HEDGEROW REGULATIONS 1997
Since July 1997 it has been against the law to remove hedgerows, or parts of a hedgerow, without permission.
If you wish to remove a hedgerow, or any part of a hedgerow, please contact:
Conservation Section
Planning Services
Carmarthenshire County Council
8 Spilman Street
Carmarthen
SA31 1LQ
Tel: 01267 228727
The way in which the Regulations apply to hedgerows can be quite complex, so you are advised to discuss your proposals with the Council at an early stage.
You will probably need to submit a Hedgerow Removal Notice and a plan showing the hedgerow in question.
Your application will usually be determined in 42 days.
If you remove a hedgerow without permission, you may face an unlimited fine. You may also have to replace the hedgerow.
Felling Lincences
Felling of hedgerow trees may require a Felling Licence. These are issued by the Forestry Commission. If you fell trees without a licence you may face prosecution.
Contact the Forestry Commission for further advice:
Forestry Commission
Cantref Court
Brecon Road
Abergavenny
NP7 7AK
Tel 01873 850060
Tree Preservation Orders
Some hedgerow trees are also covered by Tree Preservation Orders. Before carrying out any work to these trees you will need to contact the Council’s Conservation Section to gain the necessary consents.
Tel 01267 224971.
Other sources of advice
The Countryside Council for Wales runs the Tir Gofal Scheme. This offers grant aid towards the cost of an agreed programme of environmental projects, such as hedge-laying as part of a whole farm scheme.
Countryside Council for Wales
Beechwood Estate
Talley Road
Llandeilo
SA19 7HS
Tel 01558 825800
County Plant Recorder
Richard Pryce
Treveithin
Old School Road
Pwll
Llanelli
SA15 4AL
Wildlife Trust South and West Wales
The Welsh Wildlife Centre
Cwmplysgod
Cilgerran
Cardigan
SA43 2SJ
Tel 01239 621212
Cambria Archaeology:
Cambria Archaeology may be able to help you in tracing the history of a particular landscape. They also hold an archive of old maps.
The Old Shire Hall
Carmarthen Street
Llandeilo
SA19 6AF
Tel 01558 823121
County Mammal Recorder
Neil Matthew at the Countryside Council for Wales (see above)
Butterfly Conservation
Russel Hobson
10 Calvert Terrace, Swansea, SA1 5AR
Tel 01792 642972
County Bird Recorder
Tony Forster
Ffos-Ddu
Salem
Llandeilo
SA19 7NS