Hedgerows are an essential part of the English countryside. They serve as important carbon storage, provide support for crop pollinators, create habitats for animals, slow down water flow, and offer shade and fodder for animals. Their significance cannot be underestimated.
Preserving and Supporting Hedgerows
To safeguard the hedgerows we currently have and promote their growth, there needs to be investment in their maintenance and further planting needs to be encouraged. Defra’s goal is to create or restore 30,000 miles of hedgerows by 2037 and an ambitious 45,000 miles by 2050, as outlined in their Environmental Improvement Plan. To achieve this, they need your input through the new consultation they have just launched.
Enhancing Hedgerow Protections
The consultation focuses on establishing effective and proportionate regulations to protect hedgerows. While there are already regulations in place under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, there is a lack of domestic legislation specifically addressing hedgerow protections. Defra’s aim is to address this gap and work alongside the industry to achieve their environmental objectives.
The Importance of the Consultation
The consultation aims to gather valuable feedback on the proposed amendments to existing laws. The focus is on maintaining and enhancing existing protections and refining the enforcement approach. Input is needed on measures such as implementing a 'buffer strip' 2 metres from the centre of a hedgerow to preserve its structure and prohibiting the cutting of hedgerows during bird nesting season to safeguard important bird species.
Your Voice Matters
Defra want to hear the opinions of all stakeholders who care about hedgerows, including farmers, organizations, and the general public. The consultation provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of hedgerow protections. The consultation is open until Wednesday 20th September.
> You can access the consultation document and share your views here.