Tree protection and high hedges
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Hedgerows
Hedgerows are distinctive features of our countryside and of considerable historical and wildlife habitat value. They make a positive contribution to the character, biodiversity and interest to the landscape.
A hedgerow removal notice form should be used by anyone proposing to remove a hedgerow, or part of a hedgerow, covered by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. This includes hedgerows in the countryside, which are at least 20 metres or more long, or which meet another hedgerow at each end.
All these hedgerows must be on, or adjoining land used for agriculture or forestry, the breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys, common land, village greens, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Local Nature Reserves.
Garden hedges or hedges that form the curtilage of a dwelling house are not included.
See countryside hedgerows: protection and management for details on:
- checking if a hedgerow is protected
- appealing a hedgerow decision
- when you don’t need to apply to remove a hedgerow
- reporting a suspected hedgerow offence
Further information is available from:
Last updated 09 May 2023