Wildlife concerns raised by Clay Lane residents in Newark after 15ft hedge given chop
Concerns have been raised after 15ft of hedgerow was severely cut back.
Jay Henderson, a Green Party town councillor, said residents around Clay Lane, Newark, had been left upset by the action, which was part of work at a play area by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
“A number of residents have been in contact with me concerned by what has happened,” Mr Henderson said.
“It can only have had consequences for birds and mammals. No consideration seems to have been given to wildlife.
“A flailing technique was used and it’s just flattened it and then there the district council was for a photo opportunity.
“It is really concerning.”
Mr Henderson was meeting with district council officers to discuss what had happened.
“I would have liked to have some outside consultation with the wildlife trust before the work was done. The hedgerow shouldn’t have been cut back until February,” he said.
District council leader David Lloyd said: “All of the work at the Clay Lane open space is strictly taking place outside of bird nesting season.
“We have a duty to avoid any impact to nesting birds and to ensure there are no breaches of wildlife regulations, which we have, as with any of our with any of our grounds maintenance projects.
“Many trees at the site were damaged, or have been badly affected by ivy — which can swamp other plants — and as well as planting the new trees, the existing trees are being pruned and nurtured, maximising their positive impact on wildlife and the surrounding environment and safeguarding neighbouring properties.
“Improved husbandry of existing trees and fauna is as important as planting more — we are taking issues of planting and biodiversity very seriously as part of our climate emergency strategy.”