COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor P. Donovan

That this Area Committee in conjunction with Public Realm, identify a Hedgerow specie/species for consideration as the "County Hedgerow" and planted in selected pilot locations a selected by this Area committee with a view to eliminating Grafitti Wall space on Boundary walls adjacent to open spaces. 

REPORT:

A native hedgerow is an excellent habitat for wildlife hosting a wide range of plant species, insects, birds and mammals.  A varied composition provides continuity of food supply for birds and small mammals, with seeds, fruits and berries ripening at different times.  The more species of trees, shrubs and ground flora in a hedgerow, the more wildlife it will contain. Some trees or shrubs support a greater variety of wildlife.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), which supports over 200 insect species, is the most common species in Irish hedgerows and it should be included as a principal species within any proposed native hedgerow treatment. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), is also a common species of hedgerows. Being lower growing than Hawthorn, it can increase the density of growth at the base of hedgerows. Holly (Ilex aquifolium) is one of a few native evergreen species. It can increase hedgerow density and, being evergreen, it can improve screening value.  A variety of further hedgerow species are suitable for incorporation within hedgerows depending on local site and soil conditions. These will increase the attractiveness of the hedge as well as being of value to wildlife and include shrubs and climbing plants such as Dog-rose (Rosa canina), Elder (Sambucus nigra), Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus), Hazel (Corylus avellana) Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum). An example native hedgerow species mix might comprise the following: Hawthorn 50%, Blackthorn 20%, Holly 10%, Hazel 5%, Elderberry 5%, Spindle 5%, Wild Roses 3%, Honeysuckle 2%.

When planning for the planting of a native hedgerow the following should be considered: it should reflect the character of the site and where possible link with existing vegetation. It should produce a safe and practical landscape. It should be appropriate for the growing conditions and it should take into account the resources available for the longterm management and maintenance of the site.

The development of planting guidelines and recommendations for hedgerow species mixes will be considered in the formulation the new County Biodiversity Plan which is currently underway. Suitable locations to pilot the planting of native hedgerows can be identified in conjunction with Elected Members.  Such locations can include boundary walls adjacent to open spaces where graftitti is an issue.  A pilot programme for native hedgerow planting can then be compiled in line with available resources.