Hedgerows

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 set out requirements associated with the removal of hedgerows in the countryside.

In summary, these Regulations state that:

• It is against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows without consent.
• To get consent to remove a hedgerow, you must notify the Council at least 6 weeks before the date you intend to remove it.
• If the Council will inform you of the outcome of your notification within 6 weeks.
• Removal of a hedgerow without consent (whether it is important or not) is a criminal offence, punishable on conviction by way of a fine. In addition to financial penalties, the Council can also require you to replace the hedgerow.

If you have any queries about the legal requirements associated with removing hedgerows, please contact the trees team at nk-treeofficers@n-kesteven.gov.uk.