Hedgerows
What is a hedgerow?
A hedgerow is defined as any boundary line of trees or shrubs over 20m long and less than 5m wide at the base, provided that at one time the trees or shrubs were more or less continuous. It includes an earth bank or wall only where such a feature occurs in association with a line of trees or shrubs. This includes ‘classic’ shrubby hedgerows, lines of trees, shrubby hedgerows with trees and very gappy hedgerows (where each shrubby section may be less than 20m long, but the gaps are less than 20m). Reference - Defra (2007) Hedgerow Survey Handbook. A standard procedure for local surveys in the UK. Defra, London
Hedgerow regulations
On 1 June 1997 new rules on hedgerows came into force. Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 (SI No. 1160):
- It is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without permission
- To get permission to remove a hedgerow you must write to your local planning authority
- If the authority decide to prohibit removal of an important hedge, it must let you know within 6 weeks
- If you remove a hedgerow without permission (whether important or not) you may face an unlimited fine. You may also have to replace the hedgerow
BlueSky Environmental Solutions offer a complete and comprehensive package of hedgerow management from hedgerow surveys to hedge planting and hedgelaying.
Our services include:
- Hedgerow surveys
- Planning a new hedge – taking into consideration stock, wildlife, shelter, boundary and screening requirements
- Supplying hedging materials - including plants, stakes, guards or shelters
- Hedgerow protection fencing including, stock and rabbit fencing
- Hedge planting including ground preparation
- Management of existing hedgerows - including hand and mechanical trimming
- Hedgelaying service
- Provision of hedgelaying training – including training and instruction for community volunteers
- Hedge coppicing
- Restoring a neglected hedge
Please contact us to arrange a site visit or discuss your hedgerow management requirements.