Environmental policies and features
Prior to organic conversion the farm had a mixture of reasonable hedges and post and wire fences. Weeds were regularly sprayed and field margins minimal in size.
Organic standards require a high standard of environmental management and enhancement.
Policies
It was decided right at the start of conversion that environmental improvements and enhancements must go hand in hand with the production changes required.
It has also been agreed that the Unit should demonstrate a range of practices that are part of Countryside Management Scheme agreements.
Organic standards limit organic nitrogen to 170 KG/ha/yr, which is compatible with the Nitrates Directive.
General cross-compliance conditions required for the receipt of direct agricultural support payments will be included within the overall environmental management plan for the Unit.
The plan must meet all these requirements, but must be practical and not simply idealistic in nature.
It is clear that farmers adhering to organic standards and practices should be well placed to avail of agri-environment schemes.
Hedgerow management
Many of the hedges on the unit are already thick and tall. Future management will consist of:
- Trimming into a broad shape and allowing the hedge bottom to thicken up
- Trimming hedges one side each other year – allows Hawthorn to fruit
- Allowing hedgerow trees to grow
- Filling gaps in hedges with hedge plants or trees as appropriate
- Allowing wide hedge margins to develop
Hedge planting
Many of the main post and wire fences will be replaced by native species mixed hedges, incorporating hedgerow trees, over the next few years.
A start has been made, by the establishment of two new hedges on earth banks made from the soil from the beef house tank excavations. Several other priority areas requiring hedges have already been identified from both an environmental and livestock shelter perspective.
Hedge bottoms, field margins and farm track verges
Hedge bottoms, field margins and farm track verges will be allowed to develop naturally and set seed. They will not be cut for tidiness, but only if they cause a management problem or start to seriously encroach into fields.
Conservation areas
An area where the land is frequently wet and liable to severe poaching has been fenced off and planted with water tolerant trees such as Willows and Alder.
Wild bird cover
An area of spring-sown wild bird cover crop will be grown each year.
Winter stubbles
WHere possible at least one cereal area on the unit will be allowed to over-winter as stubble providing a habitat for seed-feeding birds such as finches.
Undersown cereals
Undersown cereals may be used in the rotation if appropriate as an opportunity to reseed grass-clover leys. Undersowing creates a good environment for birds and other wildlife.
© DARD 2008