asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will now take action to prevent or discourage the destruction of hedgerows by those who may consider this to be desirable or necessary in order to comply with the policies or arrangements of the European Union. [HL845]

Under the Hedgerows Regulations 1997, it is against the law to remove most countryside hedges without first notifying the local planning authority. If the hedgerow qualifies as important, the authority may prohibit its removal. Guidance has been given to farmers encouraging them to seek advice about minimising the environmental impact of any action they may propose taking to adjust the width of a hedge or other field margin in order to be able to continue claiming arable area payments on the full area of their fields.