Agricultural land solicitor, Brett Lawrence, looks at the latest government regulations and asks, ‘Is there an bustle in the Hedgerow?’
Farmers are probably facing some of the most major changes in generations following on from Brexit. Our system of farming subsidies and government support here in the UK was based on the Common Agricultural Policy, and with this being no more there are a lot of changes on the horizon.
The problem for those involved in agriculture is that there isn’t a huge amount of guidance from the government as to what these changes will be. However, it is fair to say that the general motion of direction is towards sustainability.
Take for example the new regulations governing the management of hedgerows on agricultural land which have just been finalised.
The key points for land owner and farmers to know about the new regulations are that they require:
- A two metre buffer strip, as measured from the centre of the hedgerow, where a green cover must be established and maintained;
- No cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers to be used within the two metre buffer strip; and
- A hedgerow cutting and trimming ban that runs from 1 March to 31 August.
The cutting interim ban is already in effect and the buffer strip rules will apply either from 1 July 2024 for land not currently being used for crop production, or from the first harvest after 1 July 2024 for land current in use for crop production.
It is important to be up to date with government requirements when buying, selling or remortgaging agricultural land. This smooths the process and takes the stress out of transactions. Agricultural land is a highly specialised area of law, so having an experienced agricultural land solicitor in your corner is a must.
