Lackham Farm - Schedule 5.2 Hedge restoration

Hedge Restoration - Work Codes

HR - Hedge restoration
HF - Removal of old fences
HSC - Substantial preparatory work-
HSL - Top binding and stalking

Work must be carried out in accordance with local best practice and should be done in the winter months between November and February when the hedge is dormant. Existing hedgerow trees must be retained. Where appropriate, saplings of suitable species should be left uncut to develop into future hedgerow trees.

Hedge Laying

Laying must achieve a complete reconditioning of the hedge in which all or selected stems are partially cut, laid over and retained in position. Hedge laying should, where possible, always be in the same direction and hedges should never be laid downhill.

Top binding and staking

Where the practice is traditional to the style of the area the HSL payment may be made where the stakes are secured along the top by hazel or willow binders or by woven lengths of other springy growth.

Coppicing

Stems must be cut as close to the ground as possible and below 15 centimetres (6") from the ground to encourage vigorous re-growth from the base of the plant. The cuts should be angled so that water can easily run off.

Gapping Up (see also Hedgerow Planting specification attached)

Gaps more than 4m wide are to be planted up with at least 4 plants per metre length within one year of the hedge being coppiced or laid.

Before planting the ground must be prepared along a 1.5m wide strip to control existing vegetation and weeds and the hedge on either side cut back to healthy growth. Weed control can be by chemical treatment or by cultivation. Damage to surrounding vegetation must be kept to a minimum and must not extend beyond the strip.