Shocking destruction of ancient hedgerows and trees has been discovered in a remote and beautiful part of North Wales.
The appalling devastation was found by keen walker Karen Roden last week as she revisited one of her favorite parts of the area, the Berwyns, a quiet and unspoilt range of upland moors and hills. Describing the heartbreaking scene she encountered as she walked along a historic drovers' path leading up into the hills, a dismayed Karen said "The familiar beautiful hedgerow and mature trees had been completely cut down to the ground, leaving the wild bluebells and primroses exposed and forlorn." Yet More Damage Found Nearby... Similar damage has been found at nearby Rhos y Maerdy where, as the photographs show, yet more thriving trees and hedgerows have been hacked down, leaving a sterile fence in their place. This precious habitat would have supported a variety of wildlife, including many species of birds, wild flowers, perhaps elusive animals such as the Polecat and countless varieties of insects. As Karen sadly points out "This hedgerow should have been covered with blossom now. In the autumn it was an oasis for the birds as there were berries bursting from every branch. All gone now." 'Protected' Area Of Conservation Such habitat is entirely irreplaceable, a delicate and unique ecosystem wrecked. It is especially outrageous that this could have happened in an area most of which is officially 'protected'. The rugged and little known Berwyn range of hills and moors are a designated 'Special Area Of Conservation' and are home to a wide range of rare and endangered species, in particular several threatened species of birds such as the Peregrine Falcon and Hen Harrier as well as Owls, Plovers and Buzzards. Much of the area is also a National Nature Reserve. Wanton Wrecking Of Our Countryside It is believed that farmers were responsible for removing the trees and hedges though their reasons for doing so are unclear. What is certain is that the terrible extent of their reckless destruction demands answers. We must not allow this kind of vandalism, of a type that is all too common in our towns and cities, to spread to the countryside, the last refuge for our most precious flora and fauna. When it's gone it's gone. If those who carried out this disgraceful act thought that it would go unnoticed then they were mistaken. But, however angry we might be over this, the fact is that these ancient hedgerows are lost and can never be replaced. This particular deed might be done but we cannot let wanton wrecking of our countryside continue, nor let it happen in our name and that is why we must speak out, individually and collectively, and object. If we don't, then as Karen points out "We're going to end up with so few natural habitats that our children and grandchildren will not see the range of species we grew up with - except in a zoo." How dreadful- and shameful - would that be......?
7 Comments
Silas Hawkins
14/5/2018 08:23:51 pm
Disgusting vandalism. Shame on them.
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Christine Hale
15/5/2018 12:09:06 pm
This is disgusting. Destroyed habitat, it’s happening everywhere. So much for funding information on biodiversity when our hedgerows and verges are all being cut down. Who ever is responsible for this devastation should be sued and forced to attend instruction classes on habitat protection.
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15/5/2018 12:37:59 pm
Jason, I've sent this shocking discovery to the Head of Forest Resources Policy at Dept for Natural Resources, Welsh Government. His reply:
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15/5/2018 12:57:42 pm
Thanks so much for this Kaye.
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Evan
17/3/2020 06:36:51 pm
This was in 2018 why bring this up now when there are other serious matters to deal with , in farming this is recognised as good husbandry in agriculture , they are actively attempting to make sure that we have food on the table . Would you rather be fed by American or African food .
Karen Roden
15/5/2018 01:36:56 pm
Thank you, Kaye, for doing this. I am really supportive of the Woodland Trust Wales and the fantastic campaigning work you do.
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Annemarie Simpson
15/5/2018 12:40:17 pm
This is disgraceful!!!! I am so sickened by this, so fed up of seeing our heritage taken down, destroyed and literally raped by people, farmers or whoever it may be. There is absolutely no excuse whatsoever for this destruction, NONE!!!! Fed up of hearing all of the clap trap from people, we need these hedgerows for our wildlife as it is in decline now. Our beautiful majestic land and trees being sold off to anyone and everyone must STOP!!!!
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