BN11 & BN7 Eligibility: Simple Farmer’s Guide to Countryside Stewardship Hedge Funding (2026)

Planting or restoring a hedge under Countryside Stewardship can bring in valuable support through BN11 (new hedge planting) and BN7 (gapping-up). But before you apply, it’s important to make sure you meet the scheme’s eligibility rules.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know — in plain English — so you can quickly confirm whether your hedge project qualifies for funding in 2026.

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What BN11 and BN7 Actually Cover

BN11 — Planting New Hedges

This option funds the planting of a completely new hedge along a mapped line.It applies when:

• The hedge is 20 metres or longer

• There is no existing hedge along that line

• You are creating a new boundary, shelterbelt, wildlife corridor, or field margin hedge

BN7 — Hedgerow Gapping-Up

This option is for filling gaps in an existing hedge.It applies when:

• The gap is less than 20 metres

• The existing hedge is clearly visible on the ground

• You are restoring structure and continuity, not creating a brand-new hedge

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✅ 1. Eligibility Requirements for BN11 & BN7

To apply for either option, you must meet the following criteria:

✔ Land Control

You must control the land for the full agreement period, including the hedge line itself.If you rent the land, you will need written permission from your landlord.

✔ Correct Planting Season

All BN11/BN7 hedges must be planted between:1 November – 31 March

✔ Native Species Only

The hedge must use 100% native species that are appropriate to your local area.

Bowhayes hedge mixes are designed specifically to meet this rule.

✔ Species Mix Requirements

For BN11 (new hedges), the rules require:

• No more than 70% hawthorn

• At least 4 other native species

• A typical double-staggered row

• 5–7 plants per metre

BN7 should also use native species, ideally matching or improving the existing hedge.

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✅ 2. Hedge Length Rules

BN11 — New Hedge

✔ Must be 20m or longer

✔ Can be in multiple sections (each 20m+)

✔ Suitable for creating new boundaries or wildlife corridors

BN7 — Gapping-Up

✔ For gaps under 20m

✔ Used to restore existing hedge lines

✔ The hedge must already exist on both sides of the gap

If you want to create a hedge longer than 20m that includes several gaps, you usually need a combination of BN11 + BN7 (your advisor or Bowhayes can guide you).

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✅ 3. Mapping Requirements

(Essential for Eligibility)

Every BN11/BN7 application requires a simple map showing:

• The exact location of the hedge

• Start and end points

• Length in metres

• Whether it is BN11 or BN7

• The field parcel number

• Any relevant notes (e.g., slope, access, proximity to watercourses)

You can use:

• MAGIC Map

• Rural Payments Service mapping tools

• A hand-drawn map (upload a photo)

  
  

There is no official “map guide”, but including these details is essential for RPA approval.

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✅ 4. Evidence Requirements

To be eligible, you may need to provide:

• Photographs of the existing hedge gaps (BN7)

• A clear photo of the proposed new hedge line (BN11)

• Tenancy or landlord permission if you rent the land

• A simple annotated map

• Species information (Bowhayes provides this)
  

Keeping evidence early will make your claim easier later.

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❌ 5. When You Are Not Eligible

You may not be eligible if:

• You cannot plant during winter

• You do not control the land

• The “existing hedge” for BN7 is too degraded to identify

• You are trying to use BN7 to plant a brand-new hedge

• You want to use non-native species (not allowed)

• The hedge will be planted on Scheduled Monuments or in restricted-designation sites without consent
  

If you’re unsure, it’s usually best to map the area and ask the RPA or your adviser to confirm.

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⭐ Quick Eligibility Checklist (Copy & Save)

Use this to double-check you're ready to apply:

BN11 – New Hedge Planting

✔ Hedge is 20m+ ✔ Fully new hedge line ✔ Native species only ✔ Max 70% hawthorn ✔ Minimum 4 additional species ✔ Plant Nov–March ✔ You control the land ✔ Clear map completed

BN7 – Gapping-Up

✔ Gap is under 20m ✔ Clear existing hedge structure ✔ Native species only ✔ Plant Nov–March ✔ Clear map completed

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🌱 Final Thoughts

Checking eligibility before you apply saves time, prevents rework, and ensures your planting plan fits Countryside Stewardship rules.

If you’re planning a BN11 or BN7 hedge for winter 2025–26, Bowhayes Trees can help with:

• Native hedging packs compliant with CS rules

• Mixed-species hedge bundles

• Hedgerow trees

• Guards, canes, and accessories

• Friendly, practical advice tailored to your land
  

When you’re ready, explore our hedge packs or move on to the next guide in the series: 👉 How to Apply for BN11 or BN7 (Step-by-Step Guide)