Farmers are now permitted to trim hedges on their farm, with a deadline of 28 February to complete any required cutting.

The cutting, grubbing, burning or destruction by other means of vegetation growing on uncultivated land or in hedges or ditches is restricted between 1 March and 31 August.

It is recommended that the hedge should be side-trimmed and cut into a triangle shape, with the base slightly wider than the top.

This will allow more light into the base of the hedge, which should help to thicken up in time. A dense cover at the base of the hedge creates a better nesting environment for birds, while also creating a stronger fence and increased source of shelter.

It is recommended to leave individual whitethorns at regular intervals along the hedge and allow them to grow into mature tree.

Farmers who planted hedges through Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environmental Scheme (GLAS) should assess how the hedge has developed.

Any gaps that may have formed should be filled, with two-year-old whips recommended, as they have a better chance of competing with existing vegetation.

Hedgerows are designated landscape features under Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) requirements, so farmers are obliged to retain and maintain designated landscape features.

Since 2009, landscape features under GAEC include hedgerows, including gappy hedgerows; trees in a line; drains and ditches; and combinations of hedge, drain and area within fence.

All those features are eligible for payments under the Basic Payment Scheme and, according to the Department, must be retained on the holding.

Where a hedgerow must be removed, a replacement hedge of the same length must be planted before the existing hedge is cut down. Where a landscape feature is required to be removed, it must also be replaced in advance, like for like of similar length. For example, you cannot replace a length of hedgerow with a line of trees.

Farmers who would like to carry out restructuring of land or carry out land drainage work over certain thresholds must comply with the EIA regulations.