§ 22. Mr. ViggersTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to encourage farmers to preserve hedges and hedgerows. [17567]
§ Mr. BoswellRegulations to protect important hedgerows were laid before Parliament on 3 March 1997.
Enhanced incentives for the restoration and planting of hedges, which form an important part of the countryside stewardship scheme, were announced on 17 February. Grants are also available under the environmentally sensitive areas scheme, and the Department funds ADAS and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group to provide free initial conservation advice. Farmers are also required not to damage, destroy or remove hedges on or adjacent to set-aside land.