Measure 5 of the REP scheme and agri-environmental specifications set out clearly the objectives to be achieved with regard to hedgerows. Among the objectives is the management of hedgerows on a phased basis to encourage their development with a diversity of height, stages of growth and form in the interests of wildlife, stock control and scenic appearance.
The specifications set out suggestions on how to manage hedges for healthy growth and good quality, including those that require restructuring. A management option is to leave the hedge undisturbed.
In order to strengthen this measure further and to ensure that it is meeting its objectives, special attention is being given to this measure and I will be issuing new revised specifications shortly which will deal with this issue. Among the revisions are the maintenance of hedgerows in their present state, height, width and uncut/untrimmed where such hedgerows are of good quality. Farmers will be encouraged to retain hedgerows and confine maintenance to essential practices such as stockproofing, inplanting with suitable species and the control of invasive species.
The planned revisions will improve the situation and I believe will address the concerns which have been voiced in regard to the implementation of the measure.