HC Deb 18 March 2002 vol 382 cc124-5W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures there are to encourage farmers to use hedges as boundaries on their land. [43044]

Mr. Meacher

Our Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Areas schemes provide financial incentives for planting, restoration and management of hedgerows on farmland. DEFRA also funds free initial conservation advice for farmers, provided on our behalf by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and ADAS, including on the management of hedgerows for their wildlife, landscape, amenity and historical value.