Hawthorn Trees/ Hedging

[QBEE]

I have what is supposed to be a hawthorn hedge running round my property however this has gone unmanaged for several years before we moved in and consequently I have lots of trees and a gappy bottomed boundary.

I need to secure the area so the dc can play out and would be loathe to cut down the trees and fence as I really like them come spring and summer.

What solution would be best for getting rid of the gappy bits? Another hedge next to the current one? The soil is moist and its a very sunny spot.

You could try laying some of the existing hawthorn i.e partially cutting through a fairly thick stem and ,leaving it still attached bend it to ground level and allow it to grow to thicken up the bottom. There are different ways to do it - find out more here. Alternatively just plant bare rooted whips in the gaps - but that will take longer.

Thanks for reply It has been made to lay previously in some parts and the trees have sprouted up from that. Must be about 25ft tall now.
Ill have a gander at linkage, thanks again.

A lot of people round here seem to have reinforced their hedges with wooden "snow fence" stuff - just a simple roll of fencing, which then dissapears inside the hedge as it grows bigger and thicker.