Are any residents or community groups interested in receiving a Barberry bush?
To help the species thrive, the Crudwell area has been selected to receive Barberry bushes. The plants like… areas that are not waterlogged too much in the winter and partial shade. In the past Barberry was a persecuted plant as it was found to be an intermediary host for a wheat rust fungus. This is not currently a concern as rust-resistant crop varieties were developed. However, we do not know if this situation will change in the future with climate change and for that reason we are not planting closer than 20 metres away from cereal crops.
We are looking for suitable locations in Crudwell, towards Hankerton, Long Newnton and Ashley. The bushes can over time grow to about 7 foot tall but are slow-growing and can be pruned back in late autumn. They typically fit well in hedgerows and have attractive berries that are great for birds and small mammals, but also have spines! School gardens, churchyards and village halls with gardens are all good locations too. More info below:-