Dr. Alan Moore:

I will start with that question and then maybe hand over to Ms O'Sullivan or Ms Clerkin. I think the research shows a significant benefit is conferred on the soil on either side of the hedgerow in that water is retained and the water level is raised. There is also the effect of pollinators on pest control and the stop to disease spreading. As for soil filtration, there is the effect of filtering out nutrients from getting into waterways and preventing soil loss during flash flooding, which is increasingly a problem. There is a long list of soil benefits, so I am glad the Deputy has raised the issue with us. I am not sure if any of the other witnesses would like to take up the issue of soil quality.