Since 2008 is a leap year, it means that anyone wishing to trim hedges or cut wild vegetation has an extra day to carry out the work this year. Under Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, Friday, February 29 is the last legal date permitted for hedge cutting until September 1 (except in certain, legally defined circumstances). Public works involving the disturbance of hedgerows during this period may only be carried out for reasons of public health and safety.
The ‘closed season’ on hedge cutting is required under Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer, explained the need for a ‘closed season’ on hedge cutting: “Hedges should be cut while they are dormant. Landowners should plan for the management of hedges on their properties since hedges are important heritage features. In addition to helping form the local and regional character of landscapes in County Donegal, hedges and other wild vegetation provide food and shelter for insects, birds and other animals. Almost two-thirds of Ireland’s bird species nest in hedges. Hedges also provide natural corridors that permit wildlife to move between habitats.”
The ‘closed season’ on cutting hedges is not a new idea. Irish governments have always recognised the conservation importance of hedgerows and other vegetation for breeding birds and other animals and plants. In adopting the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, the Irish government recognised the need for a longer undisturbed period for hedges. Long-term studies show that bird breeding, the first appearance of leaves and the flowering of plants began earlier than first anticipated. The 2000 Act brought the last day for hedge cutting forward to the last day of February in the interests of wildlife and habitat protection.
“Donegal County Council recognises the importance of maintaining hedgerows as part of wise conservation of our natural heritage, good farming practice and protecting County Donegal’s natural and picturesque beauty” said Mr. Gallagher. “Donegal County Council wishes to bring the date for the end of the hedge-cutting season to the attention of the public and hope that this advice will help people to stay on the right side of our wildlife protection laws.” Under the County Donegal Heritage Plan (2007-2011), Donegal County Council will be commissioning a survey of hedgerows this year which will establish and record the extent, floristic composition, physical structure, condition and management of hedgerows in County Donegal using a methodology developed by Networks for Nature. There has been a great deal of concern expressed by members of the public over the decline in hedgerows and traditional field and roadside boundaries in recent years in County Donegal. Threats to the existence of hedgerows come from increasing development pressures, road safety regulations and road widening, changes in agriculture, preference for lower maintenance boundaries and a lack of appreciation. Under Policy BNH2 in the Donegal County Development Plan (2006-2012), it is the policy of Donegal County Council to "Ensure the protection and conservation of hedgerows as natural heritage corridors".
If you would like to find out more about the wise management of hedgerows, Local Authority Heritage Officers and The Heritage Council have produced a booklet with advice on best conservation practice. Copies of the booklet entitled Conserving Hedgerows/Caomhnú Fálta are available free-of-charge from the County Donegal Heritage Office in Lifford on (074) 917 2576 or by e-mail at: heritage@donegalcoco.ie
Notes
1. More information on Irish Laws in relation to Wildlife can be consulted at: www.irishstatutebook.ie
2. Extract from Section 46, Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000:
"(1) (a) It shall be an offence for a person to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy, during the period beginning on the 1st day of March and ending on the 31st day of August in any year, any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated.
(b) It shall be an offence for a person to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing in any hedge or ditch during the period mentioned in paragraph (a) of this subsection."