New way to keep hedges and verges neat and safe
Graffham Parish Council is adopting a new approach to ensuring that hedges throughout the village do not block sight lines for and endanger the safety of drivers, horse riders or pedestrians and ensure that verges are repaired when they have been damaged by building work.
Published: 19 March 2026
Now, the parish clerk will write to home owners when action is needed to cut back overgrown hedges or make good verges that have been damaged, asking them to address problems.
All property owners have what is known as “riparian” responsibility for the land between their property and the road, meaning that hedges, verges and trees on such land must be tended appropriately by them. While it is against the law to trim hedges between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting wild birds, this requirement is overridden when overgrown shrubs, hedges and low tree branches cause safety risks by blocking sight lines or signage.
Graffham Parish Council Chairman Gillian Charlesworth said: “The parish council would welcome all residents who receive such a letter helping in these ways to keep Graffham safe and attractive for all.”