NFU Scotland is reminding farmers and crofters that the hedge-cutting ban comes into place on 1 March as the bird nesting and rearing season begins.
From 1 March until 31 August, a closed period comes into force that bans cutting and trimming hedges and trees due to cross-compliance requirements.
A hedge or tree may be trimmed from 1 August if the hedge or tree is in a field which will be sown with oilseed rape, temporary grass or another crop subject to prior written consent of Scottish ministers, where the hedge or tree is adjacent to the field being sown.
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Road safety
The only other exception to this rule is for road safety where a hedge or tree overhangs a road, surfaced track or a footpath which may obstruct or interfere with the passage or view of vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders, or the obstruction of light from a public lamp. Before undertaking trimming in August under this exemption, farmers and crofters must check the full length of the hedge for nesting birds. If active nests are found, trimming must be delayed until all birds have fledged.
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NFU Scotland is reminding farmers and crofters that the hedge-cutting ban comes into place on 1 March as the bird nesting and rearing season begins.
From 1 March until 31 August, a closed period comes into force that bans cutting and trimming hedges and trees due to cross-compliance requirements.
A hedge or tree may be trimmed from 1 August if the hedge or tree is in a field which will be sown with oilseed rape, temporary grass or another crop subject to prior written consent of Scottish ministers, where the hedge or tree is adjacent to the field being sown.
Road safety
The only other exception to this rule is for road safety where a hedge or tree overhangs a road, surfaced track or a footpath which may obstruct or interfere with the passage or view of vehicles, pedestrians or horse riders, or the obstruction of light from a public lamp. Before undertaking trimming in August under this exemption, farmers and crofters must check the full length of the hedge for nesting birds. If active nests are found, trimming must be delayed until all birds have fledged.
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