The Department of Agriculture has turned on the submit button for making a GLAS III application.

Before 17 November, the online application system was only available to prepare, save and amend applications for GLAS. It is now possible to submit completed applications to the Department.

However, the Department warns planners before choosing to submit an application to make sure they are satisfied that all the actions are chosen and mapped, where applicable.

Once an application is submitted, it will not be possible to make changes and Department staff will not have access to retrieve, amend or delete submitted applications.

The deadline for submitting a GLAS III application is 15 December.

Coppicing hedgerows

Participating tranche one GLAS farmers who chose the coppicing of hedgerows action should note the deadline is 28 February 2017. GLAS II farmers who chose this action have until 30 November 2017 to complete the work.

The minimum linear length that must be coppiced is 10m and this must be in a single continuous length.

Coppicing must be carried out with a chainsaw or circular saw. Cut stem to less than 15cm from ground level. Infilling must be carried out if gaps are present in the hedgerow that will not be filled by re-growth from the coppiced hedgerow.

Plant a minimum of four plants per metre, consisting of whitethorn, blackthorn or holly in line with the existing hedge.

Any plants that die must be replaced during the next dormant season. Infilling of gaps must be undertaken by 28 February 2017 for GLAS I farmers.

All newly coppiced hedges in a grass or tillage field must be fenced off and protected from livestock from the time the hedge is coppiced.

However, where the coppiced hedgerow bounds a private laneway, public road or watercourse, fencing is not required on the laneway/road or water body side, as long as the hedge is not being damaged by livestock. The fence must be stock-proof and fit for purpose.