This is a subscriber-only article
The date to complete coppicing and laying of hedgerows for farmers involved in GLAS II is 30 November 2017.
The coppicing of hedgerows involves cutting an existing hedge at the base and removing the cut branches and trash to expose the old stumps to light.
Coppicing is a good method of rejuvenating an old hedgerow that has been poorly maintained. Older hedges that have grown into lines of mature trees should not be coppiced.
The Department has stressed that it is bushes that you are meant to be coppicing. If an inspection takes place and it is evident that mature trees were cut down from the hedge, the applicant will receive a baseline penalty to their GLAS payment.
Additionally, a felling license must be sought when cutting down mature trees.
For farmers who are laying hedges, it must be carried out without the use of heavy machinery.
If an inspector calls to your farm and sees mature trees that could not have been laid without the use of heavy machinery, the farmer will receive a penalty.
Infilling of gaps
The GLAS specifications state that infilling must take place if there are gaps present in the hedgerow.
Plant a minimum of four plants per metre, consisting of whitethorn, blackthorn or holly, in line with the existing hedge.
Infilling must take place during the dormant season between 1 September and 28 February. All coppicing must also take place during this window.
Farmers involved in GLAS III do not have to coppice or lay hedgerows until 30 November 2018. However, if not carried out this winter, then farmers will only have three months to complete the works next year.
With approximately 3,400 GLAS inspections occurring between now and the 15 May farmers in any of the GLAS tranches are advised to ensure that they have the required work carried out on their farm. Farmers should be aware that inspections are front loaded around the deadlines for the scheme, so it is vital to ensure work is carried out before the deadlines to avoid penalties.
Read more:
SHARING OPTIONS: