Why annual hedge cutting in Jersey is a balancing act
What is branchage?
Branchage, which literally means branches, is the 111-year-old law that requires land owners or renters in Jersey to cut back any trees, shrubs or grass overhanging roads near their property.There must be a 12ft (3.6m) clearance over main roads and by-roads, and a clearance of 8ft (2.4m) over footpaths. The aim is to make it safer for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to use the roads.Parish officials carry out two inspections, one in late June or early July and another in September, to check branchage has been completed.If it is not done properly, parishioners can be fined up to £100 or the parish may arrange for the work to be done and residents to be charged for it.
Mr Le Quesne said he believed the island's natural environment has been degraded since the start of branchageHe said hedges being "scalped to the bone" caused environmental loss and risked erosion to old stone walls."You're losing your insect populations, you're losing your flowers, you're losing your biodiversity, you're not allowing flowers and grasses to go through their natural cycles," he said.He suggested creating a network of green lanes across the island with minimal traffic are not cut until August or early September.He said this could be a real boost for tourists visiting the island for its natural beauty and would encourage people to get out more.
Lewis said branchage was important to maintain free access to the roads, particularly for bin lorries, tractors and emergency vehicles. He said he agreed with environmental concerns and it was important people did not cut back hedges too tightly, leaving at least 10cm of growth.He added he had only seen a few "minor infractions" during his July 2025 inspection and he preferred to issue warnings to residents instead of fines.The Government of Jersey advises people should help the environment by cutting with hand tools when possible, allowing pans to set seed if not overhanging, leaving tussocks of vegetation for insects and never carrying out heavy hedge work during bird breeding season between 1March and 31 July.
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