Hedges

Hedgerows are highly valued features of the Durham countryside. In addition to their agricultural function, hedgerows are important for landscape, wildlife, archaeological and cultural reasons.

Find out more about hedgerows and what is being done to promote the appreciation and conservation of hedges in County Durham, including the Hedgerow Survey.

Hedges in County Durham

Use our Durham Landscape website to find out more about the origins of hedgerows, hedgerow species, hedgerow trees, management traditions and trends and pressures.

Hedgerow Regulations

The Hedgerow Regulations came into operation in 1997. It is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without the permission of the local planning authority. It's also against the law to disturb nesting wild birds.

Garden Hedgerows

Hedges make an attractive feature in the garden and can provide many benefits including shelter, privacy and security. High garden hedges can cause problems for neighbours, and new legislation has recently been introduced which gives local authorities the power to intervene in disputes over hedges.

Hedgerow Guidance Sheets and Cards

Durham County Council has produced a series of Technical Guidance Documents, complemented by guidance cards on hedge laying and coppicing; hedge planting and restoration and hedge trimming. These can be used for countryside and garden hedges. We've also produced guidelines on what Hedgerow Species Mix should be used to create a native hedge.

Durham Hedgerow Partnership

Results of a national survey of hedgerows suggest that for the first time in many years there is reason to be optimistic about the future of these key landscape features. Find out more about the Durham Hedgerow Partnership, set up to promote the appreciation and conservation of the county's hedgerows.

Grants for Planting and Restoring Hedgerows

Grants for the planting and restoring hedges are available from the Field Boundary Restoration Grant Scheme which is run by Durham County Council on behalf of the Durham Hedgerow Partnership. Grants for similar work may be available through the Environmental Stewardship Scheme run by Natural England.

County Durham Hedgelaying and Drystone Walling Competition

This annual County Durham Hedgelaying and Drystone Walling competition is open to both experienced and novice hedgelayers and drystone wallers. Why not have a look at these ancient rural crafts, essential to the conservation of our landscape heritage.

Useful Websites

BTCV
Dry Stone Walling Association of Great Britain
Durham Wildlife Trust
Natural England
Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group
National Hedgelaying Society
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)