Another conversation and they definitely still want a fence. I thought they would be pleased when I suggested we would cut right back to trunk on their side and remove stems encroaching over border, so they could put up their fence, but I sensed a bit of a disappointment in that they said that their landscaper wanted a clear run to rip everything out on both sides and he was booked for 6 weeks time! I think they are making a huge mistake as the cheap panel fencing they are planning will warp and blow down in that location (others have) but probably in a few years once they've moved on. Hedges are so good for slowing the wind, filtering pollution, screening, and wildlife, and all they need is a trim. Still as suggested, I am going to keep everything that I can on my side and see what regenerates, maybe even extend it down the rest of the fencing! The rspb link was good information, but they rely on you calling the police and I think the hedge would be in the chipper and removed by the time they showed an interest...
A few months on and thanks to all the great advice and support here, I have so much more of my lovely little stretch of Hawthorn than expected! I got a local tree surgeon to 'halve' the hedge so that the fence could go up, and the remainder is doing well, helping to fight against the suburban fencemaggedon. Thanks again all 🌞
Good news @Plantpots ! Very pleased for you. I missed this thread earlier but just read through it all. I'm a big fan of mixed/hawthorn hedges and you'll probably probably find it grows back thicker than ever.
Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
Posts
Enjoy your hedge 👍
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Leave them to enjoy their rows of pansies and their lovely sterile fence
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...