Maintain or establish hedgerow trees

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 only — you must have management control of both sides of the hedgerow

What you'll do

Keep an average of at least one hedgerow tree per 100m across the total length entered — some stretches can have none as long as the average holds by the end of the 3 years. Maintain existing trees, or establish new ones by selecting a straight-stemmed sapling already in the hedge or planting one; tag each newly established tree (or mark it clearly) so it's avoided when the hedge is cut. Dead and dying trees count towards the average. Don't damage or cut hedgerow trees unless there's a clear need — tree health, safety, or a local tradition such as coppicing or pollarding willow.

Evidence to keep

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

Combining with other actions

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