Watch: how to coppice a hedgerow for GLAS

Over 5,000 farmers in GLAS I and II have chosen the coppicing of hedgerows option for their GLAS plans. This action involves cutting an existing hedge at the base and removing the cut branches and trash to expose the old stumps to light. Coppicing is a method of rejuvenating whitethorn hedgerows that have been poorly maintained and no longer make good fences or habitats for wildlife. The hedge pictured is a prime example of the type of hedge that will benefit from coppicing because it is no longer fulfilling its role as a fence or good wildlife habitat. Some older (relic) hedges that have grown into lines of mature trees should not be coppiced. These trees provide high wildlife value.

To coppice a hedge, cut the stems as close to the ground as possible. For GLAS, stems should be cut below 15cm. Jim Moloney the hedge cutting contractor demonstrates best practice for coppicing. He uses a circular saw on his hedge cutter to coppice hedges. Catherine Keena, Teagasc environmental specialist, says it is important to leave a gentle sloping cut to allow water to run off. Maloney uses a rough cut blade first to cut the heavy material and this is followed by a fine blade which leaves a cleaner cut. A chainsaw can also be used to carry out this work. Farmers participating in GLAS should note that a digger is not allowed for coppicing or laying of hedgerows. Individual mature standard trees within the selected hedgerow must not be coppiced either.

The litter left after coppicing should be removed to allow light at the cut stumps. Catherine Keena says this litter can be stored in the corner of a field and left to rot. Alternatively some farmers burn the vegetative litter. She says you must contact the local county council to obtain permission to burn agricultural waste, and also to contact the relevant regional fire control centre. Thorny species respond to coppicing by producing dense growth at ground level. Where non-thorny species such as ash have been cut, the freshly cut stump should be painted with glyphosate to kill it, as it will destroy the effectiveness of the newly rejuvenated hedge.

According to the GLAS specifications, infilling must be carried out if gaps are present in the hedgerow that will not be filled by regrowth from the coppiced hedgerow. Plant a minimum of four plants per metre consisting of whitethorn, blackthorn or holly in line with the existing hedge. Competing vegetation should be controlled as necessary. For the first few years after coppicing, cut the regrowth back to 75mm above previous level of cut, gradually shaping into a triangular shape, allowing a few whitethorns to mature to provide flowers for bees and fruit for birds.

All newly coppiced hedges in a grass or tillage field must be fenced off and protected from livestock from the time the hedge is coppiced for GLAS. However, where the coppiced hedgerow bounds a private laneway, public road or watercourse, fencing is not required on the laneway/road or water body side as long as the hedge is not being damaged by livestock.

The fence must be stockproof and fit for purpose. Remember to consider livestock reach and future access for machine trimming, when positioning the fence. You cannot use TAMS II grant aid to erect a fence where a hedge is being coppiced for GLAS, otherwise penalties will be incurred, according to DAFM.

GLAS

The deadlines for coppicing a hedgerow through GLAS are as follows: