Islands urged to trim hedges in 'sustainable way'

People with roadside hedges who legally must cut them back twice a year have been urged to so "in a sustainable way" and told advice is available.

It is a legal requirement for landowners and tenants to cut roadside hedges each year between 1 and 15 of June and the 15 and 30 of September.

The States of Guernsey said cutting them "too severely" could have a "detrimental effect on the vegetation and wildlife it supports".

Julia Henney, senior natural environment officer for Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services, said: "We're here to advise islanders on how to trim their hedges sustainably, so that local biodiversity can still be allowed to flourish and thrive."

States of Guernsey said roadside vegetation, including hedges, should be cleared to expose the edge of the road or footpath and then trimmed vertically from the edge.

It added if anyone noticed a hedge or border that was "significantly overgrown or overhanding" a path or road after 15 June, to contact the relevant parish douzaine who could notify the property owner.

Paul James, road safety officer for Traffic and Highway Services, said: "As we work towards making our roads as safe and accessible as possible for all users, it's evident that overhanging hedges and overgrown banks are not always conducive to safe driving, cycling or walking.

"Overhanging hedges and overgrown banks reduce footpath and road width, forcing pedestrians closer to traffic, and this makes it even more important that these are cut back to protect the most vulnerable road users, particularly on routes near schools and parks."

States of Guernsey said all cuttings should be cleared away immediately as they could block up drains when it rained and cause roads to become slippery.

It added internal hedges should be left until after the bird breeding season, March to end of July, at the earliest before cutting and earth banks should have a minimum of 10cm (4in ) of vegetation left after cutting to avoid desiccation and erosion.

It advised checking for nesting birds and other wildlife before cutting and, if a next was found, to avoid disturbing the birds by taking a minimal cutting and using secateurs to remove any overhanging vegetation.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.