PA053/A/08 Hedge Restoration – Still Time To Plant

6 March 2008

By Vinny O’B Smith,Countryside Management Adviser, DARD

Have you agreed to plant new hedges or restore existing ones as part of your Countryside Management Scheme (CSMS) or Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESAS)? If so, you are expected to complete at least one fifth of the total length agreed (including protective fencing) each year for the first five years.

Although it is now too late to restore existing hedges by coppicing or laying (not after1 March due to the onset of the bird nesting season), there is still time to plant new hedges. Planting in very wet or frosty weather, or after buds have started to burst should be avoided.

A double row of species such as hawthorn, blackthorn, holly, dog rose, guelder rose and hazel should be planted, with hawthorn accounting for no more than 75%. At least five woody species must be planted in each 30m length. Quicks should be planted in two staggered rows with plants 25-30cm apart and 30cm between rows. Hedgerow tree whips must be planted roughly 10-15 metres apart, avoiding uniform spacing.

Northern Ireland is unique with its network of fields and hedges defining and sub-dividing the landscape. Hedges are an important feature on most farms and if managed well provide the farmer with an effective stock proof barrier, shelter and shade for livestock in exposed areas and a barrier to help prevent the spread of disease. Additionally, hedges are an important source of food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife, including insects, small mammals and birds. Hedges also contain most of our native trees in Northern Ireland.

For further information on hedge planting please contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.

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