Cross Compliance And Removal Of Field Boundaries

Since 1 January 2005 Northern Ireland farmers claiming direct agricultural support including Single Farm Payment and Less Favoured Areas Compensatory Allowance must seek prior written permission from DARD before commencing removal of a field boundary. This includes dry stonewalls, ditches, hedges, earthbanks and sheughs and is a requirement of Cross Compliance.

Field boundaries are such a familiar rural sight, that we often take them for granted. Stonewalls and earthbanks are common in upland areas while hedges are the most significant wildlife habitat over large stretches of improved grassland in Northern Ireland. They form a complex network connecting farms, townlands and habitats. Many birds depend on hedgerow berries for their survival over the winter months and when spring arrives, field boundaries provide important habitats for mammals, insects and nesting birds.

DARD will assess and may grant derogations for field boundary removal after using field boundary assessment criteria, which will include consideration of the area of the field and the quality of the field boundary. Application forms for field boundary removal are available from local DARD offices. Field boundary removal without a Cross Compliance derogation may result in a financial penalty. Cross Compliance derogations are not required to widen an existing field gateway up to a maximum width of ten metres.

Where field boundary removal is proposed on uncultivated land or a semi-natural area (such as woodland, scrub, moorland, wetlands, species rich grassland) the applicant must apply to DARD, Environmental Policy Branch for prior consent (Tel: 028 9052 4326). This is a requirement of the DARD Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Uncultivated / Semi-Natural Areas Regulations 2006.

Under Cross Compliance the removal of any field boundary between 1 March and 31 August is not permitted. This is to avoid damaging birds, nests or chicks and complies with the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

For further information on Field Boundary Management contact your local Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.