Comment on CPRE hedgerow survey

Matt Williams is available for further comment and inverview.

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By George Smeeton

info@eciu.net

Last updated:

Commenting on a survey by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) showing widespread support among farmers for the government to introduce a target to expand the country’s hedgerow network [1] Matt Williams, land use analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said:

"Look across any part of Britain's countryside and you're likely to see a patchwork stitched together by hedges. We've lost a huge amount of the hedgerows we used to have - and that's a missed opportunity to tackle climate change.

“Supporting farmers for restoring them can lock up more carbon, hold more water on farms in times of drought, help prevent flooding, and create shade for livestock during hot weather. Hedges are a powerful climate solution that enhance the British countryside we all love."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

  1. The CPRE survey showing that farmers want funding to extend the hedgerow network and support nature is published on Tuesday 6 December.

For more information:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, Tel: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net