It was a crisp autumn morning. 8 enthusiastic volunteers joined us for a rewarding 3-hour planting session, getting 80 native trees and shrubs into the ground.

Trees and shrubs planted:
12 Oak
30 Holly
30 Hazel
4 Rowan
3 Birch
1 Guelder Rose

Planting locations:
Northern boundary hedge: 11 Oak + 20 Holly
Eastern bank: 3 Birch, 5 Holly + 30 Hazel
Eastern end of the southern boundary: 4 Rowan + 1 Oak (planted away from infrasturcture)
Open spot south-east of the play area: 1 Guelder Rose

The northern boundary hedge which was first planted up two or three years ago – was already home to a mix of young native species including dog rose, birch, hazel, hawthorn and dogwood – is due to be trimmed by Perth & Kinross Council in the coming years, once it matures.

By adding in 11 oak and 20 holly to the hedge, we enriched both species and genetic diversity while increasing future thickness and density. These additions complement the existing plants: the holly will reinforce the evergreen cover, the oaks will grow into valuable long-term habitat alongside the birch, and everything together pushes the hedge toward a miniature woodland edge.

This kind of diverse, mixed native hedge is wildlife gold: year-round shelter, habitat for birds, resources for pollinators, autumn berries (rose hips, hawthorn, holly) and insect life supported by oak and hazel that in turn feed mamals and birds. This kind of structure creates important corridors and refuges in an urban area.

Many thanks to everyone who came along !