Just weeks ago, I highlighted concern that existed within the environmental sector that the Government had, up to that point, not brought forward much needed new hedgerow protections it had promised, writes Erin McDaid of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.

I am delighted to announce that last week, the government delivered on its promise by announcing new hedgerow rules.

This means that farmers cannot cut hedges during the sensitive period for bird nesting, between March 1 and August 31 and in addition to firming up the rules around trimming, farmers must also leave a two metres buffer strip around hedges, further protecting these valuable habitats.