ON my journey from Blue Anchor to Watchet over Cleeve Hill, I was horrified to see that the verges had been cut and the lower part of many hedgerows.

The verge was in its prime and in many places looked glorious.

There is no need to get out with the cutters so soon, if at all. Much later in the year would be appropriate if looking tidy is more important than leaving a habitat for small mammals, reptiles, insects etc.

That stretch of road is long and straight, hence visibility isn’t an issue. In fact many motorists break the speed limit on this road, which is very scary for cyclists such as myself.

How can we expect farmers to use practices that are not detrimental to wildlife when our grass verges – a wonderful habitat for many species – are routinely decimated?

This year, more than any other, I hoped the council would see fit to at least delay the cutting of verges until later in the summer if they really feel the need to tidy them up which, in my opinion, isn’t necessary.

I also resent my money contributing to the loss of this habitat.

M Conrad, Blue Anchor.