ENGLISH hedgerows will be protected in law as the government sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.

English hedgerows will be protected in law as the government today, Monday, March 4, sets out its plans for domestic hedgerow regulations, following a consultation last year.

Backed by more than 95 per cent of consultation responses, and providing continuity for farmers and land managers, the regulations will include a two metre “buffer strip” from the centre of hedgerows with no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers, and a hedge cutting ban between March 1 and August 31 to protect nesting birds.