Introduction to Hedgerow Grants in England: Funding Options for Planting and Management

Hedgerows are an essential part of the English landscape, providing vital habitat for wildlife, supporting agricultural productivity, and contributing to the beauty and character of rural areas. Whether you’re looking to establish new hedgerows, manage existing ones, or address tree health issues, there are various grants available to support these efforts. Understanding the range of funding options can help landowners, farmers, and estate managers secure the right financial assistance for their hedgerow projects.

This article provides an overview of the main hedgerow grants in England, categorised into three key areas: Planting Grants, Management and Maintenance Grants, and Health and Biosecurity Grants. We’ll cover the government-backed schemes, such as the Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), as well as opportunities from private and environmental organisations.

Why Hedgerow Grants Matter for England’s Landscape

Hedgerows play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity by acting as wildlife corridors, providing food and shelter for birds, mammals, and insects, and connecting fragmented habitats. In agricultural landscapes, well-managed hedgerows help prevent soil erosion, reduce water runoff, and serve as windbreaks that protect crops and livestock. The UK government recognises these benefits, and many grant schemes prioritise funding for hedgerow projects to enhance their ecological value and ensure they remain a sustainable feature of the countryside.

Different Hedgerow Grants Available in England

Hedgerow grants can generally be divided into three main categories, depending on the specific needs of the land and the objectives of the project:

1. Grants for Hedgerow Planting
   These grants support the establishment of new hedgerows, either as standalone features or as part of a broader landscape restoration effort.
2. Grants for Hedgerow Management and Maintenance
   Funding in this category helps maintain and restore existing hedgerows through traditional management practices like laying, coppicing, and rotational cutting.
3. Grants for Hedgerow Health and Biosecurity
   This category includes support for dealing with tree diseases, managing pest outbreaks, and implementing biosecurity measures to protect the health of hedgerow trees.

Government-Backed Hedgerow Grant Schemes

The primary sources of public funding for hedgerow projects in England come from government schemes like Countryside Stewardship, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. Each scheme has different eligibility criteria, application processes, and payment rates.

Countryside Stewardship (CS) Scheme

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme, administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and Natural England, offers several options specifically designed for hedgerow planting, management, and health.

• Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant:
  Supports planting new hedgerows, gapping up existing ones, and carrying out traditional management practices like coppicing and laying.
  • What it covers: Planting, coppicing, laying, installing fencing for protection.
  • Payment structure: Payments are made per metre of hedgerow planted or restored, with different rates for each activity.
  • Eligibility: Available to farmers, landowners, and tenants with control of the land for at least five years.
• Mid Tier and Higher Tier Options:
  Include elements for hedgerow management and planting as part of broader environmental improvements, with Higher Tier supporting more complex, landscape-scale projects.
  • What it covers: New hedgerow establishment, connecting wildlife habitats, species-rich hedgerow creation, and rotational cutting schedules.
  • Eligibility: Available to landowners who can demonstrate their projects will contribute to national biodiversity and landscape priorities.
• Capital Grants for Boundaries, Trees, and Orchards:
  Offers financial support for smaller-scale projects focused on boundary features like hedgerows and traditional management practices.
  • What it covers: New planting, laying, coppicing, and installing tree guards or fencing.
  • Payment rates: Variable depending on activity, e.g., £11.60 per metre for hedgerow planting.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is part of the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes and offers specific actions that support hedgerow management.

• CHRW1: Assess and Record Hedgerow Condition
  • Provides funding for assessing and recording hedgerow conditions to encourage good management practices and identify areas for improvement.
  • Payment rate: £5 per 100 metres for one side of the hedgerow.
• CHRW2: Manage Hedgerows
  • Supports traditional hedgerow management practices, such as cutting and shaping, to maintain dense, bushy growth that benefits wildlife.
  • Payment rate: £13 per 100 metres for one side of the hedgerow.
• CHRW3: Maintain or Establish Hedgerow Trees
  • Encourages the planting and maintenance of hedgerow trees to enhance biodiversity and landscape character.
  • Payment rate: £10 per 100 metres for both sides of the hedgerow.

SFI payments are made annually and focus on promoting sustainable land management practices that benefit the environment.

Tree Health Pilot Scheme

The Tree Health Pilot Scheme is designed to help landowners manage and address tree health issues, particularly those related to diseases like ash dieback or pests such as oak processionary moth.

• What it covers:
  • Funding for felling infected trees and replanting with disease-resistant species.
  • Biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
  • Professional surveys and advice on tree health management.
• Eligibility: Available to landowners with trees affected by specific pests and diseases under a Statutory Plant Health Notice (SPHN) or in areas of proactive management.

Private and Environmental Organisation Funding Opportunities

While government grants are a primary source of support, private organisations, conservation bodies, and local authorities also offer funding for hedgerow projects. These grants can be valuable for complementing national schemes or supporting specific conservation goals.

The Woodland Trust and Conservation Organisations

The Woodland Trust provides grants and practical support for hedgerow planting and management, often focusing on native species and creating habitat connectivity. Other conservation organisations, such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), may also offer funding and guidance for projects that align with their conservation priorities.

Carbon Credit Opportunities for Hedgerows

As hedgerows contribute to carbon sequestration, some private companies and environmental markets offer funding for hedgerow projects through carbon credits. This emerging funding source can provide an additional revenue stream for landowners managing hedgerows for carbon capture.

Local Authority and Community Grants

Local councils and community groups may offer small-scale grants for hedgerow planting and management, particularly in areas where hedgerows contribute to flood prevention, landscape character, or community green space initiatives.

Choosing the Right Grant for Your Hedgerow Project

Selecting the right grant scheme depends on the specific goals of your hedgerow project—whether you’re establishing new hedgerows, maintaining existing ones, or managing tree health issues. Each scheme has its own eligibility criteria and payment structures, so it’s important to align your project’s objectives with the funding available.

• Advice for landowners: Start by assessing the condition of your hedgerows and identifying areas for improvement. Determine whether you’re eligible for Countryside Stewardship, SFI, or other schemes, and consider combining grants where possible to maximise financial support.

By understanding the range of funding options available, you can make informed decisions that support the long-term health and resilience of your hedgerows and contribute to the overall sustainability of your land.

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