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Dear Editor,
I am appalled at the recent removal of the conifer hedge along the Bowling Green in Wimbledon Park. If this work was necessary, did it have to be carried out in the middle of the bird breeding season? According to local resident and eminent ecologist Dr David Dawson, many wild birds have been nesting there regularly in the past, including protected species like blackbirds and greenfinches. All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife and Country Act and "it is an offence to destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built". We are constantly told of the decline of certain species, urged to support local nature conservation projects or sponsor costly national or regional campaigns to save our native wildlife.
How can we have faith in those projects when our local authorities brutally destroy urban nesting sites in the middle of the bird breeding season?
There are other months in the year when tree cutting and pruning can be done harmlessly. Why do these operations always have to start in March?
Why can't Merton's contractors be instructed to schedule tree and shrubs surgery between July and February? Couldn't Merton's green spaces maintenance policy be a little more wildlife-friendly? name and address supplied
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