Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, has backed the campaign to restore the hedgerow network by 40% by 2050.
Hedgerows are one of the UK’s most accessible wildlife habitats, and have extensive ecological, economic and net-zero benefits. Unfortunately, over half of the hedgerow network has been lost since WWII.
The #40by50 campaign is organised by CPRE, The Countryside Charity, and aims to put pressure on the Government to commit to the ambitious target. Gwynne – Secretary of the local volunteering group Friends of the Tame Valley and a keen parliamentary advocate for green spaces – has backed the campaign, and written a letter to the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural affairs urging action.
Gwynne’s full letter can be read here.
Commenting, Andrew Gwynne said:
“Hedgerows are such an important element of our countryside.
“The humble hedgerow can improve soil fertility, absorb carbon and even protect against flooding.
If we want to build a net-zero future, we should be making sure that the hedgerow network is healthy and resilient. That work starts by setting an ambitious target.”