THE local authorities say they are sensitive to the issue, but the evidence is to the contrary. What is it at seems to compel them to tear down the hedgerows at this time of year just when the birds are nesting or when the young are already in the nests?
This is a time of lush growth, say the local authorities, and roads must be made safe for motorists. But why can't councils and corporations organise it so that trimming is carried out either before or after the nesting season?
Annually, appeals go out from the conservationists begging local authorities to take notice, but the desecration goes on.
Everywhere, the birds are under pressure. Nonstop construction of housing estates has been absorbing land incessantly. JCBs move in, the hedgerows go, and with them, the birds.
If you take an interest in such matters, you will have noticed that even in your own back garden, there are fewer birds. Thrushes and blackbirds seem to be on the decline; the blue tit, the great tit, and the coal tit are less regular visitors and finch numbers seem to be down as well. A decision must be made to trim hedgerows at a more appropriate time of the year.
Cork County Council, for instance, it has instructed its personnel not to cut at nesting time. Well, if you spend some time driving in west Cork, as I do, the hedgerows tell a different story, and it's a sad tale.