Hedge news

Although we are rarely going to agree on things (although we do agree on Fineshade Wood) I cannot help myself being impressed by the energy of my young, new and shiny MP, Mr Pursglove.

This morning I received a letter in the post replying to my email to him of just yesterday!  Mr Pursglove says he can’t show me the letter he has sent/will send to Defra on the matter of hedge-trimming because of data protection issues. Fair enough, I’ll trust you on that one.

He also says he will represent my views to the Secretary of State on the matter so I have emailed him again, thus:

 

Dear Mr Pursglove

Thank you very much for your very rapid reply to my email and blog.  I’m impressed.

I believe it’s important that Defra considers the science on this matter (don’t you?) and it appears that one species of bird (the Bullfinch – a reasonably common, but declining species) would be badly affected if cutting dates were brought back to 1 August and there is even evidence for harm if the cutting dates were not extended later into September of perhaps October.

Defra ought to look at the evidence that may well be held by the British Trust for Ornithology and consult widely on impacts on birds, but also on other species, of any change in hedge cutting dates before making any hasty changes.

I’d be grateful if you would let me know whether you agree with me or not, and in any case represent these views to the Secretary of State at Defra.

yours….

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