Here is a non-native species planted the length and breadth of the land for purely functional reasons. That green ball is Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus). It has several virtues: it's evergreen, grows very quickly in sun or shade and shapes well. For that reason it has become widespread as a hedging plant, sometimes seen as a standalone specimen as here by the entrance to the music school.

 Generally referred to as a shrub P. laurocerasus is so vigorous that it will become a small tree left to its own devices. Conservationists are not fond of Cherry Laurel because it seeds and spreads into woodland and outcompetes native flora. It has some value for habitat and pollinators but not a pick for the wildlife garden.

 The one at the front of the lodge is due for a haircut. Another at the rear had grown so tall and leggy that we reduced it to the bare bones.

 That may seem like severe treatment but new growth is already appearing on branches within weeks of getting the chop. As I say Cherry Laurel is very vigorous; by this time next year it will be a shapely mass of green.