New year resolution for hedges

It's time to get on with winter hedge work! Hedge restoration by laying and coppicing and routine trimming must be completed by 28 February 2006.

The reason for this is to prevent harm to birds that are seeking out nesting sites from early March.

Hedge laying requires stems to be partially cut through close to ground level and then they are bent over at an uphill angle of about 30 degrees. The laid stems or pleachers are then staked, if necessary, to hold them in place. Fences two metres apart prevent browsing by livestock and allow the hedge base to expand.

Kenneth and Joseph Angus joined the Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) two years ago and are delighted with the success of their hedge laying. Kenneth commented, "The laid hedges provide excellent shelter for stock and we intend to let them grow to 2-3 metres tall with a thick, wide base providing good cover for nesting birds."

If stems are too thick (more than 20 cm) for laying, the hedge can be coppiced. To do this, stems are cut off at a slope close to ground level. In restored hedges, gaps should be planted with a mixture of native species including blackthorn, holly, hazel, beech and guelder rose. Regrowth from the existing hedge should not be allowed to shade out the new planting. Cutting back can control this regrowth, but hedge cutting must not occur between 1 March and 31 August, which is the bird-nesting season.

While hedge cutting must be completed by 28 February, hedge planting can continue through March and at least part of April. Further advice on all aspects of hedgerow management can be obtained from Countryside Management staff at your local DARD office.