The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) in Northern Ireland has issued a reminder to farmers and landowners that, under Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) cross-compliance rules, hedges, tree or scrub cutting is not permitted in the period between March 1 and August 31.
CAFRE stated that the rules are in place to protect hedges and the birds that nest in them during the spring and summer months.
The Northern Ireland farmed landscape is characterised by the hedgerows that criss-cross the countryside.
CAFRE added that well-managed hedgerows provide a vital habitat and food resource for insects, birds and mammals.
A good hedge also provides shelter for livestock and helps with disease control, according to the college.
Exceptional circumstances for cutting hedges
There is an exception for roadside hedges, where cutting during the closed period (March 1- August 31) can occur, but only in instances where there is a clear health and safety issue.
Landowners are advised to ensure that hedges and trees bordering roads, lanes or footpaths are maintained so that they do not obstruct the movement of vehicles and pedestrians or block the view of drivers.
CAFRE has outlined that it is not necessary, however, to cut the ‘field’ side of the hedge, only cut the side which faces the road.
Farmers are reminded to clear hedge trimmings from footpaths and roads, if necessary, as they can cause a hazard to pedestrians and road users.
Throughout the summer months, farmers and landowners are urged to assess the health and future management of hedgerows.
“Now is a good time to identify where there are gaps in hedges that could be planted up, or where it is safe to do so, a tree should be planted and allowed to grow in the hedge every 30m,” CAFRE stated.
To provide a food source for over wintering birds, hedges should be cut as late in winter as practical (January/February) so that birds can feed on the berries and fruits.
To further maximise the value of hedges for wildlife, farmers or landowners are advised to consider not trimming every year but rather cut on rotation, where a third of hedgerows are trimmed every three years.
This approach allows hedges to flower during the summer to provide a rich resource for bees and other insects and grow fruit which is used by birds and small mammals during the winter months when food is limited.
