Photo by DerHexer, Wikimedia Commons, CC-by-sa 4.0, CC BY-SA 4.0,
Hedge Cutting: A Busy Start to the Season
Ireland’s hedge-cutting season commenced on the first of this month, and it is fair to say that a lot of us have lost no time in attacking our hedgerows.
More so than in recent years, the opening of the season has seen a lot of hedges trimmed back. The reason for this is simple. After a long and very dry summer, ground is in excellent condition. If previous years are anything to go by, the months ahead will surely see a turn for the worse. October and November tend to be very wet in this country, so we may as well make the most of it while we can.
Sensible hedge cutting and biodiversity
While cutting hedges is a necessary part of good farm maintenance, we should also be cautious that we remain compliant with environmental regulations.
For the purposes of biodiversity, it is important to maintain a variety of hedge types. This means, that you should leave some hedges un-topped and side-trimmed; while other hedges are topped and trimmed to a triangular appearance from a broad base, allowing you to cut the growing point.
It is also very important to retain some full trees, particularly whitethorn and blackthorn, at points along the hedge.
Nitrates derogation: are you compliant
Those of us involved in nitrates derogation must be particularly cautious when maintaining our hedgerows. Farmers who wish to avail of a nitrates derogation must comply with specific additional requirements regarding hedgerow maintenance activity. If you require any clarification regarding the expectations of this derogation, you should read the related Terms and Conditions for 2022, which can be accessed here.
Biodiversity measures are key
As always, taking key steps to promote and preserve biodiversity is at the heart of the nitrates derogation. Participating farmers are expected to pursue at least one measure from 2 available options. According to the derogation Terms and Conditions, “all farmers availing of the derogation must adopt at least one measure from the following list of actions from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan:
1. Leave at least one mature Whitethorn/Blackthorn tree within each hedgerow.
2. 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.”
One of a number of measures
As most will already be aware, these actions are only a small part of the nitrates derogation, which also requires farmers to take action with regard to nutrient management, soil testing and management, manure and slurry spreading, training, and grassland management.
