Hedgerow Surveys

Hedges provide valuable habitats to a wide range of insects, birds and mammals, and their preservation and extension are becoming priority requirements.
The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 apply to hedges which might be affected by development projects

There has been a huge decline in the numbers of hedges in our countryside over the past 70 years or so, as farming, industrial and housing developments have been undertaken, with significant impact on insect, bird and mammal populations. The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 therefore address the assessment of hedges that might be affected by development projects.

Key Info

  • The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 classify a hedge as “important” if it is more than 30 years old and matches at least one of its several other requirements.
  • Local authorities will invariably require a Hedgerow Survey to be undertaken if hedges are to be affected by a development project.
  • Local biodiversity plans might require the generation of additional hedges.

Hedgerow Surveys

A Hedgerow Survey might include the following:

  • Searches of historic records to ascertain the origins and age of the hedgerow.
  • Local Ecological Record checks for sightings of protected and important species.
  • On site surveys of the locations, dimensions, form and condition of hedges and boundaries that might be considered as hedges.
  • Recording of the plant species present in the hedgerows and their general abundances.
  • Detailed analysis of plant species found within specified sample locations.
  • Specific surveys for protected species, such as dormouse and badgers.
  • Recommendations for changes in project design, mitigation measures and management plans to be adopted to conserve the hedge.

It might also be necessary to conduct a Tree Survey for some boundaries which are or were hedgerows.