Hedges & Streams

(a) up to a height of 12 ft. from the road surface where that road is ordinarily used by vehicular traffic – N.B. this includes the road AND footpath. and

(b) up to a height of 8 ft. from the road surface where that road is not ordinarily used by vehicular traffic and IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER remove from such public roads and hedges all material cut from such hedges.

For the purpose of this notice, hedges shall be deemed to include trees and branches of trees, and all kinds of growth overhanging a public road at a height less than that specified above.

Any persons defaulting in the above requirements could be liable to a Civil Penalty of £50.00 with an additional fine of £5.00 per day in which the failure continues.

Note: “All kinds of growth” overhanging a public road also includes that which actually grows on roadside walls and banks. It is also necessary to ensure that the hedge is not only trimmed, but cut back so that no part of it less than the required height overhangs the boundary of the road or footpath.

Only roadside verges need to be cut. Cutting of internal hedges should be left until after the bird breeding season (March to July) at the earliest. We recommend cutting earth banks each year in late summer, and cutting hedges in the autumn once every 3 years;

· Check for nesting birds or other wildlife before commencing the cut. If a nest is found, avoid disturbing the birds by undertaking minimal cutting to this area using secateurs to remove any overhanging vegetation. If you find any injured wildlife contact the GSPCA;

· Earth banks should have a minimum 10cm (4 inches) of vegetation left after cutting to avoid desiccation and erosion. This will also allow dense vegetation to establish and reduce the amount of ‘pioneer’ plants which are faster growing, such as nettles and docks;

· If your earth bank hosts rare or uncommon plants, avoid cutting those plants until September if you’re able to;

· If a substantial cut is needed to the outside (road-facing side) of the hedge, delay cutting the inside face until at least the following year, or make it a light cut (don’t cut into woody material, only cut the new growth) to avoid stress on the hedge;