Criteria for Important Hedgerows
These relate to the hedgerow's archaeological, historical, wildlife or landscape value. Evaluation by the local planning authority consists of both an on-site survey and reference to appropriate documentation.
Important Hedgerows: The Criteria
The Regulations specify in detail how the criteria are met. Here is a simplified guide taken from a leaflet on the DEFRA website - ' The Hedgerow Regulations - Your Questions Answered'.1. Marks a pre-1850 parish or township boundary.
2. Incorporates an archaeological feature.
3. Is part of, or associated with, an archaeological site.
4. Marks the boundary of, or is associated with, a pre-1600 estate or manor.
5. Forms an integral part of a pre-Parliamentary enclosure field system.
6. Contains certain categories of species of bird, animals or plants listed in the Wildlife and Countryside Act or Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) publications.
7. Includes (in County Durham):
(a) At least 6 woody species, on average, in a 30m length.
(b) At least 5 woody species, on average, in a 30m length and has at least 3 associated features.
(c) At least 5 woody species, on average, in a 30m length including a black-poplar tree, or a large-leaved lime, or small-leaved lime, or wild service-tree.
(d) At least 4 woody species, on average in a 30m length and has at least 4 associated features.
8. Runs alongside a bridleway, footpath, road used as a public path, or a byway open to all traffic and includes at least 4 woody species, on average, in a 30m length and has at least 2 of the associated features listed at (i) or (v) below. The associated features are:
(i) A bank or wall supporting the hedgerow.
(ii) Less than 10% gaps.
(iii) On average, at least one tree per 50m.
(iv) At least 3 species from a list of 57 woodland plants.
(v) A ditch.
(vi) A number of connections with other hedgerows, ponds or woodland.
(vii) A parallel hedge within 15m.
