I WAS delighted to read the observations of someone so young as Matthew Hitchiner speaking up for the trees (Readers' Times, March 18) and I concur wholeheartedly with his objections to cutting hedges with mechanical blades.

Not only does this have a most detrimental effect on wildlife, but is an assault on the senses.

Fortunately, in rural locations of Powys and Warwickshire I see increasing recognition of the value of hedge-laying.

JOHN SPRAGG,

Howey, Powys.