Let’s stop the hedgerow butchers

AMID all the doom and gloom over the economy I have noticed one positive development – people are heading back to nature and the garden and to “growing your own”.

With this in mind, I wish to endorse Donal Hickey’s sentiments (‘A hedge well worth investing in’, May 4).

Under section 40 of the 1976 Wildlife Act, as amended by section 46 of the Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000, the cutting of hedgerows and ditches is illegal from March 1 to August 31.

Our hedgerows are a natural resource that we should be protecting and not damaging. Every year, it enrages me to see local authorities vandalising hedgerows and ditches during these months. These ditches and the flora within – fuchsia, honeysuckle, etc – provide refuge and valuable food sources for much of our pollinating insects. We have all heard about the recent decimation in the bee population here and in England. Without pollinators like bees, we have no crops. Do I need to spell it out any further?

Our esteemed Green Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, is aware of this and has promised to prosecute those who break the law. Since many people who break the law are employed by the state or local authorities, would it not be prudent to prevent the damage being done in the first place and thus protect our natural environment and prevent costly legal battles?

Peter Dowdall

Dunsland

Glanmire

Co Cork