Farmers are being reminded that the prohibited period for hedge cutting comes to an end from September 1. Section 40 of the Wildlife Act prohibits the cutting of vegetation, with certain strict exemptions, from 1 March to 31 August
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 or contractors completing hedge cutting 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. They 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.
More from Teagasc Daily: Hedge cutting for health hedges – think before cutting this autumn
To celebrate National Hedgerow Week, Dr. Catherine Keena joins this episode of the Environment Edge to explain the difference between topped and treeline hedges. Listen in below:
Hedgerow Week 2025
A collaboration between Teagasc and the Heritage Council, Hedgerow Week 2025 is an initiative to raise awareness of the value of hedgerows.
Events run from Friday, 29 August to Sunday 7 September, and include demonstrations on how to plant and manage hedgerows, how to maximise their benefits for biodiversity, and how to provide them with seasonal care.