Trees and hedges

The trees, hedgerows and woodlands in North Norfolk are incredibly valuable. They contribute significantly to the character of the local environment, the ecological value of the area, the health and wellbeing of our local communities and resilience to climate change.

We are lucky to have a wealth of public and private woodlands, some recognised as ancient ones. The Forestry Commission manages some of these areas, as does the district council, and others are privately owned.

Our green heritage is protected through Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and designated Conservation Areas (CA), where a single tree, group of trees or woodland can be protected.

If you want to carry out work on a tree, you need to find out if it is protected and you may need to formally apply to the Council for the tree works.

Disclaimer: It is a criminal offence to fell or prune protected trees without permission from the Council.

Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas - GOV.UK 

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

Local councils in England can make a Tree Preservation Order to protect specific trees, groups of trees or woodlands.

All parts of a tree are then protected, including their roots.

An order stops the following happening to trees without the council's permission:

• cutting down
• topping
• lopping
• uprooting
• wilful damage
• wilful destruction

Apart from limited exceptions, permission must be sought from the Council by submitting a standard application form. The form is available from the Planning Portal or the Council. There is no charge for this service.

It is important that the information on the form makes clear what the proposed work is and provides adequate information to support the case. Most reputable tree surgeons will be able to complete the Tree Works Application form on your behalf.

It is a criminal offence if you fail to notify us of works on protected trees and could result in enforcement action, and even prosecution.

Tree protection in conservation areas

Within conservation areas, trees with a stem diameter exceeding 75 millimetres measured at 1.5 metres above ground level are also protected.

You must notify the Council in writing 6 weeks before work is carried out – this can be done using the tree works application form available on the Planning Portal.

There is no charge for this service.

For further information visit tree preservation orders and trees in conservation areas - GOV.UK.

Hedges

Why are they important

Our hedges are significant and are a valuable feature of the North Norfolk landscape. They support a vast range of bird species, mammals and butterflies. The ditches and banks associated with hedgerows provide a habitat for frogs, toads, newts and reptiles. They are part of our historical landscape and link habitats. 

What are the benefits? 

• capture carbon dioxide
• helps reduce flooding
• act as a wind shelter and prevent soil erosion
• reduce the effects of air pollution 
• provide a green corridor for wildlife

Planting new hedgerows help tackle habitat loss, and we encourage new native species hedgerows wherever appropriate.

Protecting hedges

Current hedgerow legislation protects certain hedgerows. 

Applying to remove a hedgerow

You will need to apply to North Norfolk District Council if you want to remove a hedgerow that is:

• on or alongside agricultural land
• common land, including town or village greens
• land used for forestry
• used for breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys
• protected land, such as a local nature reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

It is essential to consider the timing of the work to avoid disturbance to protected species. We encourage all applicants to do an ecological survey to assess the importance of the hedgerow. 

How to apply

You apply via the Planning Portal website and you will need to register before you start your application.

Apply now

Domestic and garden hedges 

These are not protected and do not require a Hedgerow Removal Notice. If you are considering removing your garden hedge and replacing it with an impermeable boundary such as a solid timber fence, please consider leaving gaps to allow the passage of small mammals, including hedgehogs. 

How to create a hedgehog hole | The Wildlife Trusts

Hedgerows should not be removed between 1 March and 31 August to avoid disturbance to breeding birds, which are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Complain about a high hedge 

Find out how to complain about a high hedge.

Related content

Countryside hedgerows: protection and management | GOV.UK 

Guidance for the selection and planting of appropriate native and non-native species:

• Planting hedges in Norfolk – maintaining regional character (PDF)
• Best native hedge plants: What to choose | Woodland Trust
• Right tree right place | Norfolk County Council
• Norfolk trees and hedges explorer map | Norfolk County Council 
• Right trees for a changing climate | righttrees4cc.org.uk
• Arboricultural Association - Watering Young Trees
• Norfolk – Apples and Orchards Project