Farmers have up to (and including) 28 February to carry out any hedge trimming on their farm. The cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is restricted between 1 March and 31 August.

It is recommended that the hedge should be side-trimmed and cut into a triangular shape, with the base slightly wider than the top. This will allow more light into the base of the hedge, which should help it to thicken up in time. A dense cover at the base of the hedge creates a better nesting environment for birds, while also creating a stronger fence.

It is recommended to leave individual whitethorns at regular intervals along the hedge and allow them to grow into mature trees. These provide a perch for birds, as well as flowers for insects and pollinators.

Burning vegetation

The deadline to burn vegetation is also 28 February. Burning is often used as a method of controlling upland vegetation, especially for hill farmers. This type of control is not suited to all types of vegetation, as shown in a study carried out by the Wicklow Uplands Council in 2013.

The study suggests burning can actually exacerbate the problem for some forms of vegetation. Burning purple moor grass exacerbates the problem.

Similarly, burning bracken can, in general, speed up its spread, as rhizomes are better able to withstand fires.

Burning may be useful when it comes to controlling heather. It is recommended to burn tall strong heather in patches. It is vital to follow any burning by placing grazing stock on the land to graze regrowth.

When it comes to controlling gorse, burning is recommended where bushes over 15 years of age (ie, not young bushes) are in place. This should also be followed by grazing. The best time to carry out burning is the September to November period. However, burning up to the 28 February deadline may still be an option for some farmers.