# The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, Paragraph 1: Eligible scheme actions; planting new hedgerows

Extent: N.I.

An applicant planting a new hedgerow must–
(a) plant a hedgerow–
(i) where no hedgerow currently exists; or
(ii) where there is a continuous gap of 10 metres or more between existing hedgerows;
(b) ensure each individual length of new hedgerow planted is a minimum of 10 metres;
(c) plant three or more species of native hedge plants listed in Schedule 4 with an average of 6 native plants per metre;
(d) protect newly planted hedgerows from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;
(e) manage the hedgerow to prevent growth being negatively affected by weeds;
(f) manage and maintain the full length of hedgerow planted;
(g) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;
(h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and species of native hedge plants used;
(i) not plant a new hedgerow–
(i) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;
(ii) against an existing hedgerow;
(iii) on the field side of a 2 metre riparian buffer strip;
(iv) under the shade of an existing treeline or woodland; or
(v) against a stone wall; and
(j) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria in Schedule 2.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2025/101/schedule/1/paragraph/1 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/farming-with-nature-scheme-regulations-northern-ireland-2025/schedule-1/paragraph-1
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.