New rules for hedge-cutting under cross compliance are to be introduced meaning hedges cannot be cut or trimmed between March 1 and August 31 unless:

- the hedgerow overhangs a highway, road or footpath over which there is a public or private right of way and the overhanging hedgerow obstructs the passage of, or is a danger to, vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders;

- the hedgerow is dead, diseased, damaged or insecurely rooted and, because of its condition, it or part of it, is likely to cause danger by falling on to a highway, road or footpath or obstructs the view of drivers or the light from a public lamp;

- it is to carry out hedge-laying or coppicing during the period 1 March to 30 April (inclusive); or

- It is to trim a newly-laid hedgerow by hand, within six months of it being laid.

The change in cutting dates from 2014 was introduced under EU regulations requiring the protection of birds during the breeding and rearing season. The NFU lobbied against the later cutting date. When that proved unsuccessful, it secured a derogation where oilseed rape and grass crops are being planted in August.