Are your hedges loaded?

Hedges loaded with berries are very evident around the NI countryside this autumn.  Haws, blackberries, rose hips, elderberries and sloes provide rich pickings for yellowhammers, bullfinches, chaffinches and winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares. Sustaining this abundance and availability of berries in hedges is very important for the survival of many of our farmland birds and small mammal species.  For this reason hedge cutting should be left as late as possible in winter. Early February is the most ideal time but hedgerows must be cut before 1 March to avoid disturbance of nesting birds.  

Unfortunately too many hedges are still being cut too low and too frequently. Hedges should be left uncut for one year or more and ideally should be rotationally trimmed. Trimming all hedges annually drastically reduces the availability of berries as they are produced on second year growth in woody hedge species, such as hawthorn. Also rotational trimming can save time and money.  Roadside hedges should be cut once a year and if possible during February.  However the ‘field’ side of the hedge does not require annual cutting.

For further information on any aspect of hedgerow management, contact your Countryside Management Branch staff at your local DARD office.