Stop Cutting Hedgerows During Nesting Season!
The Issue
In recent years, Ireland has become increasingly aware of the critical importance of biodiversity for the health of our ecosystems, economy, and way of life. However, despite this growing awareness, practices detrimental to our environment continue to persist, particularly those concerning the maintenance of our hedgerows and verges.
I am profoundly concerned that Clare County Council is contracting out the cutting of hedgerows at the height of the nesting season. In the past week alone, photographic evidence of hedgerows being butchered and flowering verges also being destroyed has been shared within a local wildlife group. This has happened in several West Clare locations, despite there being no issue with visibility in any of the places we have recorded this happening.
Our birds, mammals, insects, and particularly our native pollinators, rely heavily on hedgerows and wildflowers as essential habitats for survival. It is beyond belief that those entrusted with the care of these habitats should be the very ones violating them and we want it to stop now!
Hedgerows are not just boundaries; they are wildlife corridors that support countless species. They provide nesting and feeding grounds for birds as well as habitats for mammals and insects. Mowing flowering verges during the summer months, reduces the abundance and diversity of flowering plants available, which are also crucial for the survival of pollinators, insects and small mammal and indeed birds in the autumn. It also goes completely against The National Pollinator Plan which was brought into being to try and reverse the precipitous decline in our native bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
“One third of our wild bee species are threatened with extinction. This is mainly because we have drastically reduced the amount of food and safe nesting sites that support them. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a shared plan of action: together, we can take steps to restore pollinator populations to healthy levels. the our native bees are particularly struggling”.
Finally cutting hedgerows from 1st March to 31st August is against the law (Section 40 of the 1976 Wildlife Act) except where there are visibility and safety issues. The hedgerows and verges cut this past week were on long straight roads, some so quiet they have grass growing in the centre.
Please join me in calling for a change to Clare County Councils’ harmful practices. Sign this petition to let Clare County Council know that they must adhere to the law. They must stop this wanton destruction and instead work to protect the future of Ireland’s biodiversity.
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The Issue
In recent years, Ireland has become increasingly aware of the critical importance of biodiversity for the health of our ecosystems, economy, and way of life. However, despite this growing awareness, practices detrimental to our environment continue to persist, particularly those concerning the maintenance of our hedgerows and verges.
I am profoundly concerned that Clare County Council is contracting out the cutting of hedgerows at the height of the nesting season. In the past week alone, photographic evidence of hedgerows being butchered and flowering verges also being destroyed has been shared within a local wildlife group. This has happened in several West Clare locations, despite there being no issue with visibility in any of the places we have recorded this happening.
Our birds, mammals, insects, and particularly our native pollinators, rely heavily on hedgerows and wildflowers as essential habitats for survival. It is beyond belief that those entrusted with the care of these habitats should be the very ones violating them and we want it to stop now!
Hedgerows are not just boundaries; they are wildlife corridors that support countless species. They provide nesting and feeding grounds for birds as well as habitats for mammals and insects. Mowing flowering verges during the summer months, reduces the abundance and diversity of flowering plants available, which are also crucial for the survival of pollinators, insects and small mammal and indeed birds in the autumn. It also goes completely against The National Pollinator Plan which was brought into being to try and reverse the precipitous decline in our native bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
“One third of our wild bee species are threatened with extinction. This is mainly because we have drastically reduced the amount of food and safe nesting sites that support them. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a shared plan of action: together, we can take steps to restore pollinator populations to healthy levels. the our native bees are particularly struggling”.
Finally cutting hedgerows from 1st March to 31st August is against the law (Section 40 of the 1976 Wildlife Act) except where there are visibility and safety issues. The hedgerows and verges cut this past week were on long straight roads, some so quiet they have grass growing in the centre.
Please join me in calling for a change to Clare County Councils’ harmful practices. Sign this petition to let Clare County Council know that they must adhere to the law. They must stop this wanton destruction and instead work to protect the future of Ireland’s biodiversity.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 14 June 2026