To think my neighbours are CF's

[stayathomegardener]

So... new neighbours moved in about six months ago.
They are not next door, we are on a farm so they are up the road but our land adjoins their garden.
That particular piece of land is mixed woodland.
I first met them when they came round and asked us to cut the brambles down next to their garden.
I was slightly taken aback and explained that the only reason brambles grow there is that we cleared a 5m strip of trees for the previous neighbours so they were not overshadowed, because there is no tree cover to shade out the weeds they grow.
Neighbour appeared fairly shocked that clearing this area was not something we planned to do, I did say they were welcome to cut the brambles down.
Anyway gave it some thought and went round the next evening to say look we will clear it this time but if you want it maintained you need to do it yourselves in future. All I ask is you let us know if you need access.

At the weekend I noticed not only have they been round but have cut the boundary hedge down to half it's height cleared all the weeds/ivy away from their garden and dumped it in a very neat line in the field (the neatness annoyed me even more)
The pile of rubbish is 30m long by a metre high.

CF's?
And what next?

I thought that they can cut anything overhanging their boundary but otherwise its up to you to maintain. Is it at the end of their garden? So the hedge wasn't blocking their access to light?
They should have taken their mess though

Dunno but angry on your part. Not much you can do. Go round a talk it through with them? Not worth getting into a disagreement over. How about just revoking their right to do anything on your land, or cut back anything on your side.... then just let it grow.

They will come to regret losing your goodwill and trust.

As they wanted it clear can they get rid of the rubbish?

Also plant more trees 😁

If they trim they have to offer you the trimmings. Dumping their own rubbish - that's out of order. Dump it back on their side...

Is it worth going into full on neighbour war over? Maybe try one more attempt at diplomacy!

Trying to post a photo but currently not loading.
Been here 20 years and never had boundary issues, always got on great with all the neighbours.
Thinking currently is clear it ourselves and put a note through revoking any offers of access.
And you are right Zen more trees would solve the issue but suspect they would be horrified by that.

Cleanest thing to do is withdraw your offer to allow them to maintain the area.

Might be worth sending a solicitors letter revoking all offer of access perhaps? so you have a record of it?

Actually they might prefer trees to brambles. In view of their attitude I’d definitely revoke access. I would advise them that you are reinstating the woodland on your side of the boundary. Clarify that they can trim any branches that cross the boundary but not otherwise.

I would go round ask them to put your hedge back up and ask what plans they have for removing the rubbish. Very cross on your behalf.

Am I missing something? They asked you to clear your brambles that were growing over into their land, and you were shocked at this request? And then you tell them that they can cut the brambles down and you're shocked that they actually did so?

I am a farmer too with CF neighbours. Definately tell them they can't have access again.

Pile all the rubbish up and wait until the wind is blowing their way and have a good bonfire.

Photo

Pile of rubbish x 30m

I think I’m being dense but they wanted you to clear brambles that we’re growing from your land on to theirs? I can see that the brambles would annoy them but I think it’s their job to clear.

I think I would have had it cleared where it overhung and planted some nice fast growing deciduous to discourage regrowth..

Sorry bit harassed as adorable neighbour having emergency hip op today so not read all but will later.

Wasn't just the brambles though was it Hont? What a waste of blackberries.

Does the hedge actually belong to you? I would get a solicitor's letter formally revoking ANY right of access, and reminding them that they hedge doesn't belong to them and they have no right to cut the height of it.

I also like the suggestion of a massive bonfire when the wind is blowing their way........

Oh - and definitely replant the woodland.

Just be a bit careful as they're maintaining your land they may have grounds to try to legally take it?!

If any of the pile of cuttings was from their own hedges etc then they need to get rid of that you should only have over hanging stuff given back to you

For the sake of peace
Though I'd talk to them and come to an agreement

Oh and any lelandii on th border 🧐🤨

And what next?

Talk to them and tell them what you want? (Radical idea, I know.)

Revoke access, cheeky fuckers

Have a nice bonfire every time the wind is going in their direction

You allowed them to cut back brambles on your side of the fence but they went one better and chopped down your hedge too? And dumped all the cuttings plus all the garden waste from THEIR garden onto your land? CF indeed! First thing is to speak to them politely and tell them that you revoke permission for them to cut anything at all on your side and that they are not to put any of their own rubbish on your side. Simple. If they touch it again, solicitors letter. Keep it formal and very polite. Always best to avoid a feud but don't be walked over.

And yes, a bonfire is called for.