'Excessive hedge cutting devastating habitats'

Plea issued to local authorities to hold back

A plea has been issued for local authorities to hold back on 'excessive' hedge cutting and 'protect the habitats which many species call home'.  

Garry Curtis, a representative from the Manx Nature Conservation Forum, is warning of the environmental impact of hedgerow management.

He says even outside of bird nesting season, butterflies and many other insects thrive in these areas, and do need protection.

Mr Curtis accepts safety and visibility on roadways is important, but insists 'needless' efforts to 'tidy' the countryside come at a great cost.

"Each authority has a different approach to managing hedgerows and verges, but each should also be considering the impact this has on nature".

Mr Curtis told Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne that whole ecosystems are under threat: