The recent fine spell of weather has allowed farmers on heavy lands to top/mow rushes and clean off fields that in recent years were difficult to travel on.

Spraying or weed-licking fresh regrowth of rushes when they are in the active growth stage will optimise uptake and help achieve a better kill.

Great care should be taken when using sprays targeted for controlling rushes, or indeed any weeds, and containing active ingredients such as MCPA or 2,4-D, as these herbicides are very mobile in water and can cause a huge level of damage if waterways become contaminated.

Buffer zones (at least 5m from waterways) and application rates should always be adhered to and sprays should never be used where rain is forecast.

Remember, never fill sprayers from a watercourse and dispose of empty containers in the correct manner.

Other methods outside of spraying can be used to help keep rushes under control. Applying fertiliser and lime to improve soil fertility will increase sward growth, which will help compete with rushes. Improving drainage will also deliver benefits.

National Heritage Week

Those interested in hosting an event as part of National Heritage Week, which takes place from 19 to 27 August, and wishing to let others know it is taking place are being advised to register it now on www.heritageweek.ie. Events can be registered for inclusion in the printed guide until 31 May.

National Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council and was reported as Ireland’s most popular cultural event in 2016. The organisers are expecting over 450,000 people to participate in over 2,000 heritage events in 2017.

“This year, National Heritage Week aims to focus on all aspects of Ireland’s heritage, but with a particular emphasis on our Natural Heritage.

“From art to architecture, folklore to place names, nature is deeply rooted in Irish culture. However, it doesn’t matter if your project does not fit into this theme, please register it anyway, we welcome heritage events of all kinds,” said Niamh Donnellan of National Heritage week.