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<p>Hedgerows are important ecological and environmental building blocks across our
landscapes. As set out in the Environment Improvement Plan (EIP), Defra will support
farmers to create or restore at least 30,000 miles of hedgerows by 2037, increasing
to 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050.</p><p> </p><p>On the 16 April the Government
laid before Parliament new regulations that will place management practices for hedgerows
on agricultural land into legislation. These practices include a cutting ban between
1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds during this period, and a 2m buffer
strip around a hedge where green cover must be established and maintained to protect
the health of the hedge and the wildlife that use it.</p><p> </p><p>The new regulations
will be supplemented by actions being undertaken by many through Environmental Land
Management schemes. There are now over 55,920 miles of hedgerows with one or both
sides managed under 16,000 Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farm Incentive
agreements.</p>
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