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The Hedgerow Regulations (open/close)
A hedge is a row of bushes forming a hedge, with trees etc growing in
it. Permission to remove an important hedgerow has to be obtained from
the local planning authority though there are permitted exceptions,
for example when a field is totally enclosed by hedges with no means
of entrance or exit. An important hedgerow (as defined in the
Regulations) contains one of the following features:
- marks a pre-1850 parish or township boundary
- incorporates an archaeological feature
- is part of or associated with an archaeological site
- marks the boundary of, or is associated with, a pre-1600 estate
or manor
- forms an integral part of a pre-1845 field system
- contains certain categories of species or animals or plants
listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act or Joint Nature
Conservation Committee (JNCC) publications
- includes:
- at least seven woody species, on average, in a 30 metre length
- at least six woody species, on average, in a 30 metre length and
has at least three associated features (including trees)
- at least six woody species, on average, in a 30 metre length ,
including a black poplar tree, or large-leaved lime, or small-leaved
lime or wild service tree
- at least five woody species, on average, in a 30 metre length and
has at least four associated features
- runs along a bridleway, footpath or road used as a public path,
or a byway open to all traffic and includes at least four woody
species, on average, in a 30 metre length and has at least two of
the associated features listed below
The associated features are:
- a bank or wall supporting a hedgerow
- less than 10 percent gaps
- on average, at least one tree per 50 metres
- at least three species from a list of 57 woodland plants
- a ditch
- a number of connections with other hedgerows, ponds or woodland
- a parallel hedge within 15 metres
Individual trees in hedgerows and fields (open/close)
Individual trees in rural landscapes may be protected by Tree
Preservation Orders provided that they make a significant impact on
their surrounding area. (see Tree preservation orders).
Financial Incentives for landowners to retain trees (open/close)
Since the late 1980s agri-environment schemes have been in operation
(Environmentally Sensitive Areas and Countryside Stewardship in
England, Tir Gofal in Wales, the Rural Stewardship Scheme in Scotland,
and the Countryside Management Scheme in Northern Ireland) which may
include payments to land managers for the planting, restoration and/or
management of hedgerows.
Hedgerows Biodiversity Action Plan (open/close)
Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows were included as a Priority
Habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) published in 1995.
The targets are to halt the loss of all hedgerows that are both
ancient and species-rich by 2005; achieve favourable condition of 50%
of these hedges by the same date; and maintain overall numbers of
hedgerow trees throughout the UK.
Progress on the Hedgerows Action Plan is monitored by a Steering
Group. Its members represent interested parties, including nominees of
Government Departments, the statutory agencies, local authorities,
utility companies and farming and conservation bodies. Defra is the
lead partner for the action plan.
The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are currently under review and the
Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Forum have made representations that
ancient trees and ancient woodland as part of hedgerows should receive
special recognition.
What you can do (open/close)
If an ancient tree is within an important hedgerow then the most
appropriate way to protect it might be through the Hedgerow
Regulations. Contact your local authority planning department for
advice.
Find out more (open/close)
Related sections (open/close)
Disclaimer.
This information is based on the experiences of the
Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree Forum in dealing with cases of woods
and trees under threat. While its content is intended to broaden
understanding of the process, the Woodland Trust and Ancient Tree
Forum do not accept liability for any errors or omissions or for any
loss arising from use of the information contained herein by other
parties. In any circumstances outside the knowledge and competence of
an individual, he or she should always seek advice from an appropriate
qualified professional such as a surveyor or solicitor depending on
the case. None of the information on this web-page is to be relied
upon as a statement of fact.
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