Sheughs and Cross-Compliance

Sheughs and ditches are open channels with or without water. Their primary function is to drain land but they also double up as important habitats for plants, mammals and birds.

There is a diverse range of plants associated with sheughs along the bank and in the slow-flowing water. If the water is free from pollution it will be rich in insect life. In addition this miniature wildlife area provides cover for small mammals and birds, as well as providing an important food supply.

As part of Cross-Compliance, removal of field boundaries (dry stone walls, ditches, hedges, earthbanks) is not permitted except by prior written permission from DARD. This includes infilling or laying drainage pipes in open sheughs. Application forms for field boundary removal are available at all local DARD offices.

It is important to maintain sheughs on a regular basis. It is recommended that sheugh cleaning should take place in autumn to late winter. The sheugh should not be deepened or widened and vegetation should be retained on one side for wildlife. This should not be a problem if the majority of sheughs are associated with hedgerows.

With these environmental benefits considered, sheughs should be managed not only as drainage systems but also as wildlife habitats.

For further information on Cross-Compliance refer to guidance given in the booklet ‘Cross-Compliance Verifiable Standards 2005 and 2006’. Further information on field boundary management is available from Countryside Management Staff at your local DARD office.