Here in the Belfast area, some hedgerows are being cut out.
By making bigger fields, the tractor turns a little less often, and less fuel is used, but cutting out hedgerows is short sighted. Hedgerows are significantly of more value than these farmers believe. They are a carbon sink, they add biodiversity, they are habitat for wildlife, and they help decrease soil erosion and pesticide drift. Hedgerows are a significant reason for the vista that attracts tourists here. Once these hedgerows are cut out, they are very rarely replanted, and they certainly don’t grow again on their own.
Throughout much of the world people have realized the error of their ways in removing hedgerows, and I know there are many farmers here in PEI who understand their value. The PEI Department of Agriculture even discusses the importance of hedgerows on its website.
Farmers have been looking for more public support but they must do their part too. I know I am not alone in wanting to maintain hedgerows. If you are concerned about this practice of removing hedgerows to consolidate smaller fields, please communicate this to your local farmer.
Elizabeth Dacombe,
Flat River