Part of 1. Questions to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs – in the Senedd at 2:02 pm on 23 January 2019.
I have seen that report, and, certainly, the decline in some native bird species is very worrying. I think there are many factors that will combine together to effect bird population change over time in Wales, and I think we do need to ensure that Welsh habitats are absolutely in the best possible condition to allow bird populations the best chance of recovery.
I haven't specifically done anything about hedgerows, but I'd certainly be very happy to look at it. You'll be aware of the significant amount of hedgerows—. One of the things that struck me when I went out to New Zealand to look at farms out there—. If you go on farms in Wales, the wonderful hedgerows that are there, which obviously encourage bird species here, you just don't see out there. So, I think you're right, hedgerows form part of that work that needs to be done to make sure that we do have the bird population we want here.