Archived press release

Date Published: 01/12/06

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the environment and to maintaining its parks and open spaces, AVDC is carrying out a programme of hedge cutting throughout the district to reduce the height of hedges which have become too large to ma...

As part of its ongoing commitment to improving the environment and to maintaining its parks and open spaces, AVDC is carrying out a programme of hedge cutting throughout the district to reduce the height of hedges which have become too large to manage.

The project will see about 2,000 metres of hedge across the Vale reduced to prevent overgrown vegetation creating potential safety hazards and to increase their value for wildlife. Many of the hedges earmarked for cutting are up to five metres tall with overhanging branches, which could cause them to fall into gardens and onto footpaths and roads, creating trip hazards.

The council is using two processes to reduce the hedges. The first process is called ‘wildlife hedgelaying’, which involves cutting part of each stem and gently pushing over the hedge. Once the hedge is down it is then compressed, which helps to lock the hedge together and ensure its stability in the wind.

As a result, there will be better habitat to support the nutritional and shelter needs of a wide range of dependant species. The berry crop is also retained for birds and the hedge still flowers in the following year.

The second method involves reducing hedges by up to three metres where hedges are next to fences or where it is not practical to carry out wildlife hedgelaying. The council has written to residents whose homes are affected by this hedge cutting to inform them about the process.

AVDC has waited until the winter months to undertake this major hedge cutting programme on its land to minimise disturbance to wildlife.  Spring and summer are avoided to protect nesting birds and their young. The hedge cutting programme is expected to be completed by March 2007.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “Some hedges have grown incredibly high in recent years and could pose a serious danger to residents, particularly older people and partially sighted people. We are taking appropriate action to prevent any accidents from happening. The council will endeavour to deal with the cutting of the hedges as quickly as possible with as much minimal disruption to residents as we can.”

He added: “The wildlife hedgelaying technique we are using demonstrates our commitment to improving local biodiversity by increasing the opportunities for wildlife on the council’s land.”

If you would like to find out more about the hedge cutting programme, please call the council’s Green Spaces Team on 01296 585794 or email npasmore@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk