Blackthorn Scrub BNG Units
Medium
Heathland and shrub
Trusted by Developers and Landowners
What is
Blackthorn Scrub
Blackthorn Scrub is a dense shrub habitat dominated by blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), a native thorn-bearing species widespread across lowland England. It develops where unmanaged hedgerows, field margins or grasslands thicken into tall, spiny thickets typically 3–5 m high.
Why It Matters for BNG
For Developers
For Landowners
Where Are They Found?
Blackthorn Scrub is common across:
• Hedgerows and field boundaries
• Woodland edges and abandoned grassland
• Roadside verges and rail corridors
• Chalk and limestone landscapes of lowland England
Soil & Site Requirements
Blackthorn grows best on:
• Well-drained, moderately fertile soils
• Base-rich or neutral substrates with good moisture retention
• Open, unshaded land where lateral spread is unrestricted
How New Blackthorn Scrub Is Created
Inputs
• Allow natural regeneration from hedgerows or existing scrub edges
• Cease intensive cutting that prevents thicket formation
• Reduce grazing pressure to allow stems to establish
• Support colonisation on suitable mesotrophic soils
• Avoid excessive ground disturbance that suppresses shrub establishment
Management
• Leave areas unmanaged to allow stems to thicken and spread
• Permit suckering and seedling development from Prunus spinosa
• Exclude frequent trimming that restricts height and structure
• Allow bramble (Rubus fruticosus) to contribute to understorey density
Landscape
• Position creation adjacent to existing hedgerows or scrub
• Encourage natural expansion into field corners, margins or buffer strips
• Establish on land where scrub expansion supports wider habitat mosaics
Target Condition
Blackthorn Scrub in its defined BNG condition should:
• Display 50–75% canopy cover of characteristic native scrub species
• Contain at least three native woody species
• Present evidence of regeneration (seedlings, saplings, young stems)
• Show no presence of Schedule 9 invasive species
• Include some internal variation such as glades, rides or mixed age classes
• Maintain scrub height below 5 m for Moderate condition classification
Good condition requires all Moderate criteria plus strong structural variation and well-integrated edges.
The BNG Value of
Blackthorn Scrub
• Distinctiveness: Medium, reflecting its ecological role within shrub habitats while not classified as a priority habitat
• Condition Potential: Moderate to good, where multi species scrub, open glades and structural variation increase habitat value
• Habitat Connectivity: Strengthens hedgerow networks, woodland edges and mixed scrub mosaics that support birds, invertebrates and small mammals
• Climate and Landscape Context: Provides stable cover, early nectar, autumn berries and seasonal shelter, contributing to broader landscape resilience
Species Typical of
Blackthorn Scrub
Primary / Canopy Layer (Shrub Dominants)
• Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa)
• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) – commonly co-occurring
• Guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) – where conditions allow
Secondary / Understorey Layer
• Hazel (Corylus avellana) – patchy
• Elder (Sambucus nigra)
• Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
Ground Flora / Understorey
• Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)
• Woodland herbs near edges: primrose (Primula vulgaris), stitchwort (Stellaria media)
• Mosses and lichens typical of lightly shaded scrub
.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Exploring Other Habitats?
Upland Hay Meadow
Upland hay meadows are species rich grasslands dominated by a mix of fine grasses and abundant herbaceous wildflowers such as sweet vernal-grass, wood crane’s-bill, great burnet, pignut, and lady’s mantles. These meadows have developed through long term traditional management that combines light grazing with a late summer hay cut. Rare species including lesser butterfly-orchid and burnt orchid are sometimes found. This habitat is a dense mix of grasses and a wide variety of wildflowers, with no single grass species dominating the vegetation.
Upland Calcareous Grassland
Upland calcareous grassland is a springy, species-rich habitat occurring above approximately 250–300 metres on lime-rich, or “base-rich,” soils. The habitat develops as a short, species rich sward of calcicolous grasses, herbs and orchids adapted to alkaline conditions and cooler upland climates The grassland appears patchy and open, with fine grasses, colourful herbs and scattered rock outcrops. Wild thyme, common rock rose and bird’s foot trefoil often grow alongside sheep’s fescue and upright brome, creating a varied mosaic.
Upland Acid Grassland
Upland Acid Grassland is a mix of fine grasses, mosses and small herbaceous plants adapted to low pH and limited nutrients. This habitat appears as an open grassy landscape, often dominated by mat grass or purple moor grass. Texture and color come from all patches of tormentil, heath bedstraw and scattered mosses.
Ready to buy your units?
Easily buy your BNG units online today to ensure compliance and positive environmental impact.