If your hedges, trees, or bushes are encroaching on to roads or pavements it is time to cut them back.
‘Hedge cutting season’ covers the first half of June, with landowners tasked with cutting back overhanging roadside vegetation in a sustainable way. It then gets done again in September.
The mass cutting across the island is aimed at preventing plants from growing over footpaths and roads without having a negative impact on biodiversity.
Environmental experts warn that whoever is cutting back the vegetation must be careful because doing it too severely can also have a detrimental effect on the vegetation and wildlife it supports.
“We recognise the importance of hedgerows in supporting Guernsey’s local native wildlife and so we’re here to advise islanders on how to trim their hedges sustainably, so that local biodiversity can still be allowed to flourish and thrive,” offered Julia Henney, Senior Natural Environment Officer for Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services.
“This way the law can be abided while still protecting the natural environment and what makes Guernsey a beautiful place in which to live.”
Not only does overhanging vegetation restrict space for all road users, Traffic and Highways Services has warned it can also diminish road safety by reducing the visibility of traffic mirrors, road signs, street lighting and traffic lights.
“Guernsey’s beautiful flora plays a huge part in making our island look so idyllic, especially at this time of year when many are in full bloom,” said Paul James, Road Safety Officer.
“As we work towards making our roads as safe and accessible as possible for all users, it’s evident that overhanging hedges and overgrown banks are not always conducive to safe driving, cycling or walking. Overhanging hedges and overgrown banks reduce footpath and road width, forcing pedestrians closer to traffic and this makes it even more important that these are cut back to protect the most vulnerable road users, particularly on routes near schools and parks.”
Guidance
It is a legal requirement for all roadside hedges to be cut back each year between 1 and 15 June, and 15 and 30 September, and to clear all cuttings from the road afterwards.
The Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services team is keen to promote advice for this to be done sustainably.
Roadside vegetation – including hedges – should always be cleared to expose the back edge of the road or footpath and then trimmed vertically from this edge.
Internal hedges should be left until after the bird breeding season (March to end of July) at the earliest before cutting.
Earth banks should have a minimum 10cm (4 inches) of vegetation left after cutting to avoid desiccation and erosion. This will also allow dense vegetation to establish and reduce the amount of ‘pioneer’ plants such as nettles and docks, which are faster growing.
Earth banks that aren’t next to roads or footpaths shouldn’t be cut until late summer to allow wildflowers to set seed.
If a substantial cut is needed to the road-facing side of a hedge, to avoid stress on the hedge it is best to delay cutting the inside face until at least the following year. Or make it a light cut and avoid cutting into woody material.
It is also important to check for nesting birds or other wildlife prior to cutting. If a nest is found, please avoid disturbing the birds by undertaking minimal cutting to this area, using secateurs to remove any overhanging vegetation.
If anyone notices a hedge or border which is significantly overgrown or overhanging a path or road after 15 June, they are asked to contact the relevant parish douzaine who will be able to notify the property owner and offer advice.
More information about cutting hedges or earth banks sustainably is available at gov.gg/hedgecutting.