Huge support for FW hedgecutting ban petition

A Farmers Weekly petition urging Defra to repeal the August hedgecutting ban on arable land has received overwhelming support from readers.

Defra extended the hedgecutting ban to cover August, citing an EU directive to protect nesting birds. But the August ban, which was brought in in summer 2015, has been unpopular with farm contractors.

Hundreds of readers have added their names to our petition, which was launched earlier this month.

See also: Why you should get behind our hedgecutting ban petition

Farmers and contractors have told us that the August ban causes disruption to their businesses and many are not convinced that birds other than wood pigeons are still nesting in August.

The six-month ban will begin on 1 March and contractors will not be allowed to cut hedges on arable land until 1 September. 

The NFU says the August hedgecutting ban is overregulation and unfair as it doesn’t take into account the seasonal variability of different areas in the UK.

But wildlife campaigners say the ban is crucial to protect some species.

Farmers have their say

These are some of your comments so far:

“By having a fixed date you force the hedgecutting into a tight band. By spreading it out over the year the birds always have somewhere to go, you still only cut the hedge once.”  J Calcutt, Hempton, Oxfordshire

“Afterwards, our land is usually wet and hedgecutting makes an unacceptable mess.” FG Sheard, East Sussex

“As a contractor, I am losing a month’s work and it’s forcing us to work wet land too late. A pigeon is the only nesting bird seen!”  TJ Austin, Cambridgeshire

“Cut while conditions are right. We protect our wildlife to the best of our ability. Birds or fledglings born late will never make it through the winter.” Stuart Wilkinson, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire

“No birds are nesting in hedgerows in late July/early August onwards.” Tac Page, West Ashton, Wiltshire

 “We need more time when the land is dry to get the hedge trimming done. The big increase in birds of prey is responsible for the decline in small birds – not hedgetrimming.” RG Payne, Milton Keynes

Add your signature to our petition

Sign our petition if you are concerned the ban will harm your business and have your voice heard.