Increasing margins on Fermanagh farms

The option to create ungrazed grass margins is available to Northern Ireland farmers participating in DARD’s agri-environment schemes. These margins can be created in unimproved and improved fields which are located alongside hedges, stonewalls, field corners, woodlands and alongside watercourses over one metre wide.

By fencing off an area of grassland, a habitat suitable for insects, nesting sites for small birds and cover for a range of mammals, including the Irish hare, can develop. This provides a wildlife area and the fenced off margin functions as a buffer, protecting hedges, woods and watercourses from fertiliser run-off and pesticide drift.

Robert Sheridan has been a participant of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme for over ten years. He runs a suckler herd and sheep flock near Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh. Under his agreement, Robert manages a large area of species-rich calcareous grassland on the Marlbank on his outfarm. In addition, he recently decided to create a habitat on his lowland farm, which is situated along the banks of the Cladagh River. This river flows from its sources in Cuilcagh Mountain, through the well-known Marble Arch Caves before reaching the Sheridan’s farm. He plans to fence off a strip of the river bank, averaging five metres wide to preventing livestock access. This will also provide an over-wintering habitat for many animals, including small mammals and insects. The only management necessary is to cut and remove the grass once in every three years, cutting after the 15 July.

For further information on the creation of an ungrazed grass margin and agri-environment schemes, contact Countryside Management Branch, at your local DARD office.