The closed period for hedge-cutting comes into effect from this morning, Monday 1 March, and will remain in place until 31 August.
The period for controlled burning of gorse is also closed until 1 September.
Under the Wildlife Act, cutting, grubbing, burning ot destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is restricted between 1 March and 31 August.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed that there will be no extension to the six-month window.
The minister has no discretion to change these dates, the NPWS has said.
Exemptions
There is provision in the legislation for some restricted exemptions. It does allow both landowners and public authorities to address hedges for road safety reasons at any time of the year.
The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has requested that the Department of Housing allows for an extension up until 17 March 2021 due to prolonged rainfall.
FCI said work could be restricted solely to flail machines and exclude the use of mulchers and/or saw blades.
Closed period
Explaining the reasoning behind the closed period, the NPWS said: “In Ireland, where there is relatively low cover of native woodland, hedges are of exceptional importance in providing food and shelter and habitats and corridors for maintaining wildlife diversity, particularly for birds, but also for other fauna and for wild plants.
“Wrens, dunnocks, robins, thrushes and willow warblers as well as many rarer species depend greatly on hedgerow habitats.
“In general, untrimmed, thorned hedgerows containing shrubs such as blackthorn, whitethorn, holly, briars and brambles are favoured by birds as they provide food, shelter, nesting places and protection from predators during the breeding season.”
Contractors reiterate call for hedge-cutting extension and seek clarity on rules