Coppicing of Hedges

Date published: 30 March, 2015

The aim of this item is to help restore an existing hedge.

Coppicing hedges by cutting stems close to ground level helps to rejuvenate old plants.

Re-growth from the cut stem helps to give a dense, bushy base to the hedge.

Coppicing also provides an opportunity to gap up the hedge.

Existing hedges which are located entirely on your land and where there is access for both sides to be cut are eligible. Single species beech hedges are not eligible.

You must combine this item with the Management or Restoration of Hedgerows option.

Areas to be coppiced can only be claimed once during your contract.

You must mark the proposed location of hedges to be coppiced on a map.

  • you must coppice the hedge between 1 December and the end of February
  • all existing hedge growth (except hedgerow trees) must be cut down to between 75 and 100 millimetres above ground level and left to regrow
  • cut material must be either mulched or removed from the site

You can claim £3.75 per metre of coppiced hedge.

To support hedgerow restoration or management you can select this item with one of the following capital items:

The inspectors will check:

  • the location and extent of the work
  • you have coppiced the hedge between 1 December and the end of February
  • all existing hedge growth (except hedgerow trees) has been cut down to between 75 and 100 millimetres above ground level and left to regrow
  • cut material has been either mulched or removed from the site

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