Cutoff dates for hedge-cutting and burning of scrub on hills have been discussed at a meeting between Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys and an IFA environment delegation.

Afterwards, Harold Kingston, IFA environment chairman, said he hoped the start date would be moved forward to 1 August to allow sensible hedge-cutting work take place this autumn.

“Farmers don’t want to cut all their hedges on 1 August,” he said. “No farmers cut all their hedges every year. But the existing restrictive dates for cutting mean farmers do not have the flexibility to manage farms properly. Land is not equally available at all times.”

In a previous review of legislation, the period for hedge cutting was shortened by one month because that birds were nesting earlier. However, the start date was not likewise moved and that shortened the cutting season. “The IFA made detailed proposals. Minister Humphreys has now agreed to review them and come forward with a workable solution.”

IFA Hill chairman Pat Dunne asked Minister Humphreys to extend the period during which burning is allowed to 15 April and to bring the period more back in line with the UK and NI.