Trees and Hedgerow Grants

The value of hedges and hedgerow trees

Trees and hedgerows are a traditional and visually important feature of the Wrexham Countryside. They are part of our rural heritage, can be hundreds of years old and often mark ancient boundaries.

Trees and hedges are pieces of living history and are extremely valuable for biodiversity, supporting a wide range of woodland plants and animals.

The problem

Trees and hedges have suffered badly due to factors such as entire hedgerow removal, Dutch elm disease, ash dieback and overaggressive flail cutting. Overmaturity and decay, felling and lack of recruitment are reinforcing this loss.

With the advent of flail-hedge-cutting, naturally regenerated saplings are no longer replacing hedgerow trees. Such decline will continue and accelerate unless continuity can be restored through a programme of planting and/or the selection and tagging of existing saplings.

What conditions will apply?

Applications are invited but are subject to the following conditions:

• The application must relate to an existing hedgerow or be based on the line of a former hedgerow.
• Applications cannot be accepted for totally new hedges or where a hedge forms any part of a garden boundary.
• Tree planting must include indigenous trees, particularly oak and ash. Hedge planting must include existing component species, e.g. hawthorn, hazel, holly and field maple.
• Where a hedge is located on a bank, then restoration of the bank (where appropriate) should form part of the overall scheme.
• All restored hedges and new tree planting must be made stockproof on all sides. If rabbits are abundant, suitable rabbit guards or netting may also be necessary.
• The applicant must not have applied for, or be in receipt of, any grant aid for the project.
• Applicants must maintain all grant-aided work to a high standard for a period of 10 years from payment of grant. The grant will be reclaimed with interest in the event of deliberate neglect or intentional damage.
• All work under the scheme must be carried out during the months of November - March, and be completed before the beginning of the bird-nesting season.
• Trees must be planted along hedgerows or in fields and field corners, either singly or in groups of no more than 5 trees.

Aims and objectives

• Encourage and assist the process of restoring and retaining hedges and hedgerow trees for farmers and landowners in Wrexham
• Promote the proper management of hedgerow trees so as to create a resource of high quality timber for the future
• Fulfil the aims and objectives of the Landscape Strategies for Wrexham and to support Wrexham's Biodiversity Action Plan.

What percentage of grant is available?

Grant aid will be at a rate of up to 50% subject to a maximum grant of £1,000 per applicant per annum. Prior approval is essential and any works carried out in advance of a formal written offer will not be considered.

How do I apply for a grant?

For an application form and guidance in applying for a grant, please contact:

Alistair Henderson or Amanda Davies
Planning Environment,
Planning Department,
Wrexham County Borough Council,
Lampbit Street,
PO Box 1290,
Wrexham,
LL11 1WL

Tel: 01978 292019
Fax: 01978 292502
E-mail: planning@wrexham.gov.uk

Sponsored by Manweb Rural Care in partnership with WCBC and Coed Cymru.

Tree Preservation Orders

Biodiversity

Planning Environment