Working on Countryside Hedgerows
Hedges are important and attractive features in our countryside and reflect the landscape, economic and social history of our rural areas. They can be a vital habitat for wildlife, especially where woodland cover is sparse.
In the past they were routinely managed and this helped to ensure their survival today. Sadly, some hedges have been lost because this work has been neglected. Many have been uprooted due to changes in recent agricultural practices. Others have been removed to allow development.
The Hedgerow Regulations 1997
These regulations provide arrangements for the Council to protect important hedgerows in the countryside by controlling their removal through a system of notification. Uprooting or any act that destroys the hedge is regarded as removal.
In general, the regulations apply to hedgerows of more than 20 metres in length or shorter if both ends join up with other hedgerows. They must be in countryside situations, including village greens. Garden hedges are not included.
Making a notification to remove hedgerows
If you want to remove a hedge or part of it, you should tell the Council by filling in a Hedgerow Removal Notice.
Even where the law applies some works are allowed without notification. So to avoid the risk of an unlimited fine for carrying out work without permission, you should first discuss your proposals with the Council's planning officer.
If the regulations apply we will send you a form. You will have to give a sketch plan s
howing the location of the hedge and where the work will be done. You must also give a reason for the work. There is no charge for submitting a notification.
How notifications are processed
We will carry out a site survey and check documentary records to see if the hedgerow is ''important'' (for example of archaeological or wildflie value) and should be retained. We keep a register of hedgerow removal notices for public inspection. We will make a decison within 42 calendar days unless a longer period is agreed.
If the hedgerow does not meet the criteria, it is not ''important'' and we will give permission for the proposed work to be carried out. Permission may also be given even if the hedgerow is "important" if the work is justified. Permissions last for two years.
Alternatively, we may prohibit the proposed work to an ''important'' hedgerow by issuing a Hedgerow Retention Notice. This is permanent unless circumstances change. You can then submit a new notification. You can appeal in writing to the Secretary of State within 28 days of our decision.