AS SUMMER draws to a close, the council is planning hedge maintenance works to keep the borough neat and beautiful, while also protecting wildlife.

Hedge cutting starts in Cheshire West and Chester from the beginning of this month and continues to the end of October, with over 73,000 metres of hedge being cut on council-owned land.

No hedge cutting takes place between 1 March and 31 August, except where it is necessary to ensure public safety. Birds are actively nesting at this time and it is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), to intentionally damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is being used or built.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Karen Shore said:“The recent warm and humid spells followed by heavy rain have created a surge in tree and hedge growth across Cheshire West. Teams will be working very hard to maintain our beautiful borough in the coming weeks.

“As well as our programmed cutting of hedges, we undertake some reactive cutting where inspections indicate that safety is being compromised, for example if a motorist cannot see around a bend safely because their view is blocked.”

“Hedgerows were originally designed to keep animals in or out of fields and to mark ownership boundaries. They are now also appreciated for their cultural and historical associations and great importance for wildlife.”

The Council’s Love Your Streets campaign sets out a shared commitment with local residents to maintain a clean and attractive environment. If you spot an environmental problem like a hedge obstructing motorists or blocking pedestrians, please report it on the Council’s website. It’s quick and easy to use.

Not all cutting is undertaken by the Council. Most hedge cutting along the highway is done by the adjacent land owner (often farmers).

For more information about trees, woods and hedges on private land, please visit the trees, woods and hedges page on the council website.