Conservationist David Wingate has slammed Government for butchering Bermuda's pretty hedge rows.

But Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott said his department was concerned overhanging branches were a menace to road users and he urged private home owners to "do it yourself'' if they were unhappy with results.

Mr. Wingate said: "I believe Bermuda is committing suicide in terms of tourism because we have a Works and Engineering crew who are absolutely butchering the roadside vegetation.

"They are not only cutting back ten years worth of growth, they are cutting it back in a way that is guaranteed to increase the problem.

"People need to be trained properly to do this job, which I think is one of the most sensitive jobs on the Island.

"Our roadsides are the most universal first impression that visitors get here. The first thing they see is the roadside, but our roadsides are butchered and look terrible.'' He said the workmen were also cutting back and butchering plants that help to prevent weeds and unwanted growth.

He added: "The problem is inadequate training. This goes back to the low valuation we place on the environment in Bermuda.

"We are paying the price now for dropping the horticultural apprenticeship programme a few years ago. It provided the opportunity for people to be trained. I know some of the men who work in these crews and they want to learn, but nobody is showing them.

Vegetation gets `butchered' "As a community we do not value the environment enough. We need to make sure it is protected. Everyone on the Island should be told about the problems they face if they cut back vegetation in the wrong way.'' Mr. Scott said he was aware of Dr. Wingate's concerns and would take them on board. He said: "We will work to improve the skills of our gangs.'' But he also said trimming of vegetation on private property was the responsibility of the owner and that Government didn't want to do it so expertly that they ended up forever doing the work of the owners. He said: "If you want it done nicely, do it yourself. And if you don't want it butchered, do it yourself.'' He said more concerns were being raised this year because his crew was covering the whole Island rather than selected areas as in the past. He said: "Road gangs are cutting a hedge near you.''