The deadline for planting hedgerows in GLAS I is 31 March. For GLAS, six plants per metre must be sown in a double-staggered row. There should be 330mm between rows and 330mm between plants. A 200m length of hedgerow should have at least 1,200 plants.

We received queries from farmers on the best method to sow plants. One simple method we featured last January on the Farmer Know-how page involved making two incisions in the ground.

The first involves cutting a slit in the ground. Another incision is made with the spade at right angles to the original incision. Then push the spade handle down to break open the sod. The plant can be inserted here. The ground is then firmed around the roots by foot. A short tutorial is available on the Irish Farmers Journal Youtube channel.

All newly planted hedgerows must be fenced off from livestock. Only whitethorn, blackthorn and/or holly plants can be used for GLAS. Producers of these plants are registered and inspected by the Department of Agriculture to ensure they are free of diseases.

To check if your supplier is properly registered, you should either email plantandpests@agriculture.gov.ie or call 01-505 8885. Participants should ensure they retain the plant passport that accompanied the plants on purchase for the duration of the GLAS contract.

Planting a grove of native trees

Farmers who have chosen the grove of native tree planting action in GLAS II must have the action completed by 31 March. According to the specifications, a minimum area of 0.05ha containing 250 trees and/or maximum area of 0.09ha with 450 trees must be planted in one location identified on the land parcel selected and marked on the map submitted.

The area where you plan to sow the trees should already be fenced off from livestock. Only native trees can be planted, such as alder, birch, oak, mountain ash, whitebeam, wild cherry, willow, hazel and scots pine.