Donegal County Council have issued a reminder that hedge-cutting season comes to an end at the end of February and does not resume again until September.
Almost two-thirds of Ireland’s bird species nest in hedges and these hedgerows provide natural corridors that permit wildlife to move between habitats so from the end of February until the start of September hedge-cutting is not permitted. The closed season on hedge-cutting, adopted under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, recognises the importance of conserving hedgerows and other vegetation for breeding birds and other animals and plants. Public works involving the disturbance of hedgerows during this period may only be carried out for reasons of public health and safety.
Joseph Gallagher, County Donegal Heritage Officer explained: “Hedgerows are distinctive features of regional landscapes in CountyDonegal. Hedges and other wild vegetation provide food and shelter for insects, birds and other animals. Donegal County Council recognises the importance of maintaining hedgerows as part of wise conservation of our natural heritage, good farming practice and protecting CountyDonegal’s natural and picturesque beauty.”
If you would like to find out more about the wise management of hedgerows, The Heritage Council has produced a booklet with advice on best conservation practice and on planting native species. Copies of the booklet entitled Conserving Hedgerows/Caomhnú Fálta are available free-of-charge from the County Donegal Heritage Office on (074) 917 2576 or by e-mail at: heritage@donegalcoco.ie. The Hedgerow Survey of County Donegal can be downloaded from the County Donegal Heritage Office website at: http://www.donegalcoco.ie/heritage
(Source – Donegal Now – 20/02/2014)