LANDOWNERS who illegally removed a hedgerow longer than a football pitch have been ordered to pay more than £1,600 in fines and costs after a successful prosecution by Malvern Hills District Council.

John Williams, aged 46, and Helen Williams, 45, of Micklefield Farm, Welland Stone, pleaded guilty to breaching the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 after appearing at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, March 2.

They were ordered to pay a £300 fine each, a victim surcharge of £30 each and £500 in costs each, collectively totalling £1,660.

The council decided to act after receiving a report in October 2016 that 153 metres of hedgerow had been dug up along the lane at Micklefield Farm.

When officers from the council’s planning enforcement team visited the site they confirmed it had been completely removed. The court was told the couple had since voluntarily replanted the hedgerow following contact from the council.

Rural hedgerows are protected by law due to their importance as wildlife habitat, as part of the landscape or because of their historical or architectural significance.

Anyone wanting to remove a hedgerow needs to contact Malvern Hills District Council at least six weeks before work is set to take place. The council will then assess the hedge and decide whether it can be removed or not.

Cllr Melanie Baker, responsible for sustainable development and infrastructure on the district council, said: “It’s right hedgerows are given this level of protection as they are like nature’s motorways, allowing wildlife the means to move throughout land as well as providing shelter and food.

“We hope this case will raise awareness of the regulations and protections regarding hedgerows amongst landowners and we urge anyone planning work to a hedgerow to seek advice from us first.”

Anyone wanting more information or help regarding hedgerow regulations should contact the council’s landscape officer Chris Lewis-Farley on 01684 862407.