enclosure (of land)

The conversion of common land to private ownership, which began in Norman times and earlier. The rate of enclosure increased rapidly in the 18thC and 19thC by means of the Inclosure Acts. Enclosure was commonly by means of hedges, although many hedges pre-date the Inclosure Acts.



This definition is abridged from A – Z of tree terms: A companion to British arboriculture.
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