WHILE not wanting to get into tit-for-tat correspondence, I really must correct Mr Watson about hedge and tree cutting (letter, June 26/06) and assure that as it is an offence, as he points out, and anyone can be prosecuted for cutting hedges and trees between March and September under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, if using mechanical cutters.

The fact that it is an offence clearly indicates that it is illegal.

Anyone who feels the need to cut should first check every inch of the hedge before using noisy intrusive machinery and how many gardeners do this?

Whatever the RHS recommends is clearly not directed at the protection of wildlife but only the horticultural manicure of hedges and trees.

Why would anyone not want to protect and be respectful of our wildlife?

Birds can have several broods right up to end of August and we, as caring intelligent compassionate human beings, should seek to protect all wildlife habitats.

We are pushing wildlife to the edges as population increases and we take over their habitats.

I was pleased to read a clear and intelligent reply from Georgia Farnworth from the Soil Association on organic farming.

It is a fact that, due to the intensification of agriculture, wildlife has been greatly reduced and we have lost many species.

The bird population has fallen by more than 50 per cent since 1970.

Many ground nesting birds have disappeared through modern farming methods; hedges have been grubbed up so the fields can be bigger to take the monstrous machinery, and stubble that aided birds and animals is a thing of the past.

If we want a silent spring then we are heading towards one rapidly both here and in countries like Romania, where EU subsidies have encouraged the destruction of ancient forest.

Let’s not lose sight of what is precious.

Lizzi Walton
Stroud