NFU Scotland is reminding farmers they cannot cut hedges after 1 March and until 31 August.

The ban is to prevent nesting birds being disturbed.

It is possible to cut hedges from 1 August if fields are to be sown with oilseed rape or temporary grass, but only if written consent is given by the Department.

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Also exemptions are available if hedges cause a safety issue.

Combinable crops chair, Ian Sands said: “Last year Scottish farmers maintained over 1,329 miles of hedges as part of Greening measures and the growth in numbers of bird species, such as corn-buntings and curlews, is recognition of this.”