Many residents have noticed that the hedges along Nettles Lane were recently cut down to a very low level. This work, carried out by the Council, took place at the start of the bird nesting season (March–August), when hedges are normally left undisturbed to protect nesting birds and local wildlife.

These hedges provide:

• Shelter for birds and small wildlife
• Nesting areas during the spring and summer months
• A natural green boundary along the lane

Several local residents regularly help keep this area tidy, collect litter from the lane, and have also installed bird nesting boxes nearby in an effort to support wildlife and improve the local environment.

A complaint was raised with the Council regarding the hedge cutting; however, the case has since been closed without a response being provided to residents.

This community petition is therefore being organised to ask the Council to explain why this work was carried out at this time of year and to help ensure this important wildlife habitat is better protected in the future. While we cannot undo what has already happened to the hedgerow, we can ask for answers and work to prevent this from happening again.

We ask the Council to:

• Ensure that routine hedge cutting and vegetation management is carried out outside the main bird nesting season (March–August), in line with environmental guidance and wildlife protection legislation and also review its current practices.
• Provide advance notice to residents when hedge cutting or vegetation clearance is planned in residential areas, allowing wildlife concerns to be raised before work begins.
• Review its current practices and implement measures to ensure hedge maintenance is carried out responsibly and in a way that protects wildlife and complies with environmental guidance.
• Ensure hedges are maintained at an appropriate height that continues to provide shelter, nesting opportunities, and habitat for wildlife, rather than being cut back to a minimal level.

As a local authority, the Council has a duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to have regard to conserving biodiversity when carrying out its work. We ask that future hedge and verge maintenance reflects this responsibility and takes appropriate steps to protect wildlife habitats.

If you would like to support protecting wildlife on Nettles Lane, please add your name to the petition.