The planting of a new hedge is one of the new actions under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

However, it is important that farmers understand what is involved in this action, one condition of which is that all species planted must be of native Irish provenance.

In short, this means that the plants were grown in Ireland from seed that was collected from Irish trees.

What is meant by provenance or origin?

Origin

Provenance or origin is the location from which a seed lot or cuttings used to produce planting material was collected.

The seed must be collected from Irish trees because species native to Ireland but grown in a different country from their seed can behave differently.

In addition to this, native Irish species are in sync with each other when it comes to the timing of flowering suited to associated dependent species.

Trees of the same species, but adapted to different regions of Europe, can bud burst, flower and seed at different times. The origin of plants or seeds determines their adaptability, quality and wildlife value.

Using native provenance hedging stock is also very important when it comes to biodiversity and reducing the health risk to our native trees and hedges. It also supports local rural development.