Hedgerows Regulations 1997
What this means for your business
- Enforced by
- Natural England
- Applies to
- United Kingdom
- On this page
- 2 compliance obligations, 2 practical guides across 2 topics
What you must do
2 compliance obligations under this legislation.
Offences and prohibitions 2
Obstruct authorised entry to hedgerows
Fine up to £1,000If you deliberately block or hinder a person who has a legal right to enter land to inspect or sample hedgerows (for example, an inspector from Natural England), you commit an offence. On conviction you face a fine of up to £1,000. There is no custodial sentence for this offence.
Remove a hedgerow or breach permitted‑work rules
Unlimited fineIf you (or someone you allow) deliberately or recklessly cut down a hedgerow in breach of the hedgerow regulations, or you ignore the rules about permitted work on hedgerows, you commit a criminal offence. On conviction you can be fined – the fine can be unlimited for the removal offence and up to £1,000 for the permitted‑work breach – and the case may be tried either in the Magistrates’ Court or the Crown Court.
Penalties for non-compliance
2 penalties under this legislation. 1 carry an unlimited fine.
Remove a hedgerow or breach permitted‑work rules
Unlimited fine
Obstruct authorised entry to hedgerows
Fine up to £1,000
Practical guidance
Our guides explain how to comply with the requirements above.
Remove or manage hedgerows lawfully
How to remove a hedgerow lawfully under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Covers when a hedgerow removal notice is required, 'important …
Trees and hedgerows: quick reference for businesses
Quick reference covering felling licence thresholds, Tree Preservation Order penalties, hedgerow notification periods, conservation area rules, restocking obligations, and key …
Sections and provisions
16 classified provisions from this legislation.