Who is eligible to apply for hedgerow planting (BN11) and gapping-up (BN7) grants?

All farmers in England who manage land with hedgerows can apply, provided the hedges meet the scheme’s criteria (e.g. you have management control of both sides of the hedge boundary). BN7 is for filling gaps up to 20m in existing native hedgerows (the hedge must be at least 20m long and predominantly native species, while BN11 covers planting entirely new hedges or filling larger gaps over 20m.

How much funding is available for hedgerow planting and gapping-up?

BN7 offers £17.22 per metre of hedgerow gap filled, and BN11 provides £22.97 per metre for new hedges planted. These grants (2025 payment rates) are intended to cover most of the planting costs, such as native plants, protective guards/fencing, and labor.

Request a Call

The next Countryside Stewardship deadline approaches - order plants early to meet your planting window.

FARMERS & COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP

Grow Your Farm's Future with BN11 & BN7 Packs

Q: How do I apply for BN7 and BN11 hedgerow grants?

Applications for BN7 and BN11 are made through the Countryside Stewardship scheme’s process (typically via the Rural Payments online system). You should consult the latest Capital Grants guidance for Countryside Stewardship, prepare the required details (like maps showing where the hedge will be planted or gapped-up), and then submit your application to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) through their online portal.

Q: What are the requirements for BN7 and BN11 hedgerow options?

BN7 and BN11 come with specific rules for planting and maintaining your hedges. Planting can only be done during the dormant season (November–March) using native shrub species, usually planted in two staggered rows at roughly 6 plants per metre to form a thick hedge. You need to prepare a 1.5 m wide planting strip (clear weeds and cultivate soil), protect the new hedge from livestock (e.g. fence it ~1.2 m away from the hedge line) and wildlife (use tree guards), and replace any failed plants by the next season while trimming the young hedge in the first couple of years to encourage bushy growth.

Q: What are the long-term benefits of planting or restoring hedgerows?

Hedgerows established through BN11 and BN7 provide significant long-term benefits. They create vital habitats and wildlife corridors for birds, pollinators, and other small animals, while also improving the environment by capturing carbon, reducing soil erosion, and curbing water runoff on your land. In addition, well-managed hedges offer practical farm benefits – they serve as windbreaks, shelter for livestock, and durable field boundaries – all of which enhance the farm’s landscape and sustainability.

Tailored native hedge and tree mixes that meet Countryside Stewardship specs. Farm-ready, inspector-friendly, and delivered nationwide.

Shop Stewardship Packs

How to Apply

• DEFRA-compliant species • Eligible for BN11 (new hedges) & BN7 (gapping) • Expert advice from growers • Fast UK delivery • Grant friendly pricing

Your Challenges — Solved

We designed our packs around the real issues farmers face when applying and planting.

"Not sure if my hedge is eligible."

Use our eligibility checklist and map guide. If unsure, we'll check your plan and advise.

"What mix will pass inspection?"

Our native species mixes are built to BN11/BN7 rules and labelled for easy planting order.

"Concerned about delivery timing."

We schedule dispatch to your planting window and keep you updated. Cold-stored plants available

"Livestock + exposure = failure risk."

We'll recommend protection and spacing for your site (guards, canes, mulch, fencing options)

Countryside Stewardship Packs

Choose a pack that fits your field boundary goals. Every mix is native and designed for scheme compliance.

Bowhayes Trees Black Friday (5)_edited.jpg

BN11 Hedgerow Planting Pack

Create new hedges at 6 plants/m with diverse native species. Supplied as bare-root whips.

View Packs

Bowhayes Trees Black Friday (4)_edited.jpg

BN7 Hedgerow Gapping Pack

Fill gaps up to 20m in existing hedges with a compatible native mix for quick establishment.

View Packs

Hedge Accessories & Protection

Spiral guards, canes, mulch, and fencing options to protect young plants where needed.

View Accessories

How to Apply (Simple 3-Step Guide)

No jargon. Just the steps you need to follow for BN11 (new hedges) and BN7 (gapping).

1. Check Eligibility

Confirm hedge location and control of both sides. BN11 is for new hedges, BN7 is for gaps under 20m.

Eligibility Checklist

2. Choose Your Pack

Select a Bowhayes native mix that fits the scheme specs and your site conditions (soil, exposure, livestock)

View Packs

3. Apply & Plant

Submit your CS application with maps & measurements. We'll deliver in planting season and support you post-planting.

Read Guides

Guides & Blogs

Practical Advice to help your application succeed and your hedge thrive.

How to Apply for BN11 or BN7 planting grant

When to apply, what to include, and common mistakes to avoid.

Read Guide

Special Mixes that
Inspectors Like

Why native diversity matters and example mixes that fit the rules.

Read Guide

Guide to Hedge, Tree and Woodland Planting Grants

Available funding schemes and grants for planting across the UK.

Read Guide

"Ordered the BN11 pack last winter. Everything arrived labelled, planting was straightforward, and the inspector was happy."

- J. Matthews, Dorset

Benefits That Matter on Your Farm

Bowhayes packs are built for real-world farm outcomes and grant success.

BN11 - Planting New Hedges

• Restore field boundaries and wildlife corridors

• Designed for 6 plants per metre (double staggered rows)

• Native, livestock-safe spieces; good shelter & shade

• Helps reduce runoff & wind erosion on slopes

• Grant payment per metre (showcase current rate in copy)

See BN11 pack

BN7 - Hedgerow Gapping-Up

• Fill short gaps (<20m) to strengthen existing hedges

• Quicker visual results, supports hedge longevity

• Improves habitat connectivity without full replant

• Pairs with future management options (laying/coppicing)

• Grant payment per metre (match guidance)

See BN7 pack

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications for BN7 and BN11 are made through the Countryside Stewardship scheme’s process (typically via the Rural Payments online system). You should consult the latest Capital Grants guidance for Countryside Stewardship, prepare the required details (like maps showing where the hedge will be planted or gapped-up), and then submit your application to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) through their online portal.

BN7 and BN11 come with specific rules for planting and maintaining your hedges. Planting can only be done during the dormant season (November–March) using native shrub species, usually planted in two staggered rows at roughly 6 plants per metre to form a thick hedge. You need to prepare a 1.5 m wide planting strip (clear weeds and cultivate soil), protect the new hedge from livestock (e.g. fence it ~1.2 m away from the hedge line) and wildlife (use tree guards), and replace any failed plants by the next season while trimming the young hedge in the first couple of years to encourage bushy growth.

Hedgerows established through BN11 and BN7 provide significant long-term benefits. They create vital habitats and wildlife corridors for birds, pollinators, and other small animals, while also improving the environment by capturing carbon, reducing soil erosion, and curbing water runoff on your land. In addition, well-managed hedges offer practical farm benefits – they serve as windbreaks, shelter for livestock, and durable field boundaries – all of which enhance the farm’s landscape and sustainability.