From today, March 1, hedgecutting restrictions come into effect until August 31 meaning farmers are not legally allowed to cut hedges.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is reminding landowners that provisions in the Heritage Bill 2016 which include proposals for managed hedgecutting and burning at certain times within the existing closed period on a pilot two-year basis are not in force.
It says that this legislation has not been passed by the Oireachtas at this time and accordingly, the current restrictions under Section 40 of the Wildlife Acts which are set out above still apply.
The proposed changes to the rules governing hedgecutting in Ireland will be subject to conditions and restrictions, according to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys.
Speaking on the issue recently and in response to opposition to the changes, the Minister said she is keenly aware that we must ensure that this should not impact adversely upon our populations of wild birds.
“For that reason, any such cutting will be subject to conditions and restrictions, which will be specified in regulations in relation to hedgerow husbandry, management or maintenance to protect fauna or flora,” she said.
There has been mixed reactions to the proposals, with farming groups welcoming the proposals and environment and wildlife groups opposing them.
IFA Environment Chairman Harold Kingston said bringing forward the hedgecutting date by a month is very practical as it will contribute to better hedgerow management where hedges have been overgrown.
It will address farm safety concerns as the current arrangements mean that it is confined to periods when daylight has reduced.
Meanwhile, a petition was launched against the proposal to change the Wildlife Act by An Taisce, Birdwatch Ireland, the Hedgelayers Association of Ireland and the Irish Wildlife Trust.
Called ‘No to more slash and burn’, to date it has garnered over 16,000 signatures.