Blackthorn?

I was daft enough to plant blackthorn in a mixed wildlife hedge about 7 years ago (I thought good for wildlife, didnt think long term). I've just dug out the big bits. I find the odd sucker, they're not huge but they surround a border so I don't want to step on one while weeding.

I'm hopeful the surrounding field maple/hazel/guelder rose, quite well established by now, will make it harder to re-establish within the hedge due to their big leaves blocking light.

Is there any hope? Can I still eradicate it by digging? Unlike bindweed or couchgrass which seem unstoppable?

 

Blackthorn can certainly be a pain (sic) and needs approaching with caution. I consider it ill advised in a domestic setting. Can you create a 'cordon sanitaire along the hedgerow of foot or so; nothing is liking to be planted there.Then you can keep the hedge trimmed and sever and remove outward growing branches which may also root if allowed to touch down.

 

keep trimming the suckers to the ground and it should eventually run out of energy.