Hedgerows are vital features of the countryside. They provide habitat, act as wildlife corridors, slow soil erosion and water run-off, support pollinators, sequester carbon, and enrich the landscape. Because of this, hedgerows are legally protected and subject to management rules.
This page sets out the key measures for protecting hedgerows during works, as well as best practice for creating or restoring new hedges in accordance with the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) favourable condition attributes.
1. Protecting Hedgerows During Works
Closed cutting season:
Hedgerows on agricultural land must not be cut or trimmed between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds and other wildlife.Exemptions:
Cutting during this period is only permitted where:The hedge obstructs a highway, footpath, or lamp.
It is dead, damaged, or poses danger.
Hedge-laying or coppicing is carried out in early spring.
Urgent action is needed to control pests, diseases, or risks to health and safety.
Site protection during building works:
Erect protective fencing around hedgerows to prevent damage from vehicles, machinery, or material storage.
Avoid excavation, compaction, or chemical wash-out within at least 2 m either side of the hedge centre line.
Where access is essential, use ground protection such as boarding or trackway.
Buffer strips:
Maintain a margin of at least 2 m undisturbed ground from the hedge centre line. At least 1 m should be covered with perennial herbaceous vegetation
2. Creating and Restoring Hedgerows
When planting new hedges or restoring gaps, the following standards apply:
Species Choice
Use native woody species appropriate to the local area (hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, holly, field maple, dogwood, spindle, guelder rose, crab apple, oak, etc.)
To count as species-rich, a hedge should have:
At least 5 native woody species in every 30 m length (4 in northern/eastern England and upland areas).
Planting Method
Plant in double staggered rows, 30–45 cm spacing between plants.
Close spacing encourages density and stock-proofing.
Use guards or fencing to protect from grazing and rabbits.
Dimensions
Minimum height: 1 m.
Minimum width: 1.5 m.
Minimum cross-sectional area: 3 m².
Gaps should be less than 10% of total length, with no single gap greater than 5 m.
Early Management
Weed control around bases until established (mulch, guards, or careful spot treatment).
Light trimming in years 2–3 to encourage bushy growth, but avoid hard flailing.
Leave buffer strips uncultivated and ideally seeded with grasses or wildflowers.
Long-term Management
Rotate cutting (not annually) to allow flowering and fruiting.
Consider traditional techniques (laying or coppicing) every 10–20 years to rejuvenate structure.
Avoid intensive flailing, which reduces width, height, and wildlife value.
3. Summary
Do not cut between March and August unless exempt.
Protect hedges on site with fencing and buffer strips.
Plant with native species in double rows for new or restored hedges.
Aim for height >1 m, width >1.5 m, cross-section >3 m², and <10% gaps.
Manage sensitively: cut on a cycle, allow flowers and berries, and use traditional rejuvenation methods.
Failure to comply with the hedgerow rules may result in enforcement action and loss of agricultural payments. Well-managed, species-rich hedgerows are resilient, stock-proof, and provide exceptional biodiversity benefits.