Disappearing hedgerows

[hifi_dave]

All around us, the hedgerows are disappearing at an alarming rate. The past three years or so, the farmers are digging up the hedges and chopping down trees so that was once enclosed fields are now prairies. 400 yards here, 500 yards there and there will be nothing remaining except the land.

Not only does this remove the windbreaks and hedges which held back snow from covering the roads but it is removing the homes of countless birds, bugs and animals. This probably accounts for why many people I have talked with, say that they have been plagued with mice.

To my eyes, these vast fields are nowhere near as pleasing as the smaller fields with hedgerows and trees and I do worry about the fauna. We have far fewer birds in the garden than we used to and Bees are few and far between.

The theory locally is that the Farmers are paid EU subsidies to remove the hedges but does anyone here have the definitive answer ?

[Barry]

I wouldn't worry about it. In ten years time it will all be built over!

[Andy831]

There may not be any EU subsidies for much longer.

[walpurgis]

many people I have talked with, say that they have been plagued with mice

No mice around here. The rats kill them all.

There's a definitely a plague of rats. I'll be getting the air rifle out and having another cull soon! (and I never miss )

[Lerxst]

No definitive answer. But I can have a good guess what the bottom line is: Money.

[CageyH]

In France the farmers have realised that removing the hedgerows increases the soil erosion so are now replanting the hedges.

[Macca]

I'm thinking that at least a few years ago they were getting subsidies to replace the hedgerows? Also to keep the field boundaries overgrown to create 'wildlife corridors'.

At least your fields are still fields. Here they are becoming housing estates or massive warehouses.

I can see how it increases the efficiency of the farm, but in my view it should all have protected status down to the last bush. They can always increase productivity in other ways.

[hifi_dave]

There has been a lot of talk in the media about growing and protecting hedgerows for all the obvious regions but still the farmers here in Essex and Suffolk are digging them all out. It's a real shame and I don't know why. If I get a chance to speak with a farmer, I will find the truth.

[struth]

They are great for hiding your tank too for when we get invaded by the Euro army

[Yomanze]

Guess it'll speed this up: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk...m-9806353.html