Defra consultation on protecting hedgerows - give your views - closing date 20th Sept

Our Parish has some fabulous hedgerows! We are posting this to raise awareness that Defra is currently consulting on what regulations should/could replace the current Hedgerow Regulations Act 1997 as the previous land-based subsidies are replaced post Brexit. 

You can reply to the consultation by 20th September using this link https://consult.defra.gov.uk/legal-standards/consultation-on-protecting-hedgerows/

The RSPB have published their views on the consultation questions and makes useful reading. The consultation questions include:

(Question 12) Should we maintain a no cutting period to ensure hedgerows are managed in a way which protects important bird species?

(Question 13) If we maintain a no cutting period, should the no cutting period remain as 1 March to 31 August, or be amended to an alternative?