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22
Feb 2021
Severe pruning of Harrogate hedgerow sparks wildlife fears
Harrogate Borough Council has been accused of jeopardising wildlife by severely pruning a hedgerow this morning.
Neil Hind, a local resident, told the Stray Ferret the council's decision to "dramatically reduce" the height of the hedgerow on Nursery Lane, Harlow Hill could have a negative impact on wildlife.
Mr Hind, who said the hedges were previously well-managed by local charity Horticap, said it also raised questions about the council's green credentials.
The RSPB recommends avoiding hedge cutting during the main breeding season for nesting birds, which usually runs from March to August each year.
But the depth of the reduction, so close to the breeding season, has caused concern.
Mr Hind said:
The Harlow Hill Tower Twitter account also expressed concern.
https://twitter.com/HarlowHillTower/status/1363816656695418881
But one reply defended the council, saying severe hedge pruning at this time of year was common.
Read more:
- Harrogate has ‘much more to do on climate change’
- Twelve more weeks of road closures for Harlow Hill
A council spokesman said:
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