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Closed Ban hedge cutting and non-essential tree felling between March and August

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All hedgerow cutting or trimming and non-essential tree felling should be banned between March and August to give declining bird species a chance to breed undisturbed by human activity.

According to Defra figures, farmland birds have declined by 57% and woodland birds by 27% between 1970 and 2018. RSPB research shows 16 out of 20 garden birds are in decline.

Each spring, many people enter their gardens and decide a hedgerow needs cutting back or a shade-causing tree needs felling. Unfortunately, large swathes of the public are unaware that this activity is detrimental to birds. Neither the public nor tree surgeons should be cutting hedges or trees from March to August.

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  • Related activity

    MPs debate legal protections for hedgerows

    On Wednesday 24 January, MPs took part in a Westminster Hall debate on legal protections for hedgerows. The debate was led by Selaine Saxby MP. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Rebecca Pow MP, responded to the debate on behalf of the Government.

    What is a Westminster Hall debate?

    Westminster Hall is the second chamber of the House of Commons. Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to raise local and national issues and receive a response from a government minister. Westminster Hall debates are general debates that do not end in a vote.

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    This petition will stay open until 22 October 2022.