§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make it his policy to encourage farmers to leave strips of unploughed land under and around hegerows; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldIt is Government policy to encourage farmers to adopt all sensible measures to assist in conservation of the countryside.
§ Mr. Amessasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps his Department is taking to encourage preservation and plantation of hedgerows and amenity woodlands.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Countryside Commission, the Nature Conservancy Council, the Forestry Commission, the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service and local authorities encourage preservation and plantation of hedgerows and amenity woodlands. The Department works with these bodies to this end. Encouragement is provided by such means as grant-aid, advisers, demonstration farms, and pamphlets. Last year, the Forestry Commission launched a new scheme to encourage the planting and rehabilitation of broadleaved woodlands. The Department provides financial and other support to the Tree Council, which itself promotes the planting and care of amenity trees, and sponsors an arboricultural research programme.