A CHARITY that looks after the Quantock Hills is calling on the council to take action to prevent the removal of hedgerows within the AONB.

Friends of the Quantocks, the conservation charity for the Quantock Hills, said it has evidence that can prove hedges had been removed without consent.

The charity said it has recently “been reporting that hedges have been grubbed out from agricultural land within the AONB” and is now calling on Somerset Council to take action to prevent the removal of other hedges.

The local authority has confirmed it is "currently investigating a complaint about hedgerow being removed without consent".

Somerset County Gazette: A map from Friends of The Quantocks showing what they recorded as evidenceA map from Friends of The Quantocks showing what they recorded as evidence (Image: Friends of the Quantocks)

Tim Whittingham, the charity's vice chair, said: “We became aware that hedges had disappeared. It is a crime because they are very important for biodiversity, flood protection, and wildlife.

“If they want to destroy hedgerows they can apply for permission. We have very good evidence hedgerows have disappeared in the last 20 years.”

A Somerset Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns being raised by the Friends of Quantocks and are currently investigating a complaint about hedgerow being removed without consent.

“Our legal advice is that further evidence will be needed before a decision can be made as to next steps.

“A previous complaint was considered by Sedgemoor District Council, and, on legal advice, it was concluded that no action be taken.

“We understand the value of hedgerows as part of the Somerset landscape and will investigate complaints and take action where appropriate.

“The vast majority of hedgerow removal is considered formally through applications, and we would always seek to secure where possible either replacement planting or enhancement of other existing hedgerows to mitigate against any loss.

“Where it is proved that hedgerows have been removed without consent, again we would usually try to negotiate reinstatement rather than formal prosecution.”

The Somerset County Gazette has also contacted Quantock Hills AONB for comments.