Thanks for the photos, Kath.
Your hedge looks like box, so (if so) it will take forever to grow, and won't provide any cover (too dense) when it does. Also, box is increasingly prone to box caterpillar, with (to my knowledge) only one biological treatment (nematode-based), which requires repeat spraying. And if you don't get box caterpillar, a damp year can give you terrible fungal problems (the box, not you), and the treatment for that is even worse. Box is turning into a high-maintenance presence in the garden, and it's only going to get worse.
There's (to my mind) absolutely no reason why you can't have a good, nature-friendly mixed hedge in your garden; one that will grow like wildfire. It's just a question of choosing the right plants. (Assuming that you have a good, thick layer of soil to plant them in, and plant "properly".)
I'd suggest you post separately asking for advice on hedging plants. There are a number of Community members who have a lot of knowledge on the subject, and I'm sure they'd be happy to share.
We've had success with yew. In fact, we're currently considering replacing a lot of our box (and we have a lot) with yew. Even up at 800m+ (where we are), some varieties will grow at 30 cm per year, although (as always) you're best investing in a fairly established plant.
We've a scrubby area on one side of the house where a mixture of lilac and philadelphus produces a lot of the cover that small birds appreciate, and brings in Bullfinches, etc.
Tangles, tangles, and more tangles. Small birds love them. Sprawks less so.
All the best -
Dave
I believe the reason behind me actually getting all the amazing birds I do get in my very open and small garden is due to the fact that my neighbour has these stunning trees very close to my garden and they always fly in from the right so know they are coming from that way....
