Hedgerow regulations

Under the Hedgerow Regulations, which came into force on 1 June 1997, anyone wishing to remove a hedge in the National Park which is covered by the Regulations must notify the National Park Authority by completing a Hedgerow Removal Notice. The Authority has 42 days to respond commencing from the date that the completed Hedgerow Removal Notice is received at the National Park Authority offices.

For an outline of the Hedgerow Regulations click here.

For a downloadable copy of a Hedgerow Removal Notice please click here. 

Please note that this form should be printed out and filled in by hand. Please don't try and fill it in on the screen because unfortunately this isn't possible at the current time. If you would rather fill in and submit the application form online please see http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/

Please click here to download Guidance Notes for Hedgerow Removal Notices.

If you wish to apply to remove a hedgerow in the National Park that is covered by the Regulations please complete fully a Hedgerow Removal Notice form and return it, together with a map showing clearly the sections of hedgerow that you wish to remove to: Rebecca Thompson, National Park Authority, The Old Vicarage, Bondgate, Helmsley, York, YO62 5BP.

Please click here for a list of current applications for Hedgerow Removal Notices within the North York Moors National Park. Please note that only those hedgerows which are 'important' within the terms of the regulations can be protected by the Hedgerow Regulations. See the outline of the Hedgerow Regulations above.

Regardless of the Regulations the National Park Authority would encourage the retention and sympathetic management of all hedgerows. Advice and Grants are available from the National Park Authority.