Manage hedgerows

Where it applies

Boundary

A boundary action — it's paid on the parcel's boundary features, not its area.

Eligibility conditions

• Hedgerow must be over 20m long and less than 10m wide
• Gaps must each be no more than 20m and total no more than 10% of the hedgerow's length (or be planted up during the 3 years)
• Both sides required for a coppicing or laying rotation; otherwise enter the side(s) you have management control of

What you'll do

Pick one management approach per fully established hedge: cut incrementally (a little higher and wider each time), cut on a rotation of no more than once every 3 years (a third of your hedges each year), no more than once every 2 years (half each year, cutting in late winter), or manage it in a coppicing or laying rotation — which may mean it stays uncut for the whole 3 years. Lightly trim newly planted or not-fully-established hedges incrementally each year until they're established. All cutting happens in the autumn and winter months.

Evidence to keep

• Field operations record at parcel level, with invoices
• Photographs or other documentation of the work done

When

• Mar–Aug: Don't cut — this action's cutting windows are autumn and winter only, and nesting birds are protected by law
• Sep–Feb: Cut established hedges on your chosen approach (incremental, or 1-in-3 rotation) and lightly trim newly planted ones — usually September to late February
• Jan–Feb: 2-year-rotation cuts happen in late winter (usually early January to late February)

Combining with other actions

Not captured for SFI 2024 actions — check your agreement and the SFI24 agreement holder's information on GOV.UK.