Some 38,000 farmers have been approved into the first two Tranches of GLAS, 26,500 in GLAS 1 and 11,500 in GLAS 2. Under the provisions of the GLAS Scheme there are a number of actions open to applicants in relation to hedgerows including coppicing of hedgerows and laying of hedgerows.
On the basis of the commitments provided in the plans submitted with the GLAS tranche 1 applications, the targets for the full Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020 period were met or exceeded in a number of areas, including the planting of new hedgerows. Given that the target for this action has been met in full, this action was suspended. In relation to this action, on foot of the applications received under Tranche 1 alone, some 1,300 km of new hedgerows will be planted, requiring the provision of 8 million plants, representing a significant investment.