Hedgerow removal

Most countryside hedgerows are protected. If you want to remove one you will need to apply for permission from us.

When you need permission

You will need permission to remove all or part of a countryside hedgerow if it meets the following criteria:

Length

If it is:

• more than 20 metres long with gaps of 20 metres or less in its length
• less than 20 metres long, but meets another hedge at each end

Location

 If it is on or next to:

• land used for agriculture of forestry
• common land, including town or village greens
• land used for breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys
• a local nature reserve or Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Importance

A hedgerow is important and is protected if it is:

• at least 30 years old
• meets at least one of the eight set criteria relating to archaeological, historical, wildlife of landscape value.

When you don't need permission

A hedgerow is not protected if it’s:

• in, or marks the boundary of, a private garden
• less than 20 metres in length (unless both ends join up with other hedges or it is part of a longer hedgerow)
• less than 30 years old.

Hedgerow maintenance

You do not need permission to carry out normal management of your hedgerow. This includes:

• Coppicing
• Laying
• Removing dead or diseased shrubs.

Apply for permission to remove a hedgerow

You can only apply for a Hedgerow Removal Notice if:

• you’re the owner, tenant or manager of the hedgerow
• you’re a utility company that’s eligible to remove it

You can apply online via through the Planning Portal. There is no charge for this.

Apply for a Hedgerow Removal Notice 

Alternatively, download, complete and return the  Hedgerow removal notice application form (PDF 67KB).

What happens next

We will visit the site to see if the hedgerow is deemed "important". We will also consult with the relevant parish council.

• If we approve removal: We will send a written notice giving permission
• If we don't approve removal: If the hedge is protected and must be kept we will issue a Hedgerow Retention Notice.

If you don't hear back from us within six weeks, you can remove the hedgerow.

Permission lasts for two years from the date of our written notice.

Appeal a hedgerow decision

If you disagree with our decision, you can appeal. You must do this within 28 days of the date on the decision letter. For more details, visit the Government website.

Unauthorised hedgerow removal

It is an offence to remove a hedge without permission. You could face:

• a fine of up to £5,000 in a magistrates' court
• an unlimited fine in a crown court.

We may insist that you replace the hedge and we have legal powers to ensure this happens. The replacement hedge is automatically "important" for 30 years after it is planted.

More information

Read more about hedgerow removal on the Government website