Overgrown Vegetation on Public Land or Highways
Here you can find out about our cutting programme for vegetation (such as hedges, shrubs and brambles) and how we protect and enhance wildlife areas in the city.
What you need to know
Our cutting programme for parks, public land and highways is set in advance, we normally cut between October and March once the grass cutting has finished for the year.
The City Council cuts hedges on behalf of Gloucestershire Highways once a year as part of programmed works. Problems such as hedges and vegetation overhanging a footpath or cycle path should be reported to Gloucestershire Highways.
What we do
We will:
- usually only cut between October and March
- follow a sensitive cutting programme for the benefit of wildlife
- cut in all weather, unless the conditions make it too dangerous
What we don't do
We don't:
- cut back vegetation to address shading issues, improve television or phone signals, prevent vegetation from encroaching onto private land or to open up views.
- cut back vegetation overhanging the highway except as part of programmed works
- cut back vegetation overhanging private property
- cut back all vegetation every year (it can be beneficial to wildlife and local biodiversity to leave vegetation growing on an open space)
Action you can take
If you are able to do minor works yourself, such as cutting back small branches or brambles overhanging paths.
You're legally allowed cut back vegetation that is overhanging your property from public land (such as parks, open spaces or public high way) back to your boundary of your property. Please dispose of the green waste responsibly.
Important - please avoid cutting during the bird nesting or breeding season from March to August as all wild birds, their young, their eggs and active nests are protected by law
You must remove or cut back your vegetation if it:
- blocks the view at a road junction
- obstructs a road or footpath
- obstructs a streetlight, traffic lights or street signs
- is a danger to the highway