Just weeks ago, I highlighted concern that existed within the environmental sector that the Government had, up to that point, not brought forward much needed new hedgerow protections it had promised, writes Erin McDaid of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
I am delighted to announce that last week, the government delivered on its promise by announcing new hedgerow rules.
This means that farmers cannot cut hedges during the sensitive period for bird nesting, between March 1 and August 31 and in addition to firming up the rules around trimming, farmers must also leave a two metres buffer strip around hedges, further protecting these valuable habitats.
The new rules follow on from a public consultation and will undoubtedly help to protect all manner of wildlife, but particularly nesting birds — a welcome boost considering so many species are under threat.
Having been concerned about the regulatory hole facing our hedgerows at the turn of the year, The Wildlife Trusts have publicly welcomed the commitment from Defra that the important rules protecting hedgerows in our countryside have been reinstated.
The combination of a seven-month period where hedges cannot be cut, and the buffer strips helps provide our cherished wildlife with the protection it requires from potentially damaging farming activities.
However, while the new measures are welcome, it should be noted that these were the minimal standards needed to prevent further hedgerow decline.
We are also disappointed that the government has so far failed to seize the opportunity to go even further.
Buffer strips of four metres either side of a hedgerow would allow hedges to develop as even more complex habitats and an extension of the no cut period into the autumn would protect both late nesting birds and hazel dormice which are known to nest through to October.
We would also like to see these crucial protections extended to cover all hedgerows, not just those on farmland. Approximately 30% of the UK’s hedgerows are found away from farmland and wherever they occur, hedgerows provide essential connectivity — allowing nature to move more freely through a landscape that is largely inhospitable to wildlife.
For our habitat network to thrive and function as effectively as it can, all hedgerows must be equally protected, wherever they happen to be.
One real positive however, is that over 80% of the responses from farmers to Defra's hedgerow consultation showed support for the protection of hedgerows. This demonstrates that farmers recognise the importance of these habitats and understand that the benefits are not just for nature.
Healthy hedges also support sustainable farm businesses by providing natural pest control; acting as a home for a plethora of beneficial insects which feed on aphids and other invertebrates that may cause damage to crops.
This positive view from farmers helps underline the growing support from within the farming sector for sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
In our own experience across the county, more and more farmers are wanting to farm in a nature friendly way — to the extent that we can hardly keep up with the demand for advice from farmers and other landowners.
This collaborative approach is vital if we are to put nature into recovery.
Most of our county and country is farmland and this farmland must be made more welcoming to wildlife if we are to reverse long-term declines and finally put nature into recovery.
