PA028/A/08 Protect Newly Planted Hedgerows From Rabbits And Hares

04 February 2008

By Ian Browne, Countryside Management Branch, DARD

Once the ground has dried out, many agri-environment scheme participants will be getting on with planting new hedgerows as a requirement of their scheme agreement.  

Most newly planted hedges will require fencing to protect them from livestock. If rabbits and hares are present in the area the hedge must also be protected against them.

Rabbit proofing using galvanised wire netting is built into the agri-environment scheme payment for hedge planting and should be carried out where rabbits or hares exist. The netting must not be less than 1.05m in height and have mesh no larger than 31mm. The top edge of the netting must be fixed not less than 0.75m from ground level. Netting must be fastened to the sheep wire fencing, and the bottom edge of the netting should be buried in the ground to a depth of 150mm and then turned outward 150mm and anchored.  Both sides of the planted hedge should be protected in this way.

Although rabbits and hares may not be present on your land when planting, you should keep a close eye on newly planted ‘quicks’ to ensure that damage does not occur. Remember to put up rabbit proofing at the first signs of attack and replace badly damaged ‘quicks’ as soon as possible.

For further information about newly planted hedgerows and rabbit proofing, please contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.

All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619.