Deadline for hedge work looms!

Under Cross-Compliance rules, hedge laying, coppicing and general trimming must be completed by 28 February, before the bird nesting season starts.  

Hedge laying is used to restore overgrown, gappy hedges. This thickens the hedge at the base providing shelter for wildlife and improving stock control on the farm.

Some farmers are restoring suitable hedges by laying as part of their agri-environment schemes.  Laying involves partially cutting through the stems close to ground level and these are then bent over at an uphill angle of about 30 degrees. The laid stems or ‘pleachers’ may be staked to hold them in place.  Hedge stems are too thick for laying if they are more than 20 cm diameter. These thicker stems can be coppiced by cutting them off at a slope close to ground level.  New growth will emerge from the coppiced stumps. In both laid and coppiced hedges, gaps must be planted with a mixture of native species, including blackthorn, holly, hazel, guelder rose and hedgerow trees such as rowan.   Fencing is usually required to protect the hedge from grazing.

While there is a limited tradition of hedge laying in Northern Ireland, there are about 30 styles in the UK which have developed according to the farm enterprise and the native hedge plants.

For example, the Midland hedge, is designed for farms with large animals.  The hedge needs to be able to withstand the weight of the animal pushing against it.  In the photograph, note the vertical stakes and the hazel binders woven along the top to give maximum strength.  On the other hand, the Welsh hedge is designed primarily as a sheep fence and is not as tall as the Midland type.  A lot of deadwood is pushed back into the hedge to prevent lambs breaking through.  Here the stakes are driven in at a 35 degree angle.  

Further advice on all aspects of hedgerow management can be obtained from Countryside Management Delivery staff at your local DARD office.

Midland hedge – Note the vertical stakes and the hazel binders woven along the top

Welsh hedge – The stakes are driven in backwards at a 35 degree angle and a lot of deadwood is placed in the hedge

Regrowth from a laid hedge in Northern Ireland