This petition is made for and on behalf of the residents at the Fairfield Gardens Estate and those residents who have purchased a Crest Nicholson home on Leopold Corner and, in particular, those whose properties back on to the hedgerow/tree line on the south border of the Fairfield Gardens estate (the “residents”). 

This petition is made to ask that Central Bedfordshire Council to protect our hedgerow/ tree-line and prevent Cambell, Buchanan and George from destroying it, despite any planning permission that they may have or are planning on obtaining. This is for the following reasons: 

1. The historical value of the hedgerow/tree-line: this hedgerow/tree-line, in particular, appears to have been here since the 1850s. As part of our extensive research, we have written to the Stotfold Historical Society, who are quoted as saying the following “it is likely that the field boundary to the south of your property has been there at least since Stotfold was enclosed in the 1850s”.

2. Protection of our wildlife: Although not a protected species, there is an abundance of nesting birds who use this hedgerow/tree-line as their home. The residents have seen robins, blue tits and pigeons. There are also squirrels who use the hedgerow/tree-line. The “UK hedgerows bustle with life. In fact, 130 of the wildlife species listed as priorities under the governments biodiversity action plan (BAP) live and thrive in hedgerows.”

3. Protection of the endangered bats: We note that at least bats and frogs have been identified within the area, with the residents often seeing these protected species and who will be negatively impacted by the removal of the hedgerow/tree-line. There is a large population of bats that are roosting in the tree-line and are in danger of being disturbed owing to the planned removal of the tree-line. I refer you to the Bat Conservation Trust’s recent article on the endangered species: https://cdn.bats.org.uk/pdf/Bats-Trees.pdf The bats currently roost in the ivy covering the tree line. “The relevant legislation in England & Wales is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Conservation of Habitats & Species Regulations 2017. In Scotland it is the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations 1994, and in Northern Ireland the Conservation (Natural Habitats, etc.) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1995.”

"It is the land owner’s responsibility, in addition to those conducting the works, to ensure that protected species, such as bats, have been taken into account before any actions are conducted that could disturb those animals. This legislation is still applicable regardless of the presence of a TPO and felling licences.”

4. Benefits to the environment: The Soil Association touches upon the importance of hedgerows/tree-lines as “making a real contribution to the UK’s target of producing net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The diverse range of plant life in hedges can also combat climate change by storing carbon in their vegetation.”