Hedgerows are distinctive features of the countryside, are often of considerable historic interest, and support a great diversity of plant and wildlife species.
Their role in conserving and enhancing biological diversity is recognised by government.
Many hedgerows date back to the first enclosure of the land and may incorporate other historic features such as ancient earthworks, parish or old property boundaries.
It is against the law to remove or destroy certain hedgerows without first getting permission from us.
You could be fined up to £5,000 if you break the rules for removing a hedgerow. In serious cases you could get an unlimited fine for removing hedgerows in cases referred to the Crown Court.
Garden hedges are not affected.