Hedgerows are vital components of the UK countryside, offering habitats for wildlife, acting as natural boundaries, and contributing to the landscape’s character. Proper management of hedgerows is essential to preserve these benefits, and there are specific legal guidelines in place to ensure their protection.
Legal Restrictions on Cutting and Trimming Hedgerows
In England, under the Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024, it is prohibited to cut or trim hedgerows on agricultural land between 1 March and 31 August. This period coincides with the main nesting season for birds, and the restriction aims to prevent disturbance to nesting wildlife.
These rules apply to hedgerows that:
- Are more than 20 meters long with gaps of 20 meters or less.
- Are less than 20 meters long but connect to another hedgerow at each end.
- Are located on or adjacent to land used for agriculture, including horticulture, fruit growing, seed growing, dairy farming, and livestock breeding or keeping, so does not apply to most hedges in or marking boundaries of gardens in residential areas.
Violating these regulations can result in enforcement actions by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), including potential fines.
Exemptions to the Cutting Restrictions
Certain situations allow for hedgerow cutting or trimming during the restricted period without prior permission:
- Safety Concerns: If the hedgerow poses a danger by obstructing roads, footpaths, or public rights of way.
- Hedge-Laying and Coppicing: Traditional management practices like hedge-laying or coppicing between 1 March and 30 April.
- Garden Boundaries: Hedgerows within or marking the boundary of a private garden.
- Health Risks: To prevent or treat serious plant, human, or animal health issues.
- Pest Infestations: To control serious pest or weed infestations.
In these cases, it’s essential to keep records of the work carried out and the reasons for it, as you may need to provide evidence to the RPA if requested.
Protecting Wildlife During Hedge Maintenance/Trimming.
Even when cutting is legally permitted, it’s crucial to ensure that wildlife is not harmed:
- Check for Nests: Before any cutting or trimming, inspect the hedgerow for active bird nests. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it’s illegal to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it’s in use or being built.
- Avoid Disturbance: If you find an active nest, delay work until the young birds have fledged and the nest is no longer in use.
Additional Hedgerow Protection Measures
Beyond cutting restrictions, the regulations also require:
- Buffer Strips: Maintaining a 2-meter buffer zone from the center of the hedgerow where no cultivation or application of fertilizers or pesticides occurs. This helps protect the hedgerow’s root system and the wildlife it supports.
Further Information
For comprehensive details on hedgerow management rules, including how to apply for exemptions or report breaches, please visit the official government guidance:
👉 Hedgerow Management Rules: Cutting and Trimming
