in 2019 with over 500 saplings covering a length of 140m along Burlington Lane, directly outside Chiswick School and bordering Chiswick House and Gardens Park. Daffodils and forget-me-nots were also added. This new hedge was supposed to link existing fragments of shrub left behind from an earlier hedge. However the landscape is extremely tough, with dog walkers, school children and car boot sale visitors walking over the hedge on a daily basis, so only some parts have survived.
Species composition
The new hedge contained 6 species of native tree/shrub. The trees were chosen to reflect the existing planting and to provide year-round interest, flowers for bees, berries for birds and winter shelter for other wildlife.
- 50% Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
- 10% Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
- 10% Field Maple (Acer campestre)
- 10% Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
- 10% Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
- 10% Wild Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
Due to the composition of the hedge, which included a high proportion of thorny hawthorn and dog rose, it was dubbed the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Hedge.
Community involvement
Rory Harding led the planting, with support from Karen at Abundance London and Steve from London National Park City. Eight volunteers from the local community came out to help over two days, the 18th and 19th March 2019. The initiative had been activity promoted through posters, social media and a mailshot form Abundance London and it was great to have such a friendly bunch working on greening their local patch. The sun shone and provided a truly springlike atmosphere. Two members of the PGSD team, working on behalf of Hounslow Highways, also joined the planting, setting a speedy pace for everyone to follow!
Thanks go to
The hedge planting could not have taken place without the kind donation of £325 from the Gemma and Chris McGough Charitable Foundation, which bought the bulk of the hedge plants. We are grateful to have worked with Hounslow Highways, with planning and support for the hedge and their contractors PGSD, who provided extra boots on the ground to help plant. Thanks for the support from Abundance London for the volunteer recruitment and planning and for covering some admin costs. And thanks for the London National Park City for inspiring us to green our local area!