Scheme work regenerates Northern Ireland hedgerows

Co Armagh farmer, Michael Scott joined the Countryside Management Scheme in 2004. Under the scheme he has agreed to complete 119 metres of hedgerow restoration each year through the implementation of a five-year field boundary management plan.

He is aware that under the terms of Cross-Compliance hedge trimming, laying and coppicing must not be carried out between 1 March and 31 August, to coincide with the onset of the bird-nesting season.

However Michael can continue with hedge planting and associated fencing work throughout March, during periods of mild, dry weather. Bare rooted hedging can be planted successfully until the buds begin to break, though care is needed to ensure that the roots never dry out.

In the past year, more than 350 kilometres of hedgerows have been given a new lease of life under the field boundary restoration option of the Countryside Management and Environmentally Sensitive Areas Schemes.

Approximately one third of all field boundaries in Northern Ireland are now managed positively for wildlife under agri-environment schemes. Apart from the benefits of shelter for livestock and improved bio security on farms, this also has considerable benefits for biodiversity. Even those farms that are largely in crops or improved grassland can have an amazing diversity of wildlife in the hedges and ditches surrounding the fields.

Further information on hedge planting is available from Countryside Management Branch staff at your local DARD office.