Rural Hedgerows

Hedgerows play an important role on farms; helping to prevent soil erosion and water run-off, providing shelter, controlling livestock and protecting crops from the wind. They also provide an important habitat for wildlife and are an integral part of the landscape.

Most rural hedgerows receive automatic protection because of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. It is illegal to remove most countryside hedgerows without first seeking permission from your Local Planning Authority.

The regulations prevent the removal of most countryside hedgerows without first submitting an Application for hedgerow removal notice to Gwynedd Council.

The regulations set out criteria that must be used by the council in deciding which hedgerows are important. The council may order the retention of important hedgerows.

Application for hedgerow removal notice

If you intend to remove a hedgerow in Gwynedd (excluding the Snowdonia National Park) you are required to submit an Application for hedgerow removal notice to the Council: 

• By post: Download the Application for hedgerow removal notice and return it to the address at the bottom of the application form itself.
• Phone: 01766 771000 and request a copy of the form in paper format by post.

More information

For more information contact us:

• Online: General enquiry about planning
  (you will need to create an account if you don't already have one)
• Phone: 01766 771000

REMEMBER! If the development is within Snowdonia National Park, you will need to contact the Snowdonia National Park Authority not Gwynedd Council. To see if the development is within the National Park, look at the map - Snowdonia National Park Area.