Hedgerows are important for many different species. They provide shelter for birds and are used by bats for navigation and foraging. Great crested newts also use hedgerows to move between different habitat features.

These are some of the reasons that hedgerows have legal protection. Speak to us if your project affect any hedgerow.

Hedgerow Surveys

Important Hedgerows are protected under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997.

The act makes it an offence to:
• Remove hedgerows without permission from the Local Planning Authority

Removal of countryside hedgerows in whole or in part should not be done without the permission of the LPA.

Why are hedgerow surveys carried out?

Any development which could affect countryside hedgerows will benefit from a hedgerow survey. The LPA will have to make an assessment of any hedgerow which is to be removed. By doing the survey work prior to lodging a hedgerow removal notice you can provide the LPA with the data they need to make this assessment and save a lot of time.

How are hedgerow surveys carried out?

Desk study

Local authorities or local records centres may hold historic data on hedgerows which would make a hedgerow important on the basis of its age and as an ancient boundary.

Field Study Methods

Hedgerow surveys are ideally carried out in spring/summer when ground flora is present. Hedgerow surveys can be carried out in the winter months but the lack of ground flora could influence the results.

Hedgerow field surveys involve measuring hedgerows, and sampling areas in order to record the number of woody species, together with an assessment of ground flora and other associated features such as ditches and the number of standard trees.

The results are recorded and a report compiled indicating the importance of each hedge sampled. Hedgerows are important countryside features and benefit many different species of wildlife including birds, bats, butterflies, Amphibians such as the great crested newt, Badgers and reptiles.

Contact us for advice relating to your project

Related Species

• Badger
• Barn Owl
• Bats
• Great Crested Newt
• Hedgerows
• Natterjack toad
• Reptiles