Plan Your Hedge Cutting

Hedgerows are a valuable resource on farms providing shelter for livestock and a habitat for a wide range of wildlife. Cross Compliance permits hedge cutting between 1 September and 28/29 February. Now is a good time to plan how you intend to manage the hedges on your farm.

Leave some hedges uncut - You do not have to cut all your hedges every year. Hedges cut every second or third year will be stonger, provide better shelter and a better environment for wildlife. Select which hedges should be cut this year and which could be left for cutting in future years.

Cut as late as possible - Hedgerows are the winter larder for many over-wintering birds. Delaying cutting to late January or early February allows birds to use this valuable food resource.

Agri-environment Schemes - Participants in agri-environment schemes are required to leave cutting until late winter, and to cut internal hedges on a rotation basis, no more than once in two years.

If you use a contractor to manage your hedges, tell them about your plans before cutting commences.

For further information about hedgerow management contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.