BN5: Hedgerow laying
What is BN5?
This item is part of Capital Grants 2025. You must read theCapital Grants 2025 guidanceto understand the rules and how to apply.If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read theCSHTapplicant’s guideto understand the rules and how to apply.
What do I need to do?
You should control competitive weeds (including brambles, nettles and grasses) during the first growing season. This will reduce the weeds competing with:
laid stem-establishment and regrowth
soil moisture, nutrients and light
You can encourage dense bushy growth of the newly laid hedge by:
trimming lightly for 3 years
never cutting back to the same point to allow the hedge to gradually increase in height and width by several centimetres at each cut
After 3 years, you can leave the hedgerow to grow unchecked until it needs managing again by laying, coppicing or trimming.
What evidence do I need?
You must keep a map showing the location of existing hedgerow trees in each length of hedgerow and provide with your application – this can be your Farm Environment Record
photographs of the completed work and provide them with your claim
You must also keep and provide on request:
all consents or permissions connected with the work
receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
photographs of each length of hedge entered into the item before work starts
the date, location and method of any weed control carried out
the date of preparation works and laying
the dates of post-laying trimming
Read the record keeping and site visit requirements in theAgreement holder’s guide: Capital Grants, Higher Tier capital grants and Protection and Infrastructure grantsfor more information.
If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the record keeping and site visit requirements in theCSHTagreement holder’s guide.
How much does BN5 pay?
Payment rate: £13.52
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.