As farmers across the country take part in fencing waterways for GLAS before the deadline of 31 May, it is important to know what it aims to do for the environment and how to carry it out to the highest standard.

According to the Department of Agriculture, direct pollution of water can occur as a result of livestock grazing along watercourses. Pathogens can potentially enter the water through livestock excrement.

This has a knock-on effect lowering the quality of water and aquaculture, as well as the overall biodiversity of the area. As a result, there is also a risk that these pathogens can enter the water for human consumption.

According to Catherine Keena from Teagasc, excluding livestock from watercourses will:

  • Encourage biodiversity along the banks of the watercourse.
  • Prevent pollution of the watercourse from bovines.
  • Stabilise vegetation along the bank to prevent silt entering the water.

    • Catherine says: “Leaving a margin (between the fence and waterway) acts like a filter. Everything in the field will have to pass through it before it gets into the water.

    “It creates a very important biodiversity strip. You will find different flora that are not in the middle of the field. There are flowering plants, which are vital for the bees, and there are seeds, invertebrates, and ground-nesting birds such as pheasants.”

    Catherine continues: “Banks with vegetation growing on them are kept more stable. This is important to prevent silt from entering the river. Silt is a big problem for fish when spawning as they are unable to lay their eggs when the stony gravel gets silted.”

    As outlined in the regulations set out by the Department (www.agriculture.gov.ie/media) Catherine says: “There must be no drinking points allowed, with all watercourses present on the farm being fenced.”

    This means that farmers cannot pick and choose between watercourses. If you selected this measure then all watercourses must be fenced.

    Catherine also mentions that all fences must be permanent posts that are stockproof and fit for purpose.

    “If a single strand of wire keeps livestock out, that is perfectly adequate. In my view, it is the ideal way to manage the margin under the wire so that animals can graze in, then there should be no need for spraying,” Catherine adds.

    Importance of GLAS

    Micheal White is a Teagasc adviser from Thurles. He says: “GLAS is a valuable dividend for farmers. Apart from the financial incentive, it encourages farmers to be more aware of environmental matters affecting their farm and comply with specifications.

    “It is hoped that a significant environmental scheme will be available to farmers under the next CAP reform,” Michael adds.

    Richard Brennan is a GLAS farmer and a fencing contractor from Thurles, Co Tipperary. He shares some of his tips for carrying out fencing on the farm:

  • The ideal height for fencing in fields with large cattle is 28in to 30in, so that they can graze underneath the wire.
  • Use a stronger strainer when approaching bends in the field to take the pressure off lighter posts.
  • When approaching a corner in the field, it can be worth adding in one or two more posts to soften the bend and lessen the pressure where the wire veers.
  • Keep it out 1.5m so as to avoid any obstruction (eg a ditch), to give the fence longevity and make it easier to carry out general maintenance.
  • Time should be dedicated to carrying out maintenance every year. This way, it will be a smaller task and more cost-efficient in the long term.
  • Use high-tensile 12-gauge wire as it is the best for staying tight.
  • Use claw insulators with a staple at the top and bottom. Nails tend to pull out.
  • Use monkey wire strainers when tightening wire to pull it to the middle. This will create a more even pull on each side.
  • When using the post-driver, the man on the ground should have the ability to control and operate it. This will eliminate health and safety risks.