Hedgerow destruction - helpful or not?

[settledandsmug]

Just after a jury opinion.

At the end of our street is a verge with an overgrown hedgerow/thicket alongside a public path - all belongs to the council.

A new neighbour (not adjoining the land, but adjacent) has spent last two weekends clearing all of the bushes.

I want to complain because of the destruction of wildlife habitat but I feel sorry for the woman who has put so much effort in.

AIBU to complain? Or is it important that I do?

Why would she do that?

Do you think she believes it's her land?

I'd definitely talk to her about that first, before reporting. daily's probably right though - she may think she's being public-spirited and helpful.

I woudn't try talking to her... she has shown she is unreasonable! Just report her to the council and remember to state clearly, that you are incredibly peeved that the wildlife habitat in that area has been unthinkingly destroyed.

As if we don't destroy enough of their habitat as if is

I do wonder if she intends to put up her own fence and in effect extend her garden by stealth? I guess the footpath would not allow her to do that?

Otherwise is she intending creating a 'view from her house over the now open space? She certainly has not done all that out of the goodness of her heart.

If she has just bought the property it may well be she has all sorts of plans to enhance the property.

Ok. Took a slightly chicken approach. Put a note out on one of the stumps pointing out the legalities or lack thereof! She appears to have stopped, but half the hedgerow has gone already! It'll be interesting to see what the council make of it next time they are around doing landscaping. There is a lot of open parkland around here and so they do come round quite a bit. This hedgerow and verge act as a link between green areas so it really is like a loss of a wildlife motorway. However, hopefully it will now be left alone and maybe it will get replanted. I have a friend who is currently working with the local council on planting pollinator friendly plants so I'll have a chat with her and see if she can help out.

Report her. Birds are laying eggs at the moment. This kind of destruction makes me so sad.

She probably doesn't know any better. You on the other hand, do. What did you do about it? Nothing, and now the damage is done you want to report her. You could have helped the wildlife by having a word with her but you did that typical, 'Don't want to create a fuss' (strangulated posh voice) thing. You say it's not her business to take charge of council land. I agree, but tidying it a bit is still taking charge of council land. You should have kept your beady eye on her.

Erm, might be worth reading the thread charles!

That's right Charlie. It is all the OPs fault as she should have taken charge!

Weird!

I did read the thread. Charleston.

Yeah, but which one

Another one that has been finding bird eggs for weeks.

This woman needs reporting

"Natural selection"

This would really upset me who does this stupid woman thinks she is?

To clear it up for all you concerned people ........

Left a note for hedge demolishers explaining the law. They have now stopped.

Had already reported damage to the council but not the perpetrators (last week!). Will leave it at that.

Anyway, really appreciate the support and feel really encouraged that so many people think it's important to conserve these 'wild spaces'.

Yanbu. My fuck off stupid next door neighbour keeps attacking the hedge between our gardens. We are going to put a six foot fence on the boundary line with bird boxes to stop her getting to it.