Full News Report
20th November 2024
Caring for the country’s hedgerows post-Brexit
MEMBERS of the public are being invited to take part in a consultation on the regulatory approach and use of civil sanctions for hedgerow management.
As set out in the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs’ (Defra’s) Agricultural Transition Plan, the Government says that it is continuing to improve the way it regulates, replacing EU-scheme based regulation and enforcement with an approach which is clearer, fairer and more effective.
Says Defra: “We also want to develop a more trusting relationship with farmers and land managers. We want to ensure that farmers receive the support they need to comply with the law, and we will work with farmers to help prevent harm.
“Hedgerows are a vital part of our countryside. They benefit our wildlife, the environment, and our landscapes. We know that farmers, land managers, and the general public greatly value hedgerows.
“The Management of Hedgerows (England) Regulations 2024 (‘the Regulations’) set out the rules for hedgerow management together with our approach to enforcement and the civil sanctions which may apply.
“The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has been appointed by the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to act on his behalf as Regulator in respect of the Regulations.
“This consultation seeks views on the approach to the use of civil and criminal sanctions. The RPA has a range of actions or ‘sanctions’ available to help them enforce the Regulations including both civil sanctions and criminal sanctions. Criminal sanctions will only be used for the most serious offences.”
Defra says that is has already spoken to a range of interested parties and received valuable feedback about how they might best enforce these regulations.
It now welcomes responses to this formal consultation from farmers, land managers, NGOs (non-government organisations), consultants, charitable organisations, the general public, and any other person or group who has an interest in the future management and regulation of hedgerows in England following the end of cross compliance.
The consultation will close on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – and members of the public can use the following link to view the consultation and leave feedback: