I have previously shown some before and after photos of the approach to one of the motorway bridges.
These pictures are of one side of the other bridge.
A notice posted by Sandwell (the famous one wherein Sandwell extols the virtues of chainsaws in the context of woodland management) contains this sentance .. 'A number of hedgerows will be 'layed' Whilst it may look drastic, this is a very traditional way to look after hedge and ensure that it continues to be a good habitat for nesting birds.'
Not 40 yards from this notice, Sandwell have cut down a mature, 20+ year old hedge, of some 100 yards in length, and replaced it with a scrappy 3 foot high 'layed' mess.
It isn't even straight.
Just in case you think you are hallucinating, you have understood it correctly.
Sandwell has cut down a hedge which can already accommodate nesting birds, so that it can grow a hedge, to provide a habitat for nesting birds in x years time!!!
Grief!
As a thank you to themselves for having executed (and I think that's the correct word) such a splendidly lucid plan, the Sandwell intelligencia have rewarded themselves in the way which they seem most to appreciate. They were able to stretch the hedge chopping budget just far enough to take out most of the nearby mature pine trees and a few of the silver birch.
Bravo!
And in case you are wondering, Sandwell have done exactly the same on the other side of the bridge.
At this rate, Sandwell will get half a dozen Green Flags next year.
