Guidance Note: Hedgerow Translocation

Hedgerows are increasingly being removed to enlarge agricultural fields and construct new developments, however, there is an alternative option—translocation. This involves moving hedgerow plants from the original donor site to a new receptor site. After an initial survey and planning stage, a work schedule should be agreed between contractors, site managers, and operatives. The work will involve ground preparation at the donor and receptor sites, such as removing fencing and pruning roots, and then the steps of lifting and rebuilding the individual plants in the new trench. The key factors to consider are hedgerow condition, timing, site characteristics, labour costs, and the hire of machinery.

View our guidance note below for more information and click into the references to see step-by-step photographs.