Jim Webster wrote in message
...

"John Morgan" wrote in message
...

Hedges are important reserves for species that previously
occupied niches in the 'wildwood' and it is because of this,
not for their landscape value or their 'naturalness', that
they are objects for conservation today.

The problem is that they are a management tool which is, in
many cases, no longer necessary
[...]
If the state wishes to preserve these obsolete practices then
obviously the state should pay for their preservation

Spot on, Jim. We_should_, indeed we must, pay farmers for good
stewardship, raising some of the money in the form of fines
levied on those who practise bad stewardship. As I'm sure you're
aware, it's not your land you are farming, it belongs to your
children and mine.

I've got my cheque book ready! How much do you need?