BN7: Hedgerow gapping-up
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the hedgerow gapping-up item.
How much will be paid
£17.22 per metre (m). The payment rate is for the total length of boundary under the option (not for each side of the boundary).
Where to use this item
It is available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants on planted boundary lines of shrubs that are:
- over 20m long
- less than 5m wide between major woody stems at the base
- made up of at least 80% native shrubs
- can only be used when the applicant has “management control” of both sides of the boundary.
Where this item cannot be used
On lengths of hedge managed under the BE3 - Management of hedgerows option.
How this item will benefit the environment
Lengths of hedgerow with gaps planted up will create a continuous length of hedge.
Requirements
You must:
- carry out work between 1 November and 31 March when the hedge is still dormant
- prepare the ground along a 1.5m wide strip to provide good soil conditions and as little competition from other vegetation as possible
- apply any herbicide to the 1.5m strip in the August or September prior to planting
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make sure plants are:
- 2-year-old transplants
- at least 450 millimetres (mm) to 600mm high
- native species, with no one species making up more than 70% of the total
- planted in a staggered double row 40 centimetres (cm) apart with a minimum of 6 plants per metre
- kept clear of weeds until they are established
- prevent livestock and grazing animals from damaging the hedge by setting fencing at least 1.2m from the centre of the hedge, or, if there is a bank, as close to the base of the bank as possible
- remove individual guards and tree shelters once the plants are established
- replace all failures in the following planting season
Do not:
- obstruct or block access to open access land
Keeping records
You must keep the following records and supply them with your payment claim:
- photographs of the completed work.
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- the date, location and method of any weed control undertaken
- the dates of planting
- details of age, height and species planted
- a photograph of the each length of hedge entered into the item before work starts
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items
You can use this item on the same length as the following supplement:
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.
When to plant
November is generally the best time to plant; however, if planting into clay soils wait until March. Do not plant in freezing weather or on waterlogged ground. If planting into a newly restored earth bank, plant the following autumn.
Planting
To undertake hedge gapping-up successfully:
- prepare the ground so the soil becomes friable (has a crumbly texture) and is free of other growth
- plant native species that already grow in the local area
- take care of roots before planting by keeping them covered at all times, especially when it is sunny or windy
- avoid opening more than one bag of plants at a time
Consider planting new hedgerow trees if they are characteristic of the local landscape.
Control weeds
Control competitive weeds (including brambles, nettles and grasses) during the first growing season. These weeds reduce the growth rate of the new plants by competing for soil moisture, nutrients and light. Avoid using a strimmer as these can damage the plants.
Protect the plants
Fence off the plants if sheep, cattle or horses graze the land. Keep fences far enough away so the hedgerow can grow at least 1.5m in width.
If there is a known problem with rabbits or hares you may need rabbit netting, either on its own or with stock fencing.
Avoid using spiral guards as they limit the amount of dense growth at the base of each plant, are unsightly and difficult to remove.
Biodiversity
This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.
The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.
Further information
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants including how to apply.
Last updated 6 November 2023 + show all updates
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Removal of text confirming Hedgerow gapping-up availability under Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot), as the SFI Capital offer is no longer available.
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'Where to use this item' section updated to include detail on SFI pilot Hedgerows standard.
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'Air quality' added to Land use.
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Updated Where to use this item and how much will be paid.
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The Requirements and Keeping records section of this page have been updated
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Information updated for applications in 2016.
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First published.