27 February 2024

Deadline for hedge cutting approaches

Farmers are being reminded that the prohibited period for hedge cutting comes into force from March 1.

As contained within the Wildlife Act 1976, the cutting, grubbing, burning or other destruction of vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch between March 1 and August 31 is prohibited.

The absence of hedge cutting from March to September allows birds to nest safely and without disturbance. Of the 110 species regularly recorded in the Countryside Bird Survey in Ireland during the breeding season, 55 use hedges. Of these, 35 bird species nest in hedges that provide enough cover from predators – both overhead and on the ground.

Farmers completing hedge cutting before the deadline passes should make themselves aware that little and often trimming is better for hedges. Additionally, two forms of hedges exist – treeline and topped hedges. Each have different biodiversity values and management requirements; failure to distinguish between the two types can lead to confusion and inappropriate management.

Treeline hedges (pictured below), which have never been topped, have high biodiversity value in the canopy, while thin at the base. Best practice management of these is to side trim only and never top.

Topped hedges (picture below) have high biodiversity value in the dense base for nesting birds and cover for small mammals, and can also have some of the canopy biodiversity when occasional thorn saplings are allowed grow up and mature as flowering and fruiting thorn trees.

Best practice management for topped hedges is to side trim from a wide base to a triangular profile, leaving as high as possible while still possible for the flail to reach the peak to control apical dominance, but at least 1.5m above ground level or top of bank (if present).

Where best practice hedgerow management is followed on a farm, flowers and fruit are available on treeline hedges and on the thorn trees retained within topped hedges.

Farmers in receipt of a Nitrates Derogation have to follow additional requirements to improve farm biodiversity. Applicants must leave at least one mature Whitethorn or Blackthorn tree in every 300m of hedgerow or hedgerows shall be maintained on a minimum 3-year cycle. i.e. cut in rotation rather than all at once, as this will ensure some areas of hedgerows on your farm will always flower.