Hedgerows Regulations and Removing a Hedgerow
The Hedgerows Regulations 1997 protect important countryside hedgerows from being removed without permission.
If you are planning to remove all or part of a hedgerow, you may need to submit a Hedgerow Removal Notice to the National Park Authority before carrying out any work.
Is My Hedgerow Protected?
The Regulations generally apply to hedgerows that:
- Are 20 metres or more in length; or
- Meet another hedgerow at each end; and
- Are on, or adjacent to, land used for agriculture, forestry, horse grazing, common land, village greens, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Local Nature Reserves.
The Regulations do not apply to hedges within domestic gardens.
Who Can Submit a Hedgerow Removal Notice?
A Hedgerow Removal Notice may be submitted by:
- The freehold owner of the land
- A tenant of an agricultural holding
- A tenant under a farm business tenancy
- Certain utility operators
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the Planning Portal.
Alternatively, you can download and complete a paper form.
Your application must include a plan, normally at a scale of 1:2500, clearly showing the section of hedgerow proposed for removal.
What Happens Next?
Once a valid Hedgerow Removal Notice has been received, the Authority has six weeks to determine whether the hedgerow is 'important' under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.
A hedgerow may be considered important if it meets specified archaeological, historical or ecological criteria.
If the hedgerow is considered important, the Authority may issue a Hedgerow Retention Notice, preventing its removal.
If you do not receive a response within six weeks of the Authority receiving a valid notification, you may proceed with the works described in your notice.
Do Not Start Work Early
Works must not begin until:
- The Authority has confirmed that the hedgerow may be removed; or
- The six-week notification period has expired.
Removing a protected hedgerow without complying with the Regulations may constitute a criminal offence.
Appeals
If a Hedgerow Retention Notice is issued, you have the right to appeal to the Secretary of State.