Rother District contains a blend of some of the most beautiful countryside in South East England.
The landscape character of the district varies from low-lying flat marshland to the east of the district, with expansive fields divided by occasional hedgerows, through the ancient mosaic landscape of the High Weald, with gently undulating pasture punctuated with species-rich hedgerows, copses and ancient woodland, to the more steeply contoured land around the sandstone ridge-top.
Much of the district is covered with significant areas of biodiversity interest including coastal habitats and ancient woodland. This rich and distinctive natural environment functions as both an important ecological habitat and an attractive visual resource.
Protected Trees
Protected Trees Trees can be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) and they are also protected by being situated within a Conservation Area. The information below is intended to help you understand the procedures associated with protected trees. Tree Preservation Orders TPOs are made by a local authority to protect…
Ancient Woodland
Rother has the highest Ancient Woodland cover (as a percentage of its area) of all districts in the South East region. Its extent has recently been re-surveyed. Rother District has an area of 8,055ha ancient woodland which represents 15.54% of the total area of the district. It is a key…
High Hedges
Since 1 June 2005 the Council has powers under Part 8 of the Anti Social Behaviours Act 2003 to adjudicate on disputes over high hedges. More information and guidance on the process can be found within this section. Applicable Hedges A high hedge is defined in the Act as so…
The High Weald National Landscape (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
83% of Rother District falls within the High Weald National Landscape - a landscape of national importance which was designated as an Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1983. High Weald AONB Management Plan 2024 - 2029 The High Weald AONB Management Plan is the single most important document…
Hedgerows
Hedgerows are an integral part of the character of Rother's landscape are the. The 'Hedgerow Regulations' were introduced in 1997 to protect hedgerows on agricultural land. It is now necessary to give notice to the Local Planning Authority prior to the removal of any hedge relating to agricultural land. Hedgerow…
