The hedgerow regulations: a guide to how the law protects hedgerows

Environment

Please note that this guidance is intended to be used for general information purposes only, is not intended to be a definitive guide to the law and cannot be a substitute for independent advice. NFU members can obtain free initial legal and professional advice from NFU CallFirst on 0370 845 8458.

Most countryside hedges are protected by the Hedgerow Regulations 1997 (‘the Regulations’), which makes it an offence to remove certain hedgerows without permission. This guide will help NFU members understand when permission is required, how to obtain permission and the potential consequences of not obtaining permission.