Stick to dates and save the birds

All farmers claiming the Single Farm Payment and other direct payments have been required to meet Cross-Compliance conditions since January 2005. In order to receive direct payments, farming practices must be carried out in such a way to protect the environment, animal health and welfare and public health.   

One element of Cross-Compliance is to maintain land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC), which includes management of field boundaries.  

Under Cross-Compliance, hedge-cutting, coppicing and laying are not permitted between 1 March and 31 August.  

Anne- Marie McDevitt, who works jointly with DARD and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), explained that sticking to the hedge cutting dates is very important for the conservation of our wild birds.  She said,

“In the UK, song thrushes have declined by over a half in the last 25 years. The song thrush commonly begins nesting in March and has nests into August, so avoiding cutting during these dates will help them nest successfully. More common and widespread birds, including the blackbird, also begin nesting in March. Whilst the dunnock (hedgesparrow), wren, and chaffinch begin nesting in April, they will continue nesting right through to August. Keeping within the cutting dates is essential if we are to protect those birds, and prevent future declines in our common species “.

If you would like further information on hedge management contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.