Birds will suffer if hedge-cutting dates are changed

It’s illegal to cut hedges between March 1 and August 31; birds must be allowed to nest in peace. Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts Heritage and the Gaeltacht, is said to be reviewing these dates.

The Irish Farmers Association and the ICMSA want her to permit cutting up to March 17 and after July 31.

‘The nesting season now occurs earlier… the Act should also have ended the closed season on July 31, in line with nesting patterns’ an IFA submission declares.