Garden Hedgerows
Native hedgerows are particuarly good for wildlife. Why not have a look at our recommended Hedgerow Species Mix to create a native hedgerow.
The Technical Guidance Documents, produced by Durham County Council, provide some useful hints on hedge planting, restoration and trimming. The guides have been produced primarily for use on countryside hedgerows, but these can be applied to garden hedges.
When it comes to managing the hedgerow, try to restrict trimming to once a year, never in the nesting season and preferably after the birds have eaten the berries, ideally during January and early February.
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to kill, injure or take any wild bird and to take, damage or destroy any nest that is in use or being built. It is also an offence to take or destroy wild bird eggs of any species. If a hedge is to be trimmed during the nesting season, it should be inspected carefully for nests and if any are found, work should be delayed until the young birds have flown.
High Hedges and the Law
The problems that can be caused by high garden hedges - especially Leylandii - have received a lot of publicity in recent years. Under the anti-social behaviour Act 2003, local authorities now have the power to intervene in disputes between neighbours over high hedges once a complaint has been made. The authority (in County Durham this will be the District Council) will decide whether the hedge is stopping someone's reasonable enjoyment of their home or garden, striking a balance between the complainant's and hedge owner's interests. Where it is needed, the local authority will be able to serve a remedial notice to the hedge owner to identify what they must do to sort the problem out. If they fail to comply with the notice, they could be fined up to £1000.
The complainant must show they have tried to resolve the matter with the hedge owner. Complaints will only be considered where the hedge is evergreen, over two metres high and blocking out light, access or reasonable enjoyment of neighbours' property. If this is the case, local authorities will take a range of factors into account to reach a balanced decision on whether the hedge is a problem. A fee to cover the costs will be charged by the council at their discretion.
The Government has produced a number of publications on high hedges - including guidance on choosing the right garden hedge, guidance on how to settle disputes amicably, and advice on how to register a complaint with your local authority. These can be found at Communities and Local Government under the heading of High Hedges.
