Clamping down on hedgerow removal

Herefordshire Council is clamping down on the illegal removal of hedgerows by prosecuting offenders and asking the public to report suspected breaches of the law.

It is against the law to remove most countryside hedgerows in England and Wales without notifying the council in advance.

The law applies to countryside hedgerows which are defined as those on land used for agriculture, forestry or the keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys and those on or adjoining common land, village greens, sites of special scientific interest and local nature reserves.

In 1998 Herefordshire Council was the first local authority in England and Wales to prosecute a landowner for the illegal removal of hedgerows.  A Vowchurch farmer was fined £2000 and ordered to pay £4000 costs.

More recently the council took enforcement action against Mr Andrew Thomas of Camp Farm, Dinedor Hill because he had removed hedgerow on land at Camp Farm without authorisation.

The hearing at Hereford Magistrates Court took place on 26th September where Mr Thomas was fined £2000. The council was awarded costs of £425.  Mr. Thomas is also required to replant the hedgerow.

Councillor Phil Edwards, cabinet member for environment, said “Hedgerows define historical field patterns and form an important part of our county’s landscape and heritage, which is why the law protects them. They also provide shelter and homes to an abundance of wildlife.

“We would urge anyone wishing to remove a countryside hedgerow to contact the council to discuss their proposals first.”