Hedgecutting guidance seeks to protect island’s wildlife
ADVICE to islanders about to cut their hedges has been issued by the States and La Societe in an effort to protect and support the island’s wildlife.
Legally, roadside hedges must be cut between 1 and 15 June and 15 and 30 September, but Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services has warned that cutting one too severely can have a negative effect on the vegetation and the wildlife it supports.
La Societe has launched a campaign to ensure best practice hedge cutting during bird nesting season.
People are advised to check for nesting birds or wildlife before starting to cut and, if one is found, to avoid disturbing the birds by only cutting this area minimally with secateurs to remove overhanging growth.
‘Annual maintenance of hedges is essential to preserve the fantastic displays of spring and summer flowers, along with invertebrates, nesting birds and small mammals,’ said La Societe’s conservation officer Jamie Hooper.
It was critical that the cutting was done sympathetically to avoid damaging the habitats or the structure of the banks.
‘Sadly, the sight of scalped hedges following inappropriate use of machinery has become all too familiar and often these areas are left prone to erosion or collapse during the winter months.’
. The guidelines are available at gov.gg/hedgecutting.
