Farmers to plant 5,000km of hedgerows
It will be Ireland’s largest hedgerow planting in 200 years and, according to Teagasc — the agriculture authority — it will change the landscape of every parish as farmers participate in the Rural Environment Protection Schemes (REPS).
A national series of Teagasc farm walks, which will begin in Mitchelstown, Co Cork, today, will demonstrate the best planting techniques to ensure vigorous hedgerows that will last the next two centuries.
Similar walks will be held in Sligo, Roscommon and Galway this week. Up to 25 farm walks will take place around the country between now and the end of February.
The walks will demonstrate best practice in hedgerow planting and maintenance. A full range of native Irish hedgerow species are being planted on farms including whitethorn, holly, hazel, spindle, guelder rose and blackthorn.
Tim Hyde, Teagasc environment specialist, said correct planting methods and maintenance will ensure the establishment and survival of all these new hedges.
“This is the start of widespread planting in the countryside so it is important to get it right first time. All the stages including cultivation, planting, pruning, weed control and fencing will be featured,” he said.
Most Irish hedgerows were planted in the 1700s and 1800s. Acts of Parliament were then passed, making it obligatory for landowners to plant hedgerows at that time. Hedgerows along townland boundaries, however, often date from medieval times or earlier.
The walks are being held in association with Coillte Nurseries, the Irish Seed Savers Association, the Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, the Professional Contractors Association of Ireland and others.
Hedgerow planting is the most popular biodiversity option selected by farmers participating in REPS, a scheme that rewards farmers for carrying out their activities in an environmentally friendly manner
With the introduction of REPS 4 the numbers of farms participating in the scheme is expected to rise to 70,000.
* A full schedule of the walks can be viewed on www.teagasc.ie
