This article is from page 34 of the 2008-01-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 34 JPG
THE Clare-based Irish Seed Savers Association, 1n association with Tea- gasc, organised a series of biodiver- sity walks which took place across the country last week. The walks were organised to highlight the larg- est planting of hedgerow in the his- tory of the Irish state.
Nationwide, farmers are busy planting hedgerows on their land, with 15,000 expected to plant an in- credible length of 5,000 km of new native Irish hedgerows in the next KAW (erase
According to Teagasc this will change the landscape of every parish in Ireland as farmers participate in
the REPS 3 and REPS 4 schemes.
More than 25 farm walks will take place around the country between now and the end of February.
The Teagasc walks will demonstrate best practice in hedgerow planting and maintenance. A full range of na- tive Irish hedgerow species are being planted on farms, including whiteth- orn, holly, hazel, spindle, guelder rose and blackthorn.
“Correct planting methods and maintenance will ensure the estab- lishment and survival of all these new hedges,’ said Tim Hyde, Tea- gasc environment expert.
“This is the start of widespread planting in the countryside so it 1s important to get it right first time.
All the stages, including cultivation, planting, pruning, weed control and fencing, will be featured.”
Most Irish hedgerows were planted in the 1700s and 1800s. Acts of Par- liament were then passed, making it obligatory for landowners to plant hedgerows at that time. Hedgerows along townland boundaries often date from medieval times or earlier.
Over time if hedgerows are not managed they grow into an escaped hedgerow with a thin, gappy base. One management option for such hedgerows under REPS is to rejuve- nate by laying or coppicing.
A further 2,800 km of existing hedgerows will be rejuvenated, and the skill of hedge laying will be
CC aaeyeOecIKceMmDOMBOOT- DIN AMGOleII Non MEvaN a number of events contractors will demonstrate coppicing with a circu- JE Tansy- Me
A range of other demonstrations/ stands will also be presented at this series of Teagasc Biodiversity walks, and may include broadleaved tree planting, traditional orchards, LIN- NET crops for wildlife, The Hen Harrier Scheme and slurry injection methods.
The walks are being held in as- sociation with Coillte Nurseries, Seed Savers, the Hedge Laying As- sociation of Ireland, the Professional Contractors Association of Ireland and others. A full schedule can be viewed on www.teagasc.ie