Oxford hedges 'cut while birds were nesting' (From thisisoxfordshire)

Oxford hedges 'cut while birds were nesting'

2:00pm Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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A WILDLIFE enthusiast has accused Oxford City Council of “flouting the law” by cutting back hedges during the summer.

Alison Cobb, 76, from Binsey, said it was dangerous to flail, or cut back hedgerows betw-een March and August becau-se rare birds relied on the cover to nest in.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, RSPB, advises against cutting hedgerows during the period.

And according to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is also an offence to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.

The city council said it had not broken any law because they did not disturb any nests, but Mrs Cobb said she had repeatedly told the council there were nests of yellowhammers in Binsey Lane.

She said the city council had “flown in the face” of the law, and advice from the RSPB, by cutting back the hedgerow along the lane running from Botley Road to the hamlet.

She said: “For 25 years we have had yellowhammers nesting in these hedges, which are becoming ever more rare in the British countryside.

“I have told the council repeatedly the birds are nesting in the hedges and I have seen blackbirds flying up and down, calling for their chicks, after the council have cut back the hedge. It’s very sad. They knew perfectly well the birds were there because I had told them, and yet they (still) did it.

“I asked them to stop, but they still continued to cut all the way down one side of Binsey Lane to the Botley Road.”

The council said it tried to avoid cutting hedges between March and August, as recommended in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, but was not always able to comply due to other statutory requirements.

Council spokesman Fiona Colcutt added: “Our responsibility for health and safety on public highways does not always allow for this.

“We take this responsibility very seriously and try to manage the conflicting demands against us.

“Following a period of extensive growth over the last few weeks, the hedges in Binsey Lane needed to be trimmed to ensure clear vision for those using the lane.

“This came following several complaints from members of the public.

“During any pruning operation our operatives try to do as little trimming as possible to ensure safe access and are always on the look out for signs of nesting, to ensure that we do not disturb any wildlife.”

awilliams@oxfordmail.co.uk