UA8: Hedgerow Management
What is UA8?
UA8 requires developing and maintaining hedgerows to become thick, dense, stockproof barriers which also provide valuable shelter and important habitat for wildlife. This Universal Action recognises hedgerows as multifunctional landscape features that support both farming operations and environmental objectives across Wales' agricultural landscape.
What do I need to do?
Maintain existing hedgerows in good condition as stockproof barriers
Develop hedgerows to be thick and dense for effective livestock containment
Manage hedgerows to provide valuable shelter for crops and livestock
Maintain hedgerows as important wildlife habitat and corridors
Follow appropriate hedgerow management cycles and techniques
Avoid damage to hedgerows during farming operations
Complete hedgerow management activities throughout the year as seasonally appropriate
Who needs to complete UA8?
All farm businesses with hedgerows must complete this Universal Action.
UA8 is not applicable if your farm does not have any hedgerows, although hedgerows are found on most farms in Wales.
What evidence do I need?
Hedgerow management records kept for 5 years
Evidence of appropriate management techniques used
Documentation of management timing and methods
Photographic evidence of hedgerow condition where helpful
Records available for inspection if requested
Declaration of completion on RPW Online
How much does UA8 pay?
Payment for UA8 is included in the Universal Payment. Additional support for hedgerow planting, restoration and enhancement is available through Optional Actions capital funding.
Good hedgerow management includes
Regular maintenance:
Appropriate cutting cycles (typically every 2-3 years)
Maintenance of hedgerow height and width
Management of gaps and weak sections
Control of invasive species within hedgerows
Traditional techniques:
Hedge laying where appropriate and skilled operators available
Coppicing and regeneration management
Selective tree and shrub management
Integration with traditional farming practices
Modern management:
Mechanical cutting with appropriate timing
Graduated cutting leaving wildlife corridors
Protection during cultivation and spraying operations
Integration with modern farming systems
Timing considerations
Optimal management periods:
Avoid bird nesting season (March 1 - August 31)
Winter cutting generally preferable (September - February)
Consider flowering and fruiting cycles for wildlife
Plan around farming operations and field access
Seasonal benefits:
Winter cutting allows spring regeneration
Autumn management preserves berry crops for wildlife
Late winter work minimises soil compaction
Flexible timing to suit farm circumstances
How can I prepare?
Survey existing hedgerows and assess their condition
Identify gaps, weak sections, or overgrown areas
Plan hedgerow management cycles and timing
Consider equipment needs or contractor requirements
Access Farming Connect hedgerow management guidance
Benefits of UA8
For your farm:
Effective livestock containment reducing fencing costs
Valuable shelter for crops and livestock improving performance
Windbreak protection reducing soil erosion and crop damage
Enhanced farm boundary definition and security
Potential timber and fuel wood production
For the environment:
Critical wildlife habitat and movement corridors
Nesting and breeding sites for birds and small mammals
Food sources through berries, nuts, and insects
Carbon storage in woody biomass and hedge-bottom soils
Landscape character preservation and visual amenity
Multiple functions of hedgerows
Agricultural functions:
Stock-proof boundaries reducing fencing needs
Shelter for livestock improving welfare and performance
Windbreak protection for crops and buildings
Natural pest control through beneficial insect habitat
Environmental functions:
Wildlife corridors connecting isolated habitats
Nesting sites for farmland birds
Pollinator habitat and food sources
Water management and flood risk reduction
Soil protection and erosion control
Support available
Farming Connect:
Hedgerow management training (counts towards UA4 CPD)
Technical advice on management techniques
Traditional skills training including hedge laying
Equipment and contractor guidance
Optional Actions funding:
Capital grants for hedgerow planting and restoration
Support for hedge laying and traditional management
Funding for protection and establishment materials
Enhanced management payments available
Integration with other actions
UA10: Tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan:
New hedgerow creation identified through planning
Integration of new planting with existing management
Capital: Environment Optional Actions:
Funding available for hedgerow restoration projects
Support for traditional management techniques
Materials and protection equipment grants
Management techniques
Appropriate cutting:
Sharp, clean cuts to prevent disease and damage
Graduated height cutting to create habitat diversity
Retention of standard trees and mature specimens
Selective management preserving flowering and fruiting plants
Gap management:
Replanting or natural regeneration to fill gaps
Protection of new growth from livestock damage
Integration with existing hedgerow vegetation
Species selection appropriate to local conditions
Quality indicators
Well-managed hedgerows should be:
Dense enough to be stockproof
Appropriate height for shelter and habitat (typically 1.5-3m)
Diverse in species composition
Free from significant gaps or weak sections
Integrated with farm management systems
Showing evidence of wildlife use
This approach maintains Wales' hedgerow network as functional farm boundaries while preserving their crucial environmental and landscape value.
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.