Kildalton Agricultural College was the site of the official launch of Teagasc Hedgerow Week 2019 on Monday.

Events will be held for machinery contractors, farmers and anybody with an interest in hedgerows in order to highlight best practice in their maintenance, which provides the ideal environment for birds and pollinators.

The event was launched by Minister Andrew Doyle who said: “I urge all farmers and contractors to follow best practice when maintaining hedges.”

Trimming hedges

Teagasc countryside management specialist Catherine Keena instructed farmers on the most preferable way to trim hedges.

“We are asking contractors and farmers who are trimming hedges to shape the hedge to a triangular profile from a wider base to allow light at the base, leaving the peak at least 1.5m (5ft) from ground level, or the top of the hedge bank, and allow occasional thorn saplings to grow up into individual trees.

"This will create the ideal conditions for birds to nest, providing cover from predators above and below the nest, and providing flowers in summer for bees and other pollinators, and berries in autumn for birds and small mammals” she added.

She also stated that the quest for neatness should not override ecological considerations.

Contractor event

There will be a hedge-cutting contractor event at the Salesian Agricultural College, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick, on Wednesday 23 October.

It will involve a working demonstration of hedge-cutting taking place and a range of hedge-cutting equipment will be on display.

The hedgerow maintenance period runs from 1 September to the end of February.

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