Protecting hedgerows in England

We want to know how we can best protect hedgerows through effective, proportionate regulation as we phase out farm subsidies and cross compliance rules.

As we replace the EU’s land-based subsidies with our new farming schemes, we also move away from cross compliance rules.

For the good of the hedgerow and the wildlife it supports, farmers currently must:

• maintain a buffer strip along their hedgerows
• not remove important hedgerows
• not cut or trim hedgerows during bird nesting and rearing season

We’re seeking views on the best way to maintain and improve existing protections, as well as how we enforce them.