Project Description

Hedgerows - in this context this includes traditional hedgerows, sod hedges and road verges - have a special status in Ireland. In a country with as little woodland cover as Ireland, hedgerows have taken on the role of woodlands and are one of the most important habitats in the country. Restrictions on cutting hedgerows are set out in Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 and amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Heritage Act 2018.

However clear and factual information on what classifies as a hedgerow, when and how it should be trimmed and what actions should be avoided to keep the plants and animals residing in the hedgerow safe, and why these plants and animals need to be protracted in the first place, is sketchy and hard to find.

This project envisages a farming community led research, planning and implementation (with support from Loop Head Together, state bodies and NGOs as needed) to find a balance between farming needs and the safeguard and improvement of hedgerow habitats and its inhabitants on the Loop Head Peninsula.

This could be done in the following stages:

• Research, map and rank the peninsula’s hedgerows and sod hedges.

• Develop a preservation strategy: Which hedge should be trimmed when and in which way?

• Develop an improvement strategy: How can existing hedgerows be improved and new hedgerows be introduced to benefit both farmers and biodiversity?

• Lobby for better and increased governmental (both national and European) support for the preservation and improvement of hedgerows.

• Make arrangements so hedge-cutting duties are performed by the Loop Head communities, not by outside contractors.

Project Justification & Objectives

Hedgerows are not only one of Ireland’s most important and species-rich habitats, supporting a multitude of plants and animals, a healthy hedgerow also positively influences the local microclimate and hydrologic balance of the land and provides shelter for livestock.

To get the best benefits from hedgerows for both wildlife, livestock and landowners a structured, peninsula-wide approach is desirable.

Potential Project Stakeholders*

• Loop Head Farming Community

• Landowners

• Kerry Agri Business

• Teagasc

• Hedge Laying Association Ireland

• Irish Wildlife Trust

• Loop Head Together

*Potential Project Stakeholders means all stakeholders have not necessarily yet been contacted to help co-design the project, but are mentioned here as they would be a desirable project partner. We may have forgotten some - please let us know!