Opponents have written several letters to oppose plans to remove hundreds of metres of hedgerow close to Frome which were first seen on the OS map in back in the late 1800s.

The area in question, which opponents say totals 477m (under planning reference 2021/1839/HDG ) is shown as a boundary on the 1887-1889 OS Somerset county map.

The area is land at Packsaddle Way in Frome and opponents say removing this much hedgerow in this area would be unacceptably harmful to the valued historic landscape.

Chiming in with the report released by the Department of Environment today (September 6) they write : " It (the hedgerow) plays an important role in the protection the local wildlife and ecology providing an invaluable wildlife corridor.

"It is estimated hedgerows may support up to 80 per cent of our woodland birds, 50 per cent of our mammals and 30 per cent of our butterflies. The ditches and banks associated with hedgerows

provide habitat for frogs, toads, newts and reptiles. In areas with few woods, such as this location, many species of birds depend on hedgerows for their survival. "

The opposition is timely as today a Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) research report highlights the benefits of hedgerows for wildlife habitats and the wider economy. The charity are calling on the Government to increase the number of hedgerows by 40% by 2050 which their research claims would create 25,000 jobs in the UK.

CPRE report highlighting the benefits of hedgerows and their role to improve air quality, store carbon and benefit rural economy.

Tony Juniper, the Chair of Natural England, said: " We have the opportunity to transform the way the countryside looks and sounds, which includes more hedgerows, as well as improving the ones we have already.

"We are working to ensure that the new farming policy makes the best possible contribution toward the creation of the Nature Recovery Network that is set out in 25 Year Environment Plan and hedgerows are very much a part of that. These wonderful features create natural corridors, provide essential habitats for wildlife, catch and store carbon and bring benefits for the rural economy. "

A Defra spokesperson said: " Hedgerows are an important ecological building block in our landscapes – maintaining the distinctive character of our countryside, improving local air quality, and providing crucial habitats for wildlife.

"Our landmark plans for a renewed agricultural sector will enable us to reward the work farmers do to manage every metre of hedgerows on their holdings sustainably and in a way that is right for their area."