PA033/A/08 ‘A’ Shaped Farm Hedgerows Are The Best

8 February 2008

By Dr. Aidan Kerr, Countryside Management Branch, DARD

With the hedge trimming season due to close at the end of February, farmers are encouraged to trim their hedgerows in an ‘A’ shape rather than in the normal ‘box’ shape found on most farms throughout Northern Ireland.  

‘A’ - shaped hedgerows provide better habitats for wildlife, give excellent shelter for both livestock and crops and are effective stock proof boundaries.  

Mr Jack Kelly, from Ballyalton, near Downpatrick has been trimming his hedgerows in an ‘A’ shape now for over twenty years. Jack claims “They are easy to create and maintain and their wide base and gently sloping sides are a thick barrier to stock and offer great shelter too”.

Mr Kelly is also convinced how well his ‘A’-shaped hedgerows protect the wildlife on his farm. He feels they complement the bird friendly practices that he has adopted under the Countryside Management Scheme. He often sees Yellowhammer, song thrushes and a range of finches feeding in the adjacent cereal stubbles retained over the winter months. He commented: “Whenever a Sparrowhawk appears, the birds fly straight into the thick hedge base for cover.”  

Farmers in other areas are also changing the way they traditionally trim their hedgerows. This winter, Mr William Irvine from Mount Norris, near Newry, began trimming his hedgerows in the ‘topped A’ shape. Mr Irvine’s regular hedge cutting contractor cut the hedge sides at an angle rather than by his usual straight up and down method. The resulting sloped side allows more light to reach the base of the hedge and encourages it to thicken. It also allows hedge trimmings and snow to fall off more easily.

For further information on hedgerow management, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.

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