This week is national hedgerow week. While cynics may complain that this celebration of our hedges is part of a “green agenda”, this is to miss the point entirely. Healthy hedgerows have played a crucial role in Irish agriculture for many generations, and as farmers and stewards of nature we are obliged to continue this tradition.
The importance of native hedgerows to biodiversity and overall farm health cannot be underestimated. A farm that is abundant in flora and fauna is one that will produce food to a far higher standard. Most of Ireland’s native hedges are at least 200 years old and, in many cases, were laid by direct ancestors of members of today’s Irish farming community. They are comprised of more than just hedge plants, and often host an abundance of ground vegetation and grasses, flowering plants, animals, insects and invertebrates.
Aside from being effective livestock barriers, hedges are also wonderful nature sanctuaries and should be respected on that basis alone.
Hedgerow maintenance is essential
However, hedgerows need to be maintained if they are to serve these key farm functions. Hedges can only fulfil their potential, particularly with regard to climate and biodiversity targets, if they are healthy and well-tended. Some farmers engage in practices that are extremely damaging to hedgerow health, and under new laws and payment rules, will be penalised for such actions.
Harmful practices
According to Teagasc guidance, examples of harmful hedgerow practices include the following:
- Using diggers or other heavy machinery to alter the shape, structure or position of the hedge (this can destroy much of the hedge’s biodiversity and should never be done)
- Reducing treeline hedge height, which produces “upside-down toilet brush” hedge structures
- Over flailing topped hedges, which reduces the quality and quantity of vegetation, especially on the tops of banks
Planting new hedges
As part of ACRES requirements, farmers are expected to plant new hedges. When planting a new hedge, you should consider whether your aim is to have a topped hedge or a treeline hedge when the plants mature. Appropriately managed, both will help to enhance biodiversity and carbon. However, careful research is required before planting, to avoid mismanagement.
Hedge topping
Hedge topping is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of hedge management, and is responsible for many of the penalties imposed on Irish farmers under various payment schemes. Teagasc recommends that hedges only be topped when there is “a mass of dense growth at the base” of the hedgerow, actively growing in a “triangular or A-shaped profile”. The aim is to allow the peak of the hedge to grow as high as possible, with cutting only practiced to prevent the growing point from “escaping”. This can be achieved by pruning newly planted “whips” at ground level. A strip of compostable film should then be pushed over the newly cut stumps, while the selected whitethorn tree is protected with a suitable tree guard.
Treeline hedges should never be topped. Instead, they should allowed to grow to the maximum possible height. This is because treeline hedges contain most biodiversity in their canopy, which abounds with fruit and flowers. The hedge that is suitably topped, on the other hand, offers an excellent nesting place for birds without compromising on the quality of flowers and fruit on the individual trees. Ideally, you should aim to have a mixture of treeline and topped hedges on your farm.
For more information on National Hedgerow Week, visit the Teagasc and/or Heritage Council websites.
