With spring approaching, many farmers start thinking about managing hedgerows. These vital landscape features provide shelter and food for birds, insects, and wildlife, and help maintain healthy farmland ecosystems.
Before planning any hedgerow work, it’s important to remember that you must not cut or trim hedgerows from 1st March to 31st August if they are covered by the rules – and you cannot allow anyone else to do so either.
England: Hedgerow Management Rules (from 23rd May 2024)
The Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 set out new rules, enforced by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Farmers should expect possible inspections to ensure compliance.
Cutting & trimming rules
- Do not cut or trim hedgerows from 1st March to 31st August.
- Do not allow anyone else to do so.
Exemptions (no notification required)
You must keep a record of all works that you carry out under an exemption. If you are visited by the RPA you must be able to prove how and why you relied on the exemption.
You may cut or trim during the restricted period for the following cases:
- Public/private rights of way: Hedgerow obstructs passage, is dangerous, blocks the view, or blocks light from a public lamp.
- Hedgerow condition: Dead, diseased, damaged, or insecurely rooted hedgerows that may fall onto a road or path.
- Hedge-laying/coppicing: Allowed from 1st March to 30th April, or trimming a newly laid hedgerow by hand within six months.
- Boundaries of a private garden: The hedgerow is within the curtilage of a dwelling house. Or the hedgerow marks the boundary of the curtilage of a dwelling house (this applies to both sides of the hedgerow).
- Risks to plant, human or animal health: You need to prevent or treat serious causes of harm to plant health. Or there is a risk to human or animal health or safety.
- Weed or pest infestations: You need to prevent or treat a serious pest or weed infestation.
- Work is carried out by any statutory body (for example a utility company) acting under statutory powers.
Exemptions requiring notification (August only)
For sowing oilseed rape or temporary grassland (temporary grassland includes the sowing of any mix which includes grass):
- Notify the RPA before cutting.
- Cut only the in-field side or the section adjacent to the sowing area.
- Check for birds, nests, and eggs – do not disturb them.
- Keep records of all work in case of inspection.
Cutting or trimming is only permitted on:
- the in-field side of the hedgerow (and the top of the hedgerow if it’s not possible to cut it from an adjoining field)
- the length of the hedgerow next to where you will sow the oilseed rape or temporary grass
Written permission (derogations)
If you need to cut hedgerows outside the normal rules for:
- Environmental enhancement
- Livestock or crop production needs
- Improving public or agricultural access
…you must apply to the RPA in writing with:
- Evidence (photos, diagrams)
- Land parcel numbers
- Explanation of what you want to do
Wait for written approval before carrying out any work.
Hedgerow removal
- Most hedgerows cannot be removed without local authority permission under the Hedgerow Regulations 1997.
Read more: Hedgerow management rules: cutting and trimming – GOV.UK and for rules on buffer strips visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hedgerow-management-rules-buffer-strips
Wales: Hedgerow Management Rules
In Wales, GAEC 7 (Cross Compliance Regulation) protects hedgerows and trees during the bird nesting season.
Cutting & trimming rules
- Do not cut or trim from 1st March to 31st August unless an exemption applies.
Exemptions
- Hedgerow/tree overhangs a public road/path and obstructs passage, view, light, or is dangerous to horse-riders.
- Hedgerow/tree is dead, diseased, damaged, or insecurely rooted.
- Work is necessary to maintain a ditch.
- Tree is in an orchard.
- On arable land, hedges may be cut from 1st August for winter crops, provided birds are not disturbed.
- Hedge restoration (laying or coppicing) can occur in March if birds are not disturbed.
- Special events (e.g., competitions) may allow hedge restoration until 30th April with written Welsh Government permission.
These exemptions are allowed as long as farmers also meet their obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the protection of wild birds (see SMR 2). You should retain evidence, e.g. photographs and/or any letters from the relevant competent authorities that show clearly why it was necessary to cut or trim hedges and trees between 1 March and 31 August. These should be provided to inspectors on request.
Hedgerow removal
- Most hedgerows cannot be removed without local authority permission (Hedgerow Regulations 1997).
- Hedgerows are also protected as landscape features under GAEC 7.
Read more: https://www.gov.wales/cross-compliance-2026
Tips for farmers
Follow these general best practices to stay compliant with regulations in England and Wales:
- Check for nesting birds before cutting or trimming any hedgerow. Never disturb active nests.
- Keep records of all hedgerow work, including any exemptions or notifications, so you can show compliance if inspected.
- Maintain buffer strips: Keep 2 metres (England) or 1 metre (Wales) from the centre of the hedgerow free of cultivation, with green cover intact.
- Avoid chemicals near hedgerows: No fertiliser or pesticides within the buffer strip.
- Follow wildlife laws: Comply with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to protect nesting birds.
Further help & advice
For further help and advice, contact the Agricultural Compliance team on 01981 590514.