Defending the British countryside against the
ongoing destruction of critically important rural habitat
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The British countryside is losing wildlife at an unprecedented rate.
Hedgerow cutting with flail/rotary tractor equipment often happens twice a year. Once in early autumn, when wild creatures need a harvest to get through the winter, and again in spring, just as sap is rising through the plants so that they can grow properly. Currently as things stand, farmers and landowners can claim public money for set-aside fields, borders and margins WITHOUT having to consider the health and welfare of mature hedgerows. Payments in subsidies can mount up to hundreds of thousands of pounds per individual, yet there is no law to prevent decimation of the ecosystem in this way while 'environmental incentives' remain on offer unconditionally. The picture above shows a hedgerow being cut at dawn on 1st February 2023. For many decades, this was a sturdy, thriving hedge. Now the ancient pleachers are exposed and the hedge line is barren of all life. If this practice concerns you, and you would like to contact organisational leaders who can advise on looking after hedgerows sustainably, get in touch. Email [email protected] |
