Write to
DEFRA, Seacole Building, 2 Marsham St, London SW1P 4DF
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMENTS TO INCLUDE IN LETTERS:
There is a desperate need for legal protection of hedgerows,
either by making it mandatory to leave at least 20cm (10") of growth from the previous year,
or by enforcing cyclic (rotational) cutting as recommended by Natural England and Hedgelink.
Hedgerows are important habitats for wildlife, providing shelter in winter, breeding grounds in spring and food in the autumn. Mature hedgerows need protection now - newly planted hedge lines will take many years to provide the same quality of resource.
Field margins are ineffective when the hedgerow bordering them is cut every year to the same height or less, since food and shelter afforded by the hedgerow are removed from the vicinity.
Green Payments should be available only to those who genuinely seek to protect the environment with evidenced management schemes proven to benefit the ecosystem.
Hedgerow foliage, in addition to wildlife habitat, provides an important carbon absorption facility eliminated by annual cutting.
Carbon absorption should be factored in to payment schemes, with unwarranted removal of foliage incurring penalties.
either by making it mandatory to leave at least 20cm (10") of growth from the previous year,
or by enforcing cyclic (rotational) cutting as recommended by Natural England and Hedgelink.
Hedgerows are important habitats for wildlife, providing shelter in winter, breeding grounds in spring and food in the autumn. Mature hedgerows need protection now - newly planted hedge lines will take many years to provide the same quality of resource.
Field margins are ineffective when the hedgerow bordering them is cut every year to the same height or less, since food and shelter afforded by the hedgerow are removed from the vicinity.
Green Payments should be available only to those who genuinely seek to protect the environment with evidenced management schemes proven to benefit the ecosystem.
Hedgerow foliage, in addition to wildlife habitat, provides an important carbon absorption facility eliminated by annual cutting.
Carbon absorption should be factored in to payment schemes, with unwarranted removal of foliage incurring penalties.
