Hedge Cutting & Trimming Rules

The Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 came into force on 23rd May 2024 putting new hedgerow management rules for cutting and trimming and buffer strips in place in England. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) is the regulator for these rules and may visit your land to check compliance with these regulations.

Cutting and trimming rules

You must not cut or trim a hedgerow that is covered by the rules from 1st March to 31st August.
You must not cause or permit another person to cut or trim such a hedgerow.

Exemptions from the rules

Cutting or trimming is permitted from 1st March to 31st August in the following situations. You do not need to notify the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to ask for the exemptions listed. 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.

Public and private rights of way

The hedgerow overhangs a highway, road or footpath over which there is a public or private right of way and the overhanging hedgerow:

obstructs the passage of users
is a danger to users
obstructs the view of users
obstructs the light from a public lamp

The hedgerow is dead, diseased, damaged or insecurely rooted. And because of its condition, it or part of it, is likely to cause danger by falling on to a highway, road or footpath.

Hedge-laying and coppicing

To carry out hedge-laying or coppicing during the period 1st March to 30th April. Or to trim a newly laid hedgerow by hand, within 6 months of it being laid.

Exemptions when sowing oilseed rape or temporary grass in August

You need to notify the RPA each year before you can cut or trim a hedgerow in August to sow oilseed rape or temporary grassland during the same August.

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.

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

You must also check the length of the whole hedgerow for birds, nests and eggs. If you find any, you:

Cannot cut or trim that hedgerow
Must follow your responsibilities under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Notifying the RPA of an exemption

To notify, you must email or write to the RPA. You should:

Include details of the crop to be sown
All relevant land parcel numbers
Use the subject heading ‘Hedgerow management cutting and trimming rules notification’

You do not need to wait for written permission before carrying out any work. As long as you meet the rules of this provision, you only need to make sure your notification is received by the RPA. You should make sure therefore that you receive an acknowledgement of your notification from the RPA before carrying out any work. For email notifications this will be the automated RPA acknowledgement.

When you need written permission (derogations) for exemption from the rules

You can apply to the RPA for written permission (a derogation) to be exempt from the cutting or trimming rules between 1st March and 31st August. A derogation could be granted for any of the following reasons:

It would enhance the environment
It is necessary in relation to livestock or crop production
It would improve public or agricultural access

How to apply for written permission (a derogation)

To apply for a derogation, you must email or write to the RPA. You should:

Send all the available evidence (for example, photographs or diagrams)
Explain what you want to do
Include the land parcel numbers you want the derogation for
Use the subject heading ‘Hedgerow management rules derogation’

You must wait for the RPA to consider your request and grant any successful derogation in writing before carrying out any work.

The rules for removing a hedgerow are covered under the Countryside Hedgerow Protection guidance, which is related to the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside-hedgerows-regulation-and-management