Choosing an option in REPS 3

Awareness

Awareness of the existence and importance of field margins is the key issue for REPS advisers. Farmers are more likely to manage correctly if they understand. Because management involves a change in practice rather than new activity, it is easy to overlook. The inclusion of extended field margins as an option will help increase awareness.

Cutting

Under Option 9C in tillage, rregular annual cutting of the rough grass field margin is not permitted (except in the first year when it must be mown at least three times in the first year to promote tillering of the grass and aid establishment). However, occasional cutting later in the year when plants have seeded is good. Leave some uncut as safe havens for wildlife. If never mowed or grazed, field margins become invaded by scrub.

Establishment

The concept of reseeding arable field margins is welcome. It further highlights the aim, can help address complaints of problem arable weeds such as scutch grass and cleavers. The source of seed is an issue.

Conservation field margins established by sowing any cereal at fifty per cent of the recommended sowing rate are not fertilised or sprayed. These provide a different habitat with annual arable weeds and associated invertebrates.

Wildflower seeds

Design by Nature, Monavea Cross, Crettyard, Co. Carlow 056 42525 is a producer and supplier of wildflower seeds. wildflow@indigo.ie

Rotational

Rotational set-aside is used by skylarks, which like to nest undisturbed on open land. They are attracted to grassy cover and favour sparse, patchy swards. Lapwings nest where swards are short. Rotational setaside has abundant insect life, attracted to annual flowering weeds. Annual weeds such as fat hen are excellent for birds. Fat hen also known as white goosefoot was gathered and fed to domestic fowl in earlier times. Natural regeneration of rotational setaside provides seed food over winter. These are used by seed eating birds such as linnets and yellowhammers.

Permanent

Permanent setaside with semi-permanent grass cover provides a sward varied in height and structure with tussocks, patches of fine grasses and plenty of flowers. Annual weeds disappear as the sward closes over. This is full of insects and small mammals, providing rich feeding for owls and kestrels. Reed buntings nest on the ground in set-aside. Yellowhammers also do, close to hedgerows. Chicks of both are fed on insects.

Management issues

Up to twenty-five per cent of the setaside area may be left unmown. In non-rotational setaside, rotate unmown areas as necessary to prevent scrub encroachment. Centre out mowing allows young fledglings to escape into the margins. The main benefit is the diverse flora and associated invertebrates because no sprays or fertilisers are used.

How deep?

Water lilies need water deeper than approximately 0.5 m. They will live in shallower water but won’t do well. At least 0.7 m depth is recommended. Fish need water that is deeper than approximately 20 cms, though shallower is excellent for their small fry. Deep water is excellent for fish in very cold weather, but if too deep you can’t see what’s in the pond. Tadpoles and small insects like shallow water. The best solution is to have both: a pond which is about 0.3m deep over a wide area, with a sloping shallow at one end, and a deeper pool somewhere for lilies, into which fish can retreat in colder weather.

A tunnel of ridge tiles from a roof can provide shelter for fish if threatened by fish-eating birds such as herons or kingfishers. However, it’s nice to such birds too! It can be useful to screen off a small loop or bay in the side of the pond with small-mesh wire under the water; this will provide a retreat for smaller fish etc. when threatened by larger fish.

To get water plants to grow really well it is a good idea to partition off a sizeable area with bricks cemented only here and there to allow the passage of water, and fill this with leaf mould. Top the partition with natural stones rising above the water for appearance. If you stop it short of the surface birds tend to stand on the edge and can do a lot of damage to the plants. Keep the earth on the plant side just at surface level so birds don’t mess things up too much. Plant with a wide variety of native emergent plants that you can usually source locally. Marsh marigolds will grow very well, as can bog-bean though it has invasive rhizomes. Yellow flag and bulrushes can be planted in the pond itself away from the walled-off plant section. Water plantain grows well out in the open water, growing up from the bottom. Be careful not to let duckweed take over. And be careful of plants such as Canadian pondweed, which can take over the whole pond.

Small native or naturalised fish are best. Take your time about stocking with fish. Never put fish in at once: they may be killed by the effect of the fresh cement, but this will soon pass. Don’t feed the fish. The rest of the livestock will look after themselves! Water beetles and water boatmen will fly in by night and dragonflies, damselflies, caddis flies, alderflies and lots of others during the day.

If your pond does not have its own water supply, you need to keep it filled from a rainwater supply, and you may need to siphon off the water from the pond at intervals. Most water plants prefer an acid soil, so water with a lot of lime is not good as a rule.

Assess Hedgerows

On site assessment of all hedgerows is required prior to drawing up a farm hedgerow management plan. Consider the following:

• Type of hedgerows
• Previous management history.
• Condition
• Age
• Species richness - whether composed of only one or two shrub species or of several;
• Species rareness
• Presence and frequency of trees;
• Location - their location relative to other habitats
• Location within designated areas such as Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation or Special Protection Areas.
• Archaeological or historical value – Townland boundaries
• Contribution to visual value of the surrounding landscape
• Contribution to amenity value of the surrounding landscape
• Contribution to cultural value of the surrounding landscape
• Adjacent features
• Adjacent land use
• Responsiveness to specific management
• Objectives for the future function of the hedgerow.

Decide on management aims

The extent and state of repair of hedgerows on the farm must be established and used to draw up an appropriate conservation and maintenance programme. Actions required should be clearly identified to maintain and conserve these farm habitats and features. These actions should be considered against the landscape character of the area and how they will contribute to the environmental and amenity value of the farm and surrounding countryside. Management may be limited by cost, practicality and personal interest. Where the extent of planned hedgerow management is limited, priorities should be established. Those of greatest ecological value and those most prominent in the landscape should be selected for maintenance.

Where major wildlife habitats exist on farms consideration should be given to allowing hedgerows that adjoin and link these areas to grow naturally. In general increasing the variety of hedgerows in terms of height, width, shape and species mix will promote diversity in flora and fauna. The most valuable species for wildlife include oak, birch, mountain ash, whitethorn, alder, willow, ash, holly, crab and Scots pine.

Hedgerows give the Irish landscape its distinctive character and field pattern and provide an important wildlife habitat especially for woodland flora and fauna. Mature flowering hedgerows, predominately of whitethorn, provide a strong visual impact in the countryside during May and June each year. A balance of young and mature whitethorn is required for continuity of this impact. An appropriate conservation and maintenance programme promotes the flowering, fruiting, vigour and wildlife potential of hedgerows.

A variety is best. The quest for neatness should not take precedence over ecological and landscape considerations.

Mature relict hedgerows

Mature hedgerowsshould be allowed to grow freely and naturally. Maintenance in these situations should be confined to control of invasive species to prevent field encroachment. Where there are no mature hedgerows on a farm, selected sections should be allowed to develop and blossom freely.

In these instances maintenance should be confined to the light trimming of the sides to curtail outward spread. If necessary, remove overhanging lower branches interfering with normal machinery operations. Side trimming, where required, should be carried out using a two or three year cycle.

Over-managed hedgerows

Inappropriate or untimely maintenance often results in the weakening and ultimate demise of hedgerows. Where they have been cut too often and too low, allow to grow unchecked to regain height and vigour. The extent of recovery will indicate what further action is required.

Trees

If it is decided to allow sapling trees to develop these should be selected singly or in groups at irregular intervals and allocated sufficient space to grow. Where mechanical trimming is required those saplings identified for retention should have the vegetation around them cleared manually and clearly marked to alert the machine operator.

Smooth wood species such as ash and sycamore when topped respond by throwing up many vertical shoots with little lateral growth. Hedgerows consisting a high proportion of these species, which have previously not been managed, should only be side trimmed where necessary. Remove unwanted saplings.

Gappy hedgerows

Gaps may be closed by inplanting. Plant blackthorn quicks, or other suitable shade tolerant species such as holly in prepared ground. Once established, whitethorn can be cut back 75 mm to promote growth. Keep weed free and protect from stock until established.

Guidelines on planting hedgerows

Native species adapted to Irish conditions benefit wildlife more. Locally grown plants, tolerant of local conditions, are likely to thrive. Plants grown from locally collected seed conserves local provenance (origin). Could this be encouraged in each county?

Choice of species will depend on objectives. A high proportion of thorny species are required for a stockproof hedgerow. A variety of species provides a varied food supply for wildlife throughout the year. Include another hedgerow species or climber approximately every metre. Include trees, singly or in groups, at irregular intervals, provided they will be allowed to grow up and are NOT topped when the hedgerow is routinely trimmed.

Plant from late October to March. Autumn is best in free-draining soil, spring in heavy soil. Avoid waterlogged soil and very wet or frosty weather.

Site preparation is critical. Cultivation before planting is essential for optimum growth. Mounding is advisable on wet site. Dig in well rotted Farm Yard Manure.

Two to three year old plants are most suitable. Fibrous healthy roots and thick lower stems are more important than height. Roots must be kept moist before and during planting to avoid drying out and dying. Plant at the same level as previously planted and firm in.

Whitethorn may be cut back to 75mm to promote basal growth. If plastic is used to control weeds, pruning is done at planting to facilitate this. Weed control is critical to prevent smothering and to allow lower branches develop, giving a dense base. This can be done manually, chemically or with mulches of wood chippings, paper, etc.

Exclude livestock using temporary fencing. Consider livestock reach and future access for machine trimming, when positioning the fence. Rabbit-proof fencing may be needed if these are a problem locally.

Replace dead plants. For the first few years after planting, it may be beneficial to cut whitethorn back to 75mm above previous level of cut, gradually shaping into a triangular shape.

Some sources of native species:

• Coillte Nurseries, Ballintemple, Ardattin, Co Carlow 0599155621 www.coilltenurseries.ie
• Future Forests, Kealkill, Bantry, Co. Cork 027 66176 www.futureforests.net

Hedgerow Management and Mechanical Hedgecutting Courses

In response to increasing interest in this issue and changes in REPS 3, Networks for Nature, Teagasc and the Professional Agricultural Contractors Association developed a voluntary hedgecutting training programme. This programme leads to FETAC qualifications.

Courses are offered at four agricultural colleges: Gurteen in Tipperary (067 21282) ; Ballyhaise in Cavan (049 4338108); Pallaskenry in Limerick (061 393100); and Kildalton in Kilkenny (051 643105).

These two-day courses for hedgecutting contractors and farmers will help to understand the environmental, legal and safety requirements of hedgerow management and mechanical hedgecutting. The course costis €200 per participant. Having practised the skills this can lead to a FETAC Certificate demonstrating proficiency in the use of mechanical hedgecutters. The cost of the Proficiency Test is €250. It is carried out at the contractor’s own machine at his own location.

Teagasc Leaflets: Countryside Management Series

1. The Value of Hedgerows
2. Routine Trimming of Hedgerows
3. Hedgerow Rejuvenation
4. New Farm Hedgerows

New Hedgerow Book

Irish Hedgerows: Networks for Nature was produced by Networks for Nature. This is a forum of government departments, semi-state agencies, farming organisations, environmental concerns, academia and business interests. It will be launched by Professor David Bellamy at a national conference on Wednesday 17^th November 2004 in the Radisson SAS Hotel, Athlone. www.networksfornature.com

Maintenance Guidelines

Replace fallen stones regularly, as gaps attract livestock, causing further damage.

Follow good local traditional practice. Carry out repairs using materials and styles similar to the original structure. Don’t fill the centre of dry stone walls with concrete. Cement introduces rigidity into flexible structures, so cracking can occur. It is also impermeable, so can only dry out through exposed stone. Appropriate repairs to mortared walls involves the use of lime. Consult the National Monuments Section of the Department of the Environment about walls surrounding graveyards or other archaeological sites.

A good reference book is ‘Irish Stone Walls’ by Patrick McAfee.

Plant native

Native species are used by more wildlife. Three common species which are not native are beech, sycamore and horse chestnut. They were introduced here in Roman times. While they have become naturalised, farmers will notice they are not generally found growing naturally out the land.

Consider tree height

Tree heights vary. Oak, ash and scots pine grow to over thirty metres. Hazel, holly, hawthorn, spindle, rowan and crab apple remain below fifteen. Alder, aspen, birch and wild cherry are in between.

Get to know what species are growing naturally in your area. These are preferable. Take note of less common species.

Trees remain long after those who plant then (Maireann an crann, ach ní mhaireann an lámh a chur é). Choose carefully.

“Our Trees” is a guide to growing Ireland 's native trees. It is free from the Tree Council of Ireland, The Park, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 (€2 for P&P) 01 2849211.

Watercourse margins

Fencing watercourse margins allows vegetation to grow. This provides a filter preventing nutrients entering watercourses. Vegetation also stabilises banks. It prevents soil erosion and the build-up of silt in rivers. Field margins are used by intensive dairy farmers in New Zealand to protect watercourses.

Two options offer further protection to watercourses. To participate in these options, a farm must have watercourses that require fencing. The farm must be planned to include bovines. Option 3A is to increase watercourse margin s from 1.5 to 2.5 metres. The application of pesticides and chemical fertilisers within this margin is prohibited. Option 3B excludes all bovine access to all watercourses on the farm. A minimum of two piped drinking troughs per farm must be provided in fields adjoining the watercourse(s) in question.

Booklet:

Good Farming Practice and Archaeology by Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Available in Teagasc Offices

Using LINNET crops in the Grey Partridge Area in Offaly

The grey partridge has been in serious decline since the 1950’s and practically gone since 1960. Since 1995, native grey partridge have been removed from the huntable species list; game farmed birds can still be hunted under license. In autumn 2002, there was less than fifty wild partridge remaining in Ireland, which is not considered to be a viable population. The Boora area of west Offaly remains the only breeding location of wild partridges in Ireland.

They have found refuge in cutaway bogs – adding an interesting aspect to the debate on future land use of 80,000 hectares of cutaway bogland arising within the next thirty years. This is typified in Lough Boora Parklands in County Offaly, location of the Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Project.

Irish Grey Partridge Conservation Project

Since 1992, research by Zoologist, Dr Brendan Kavanagh of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has been conducted on the grey partridge in Boora. This work is currently funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. In 1996, in conjunction with Bórd na Móna, a conservation programme was instigated.

While predation on healthy populations in suitable habitat is normal, predators can cause significant declines when a species is a vulnerable level. The project aims to reduce predation levels.

Since 1997 both average and maximum covey size has declined. Small brood sizes are a sign of genetic depression. Given the low number of grey partridge in the population, there is a disproportionate contribution by one or two individuals to subsequent populations. This has been occurring for generations. If not addressed, this would accelerate the decline of the species. The decision to import wild grey partridge from France to augment the native Irish birds was taken in view of the loss of genetic diversity.

Creation of habitats

After hatching, partridge chicks feed on insects to grow and feather-up quickly. Without this protein-rich diet, they become stunted and die. They need areas where broods can safely forage in early summer. A crop with a canopy protects chicks from birds of prey.

Adult grey partridges feed mainly on seeds. They like setaside, winter stubbles, harvested rootcrops and weedy areas. Modern combine harvesters leave little spilt grain. Early cultivation for winter crops buries spilt grain and weed seeds. Partridges need cover for shelter and protection from predators.

In Boora, crops are sown to provide a habitat in which birds can safely forage. Nesting cover, chick-rearing cover and winter food crops are sown in 0.25 hectare strips, fifteen metres wide. Strips maximise the length of edge. Crops are sown on a three-year rotation. Linseed provides food, as do germinating weeds such as redshank and chickweed in unsprayed crops. Linseed; which is a relatively cheap seed, triticale; which is more expensive and stubble turnips are ideal for partridges. Mixes including kale, forage rape and jonty provide cover particularly in winter. Fodder radish provides rapid cover in winter. It can be broadcast into stubbles after harvest in autumn. It has the added advantage of providing green cover over winter. Game crop with quinoa and kale, which is designed for pheasants, is too high and dense for partridge.

With increasing day-length from Christmas partridges start to pair. They look for nest sites on free-draining soil on a slope preferably facing south with shelter from prevailing weather. Nests are a shallow scrape in the ground concealed in dead vegetation such as rank tussocky grass, herbaceous perennials, game cover and nettle beds. In Boora, nesting banks are 1.5 metres high to prevent flooding of nests. They are sown with non-commercial grasses including cocksfoot, canary grass, timothy and bent.

An area of farmland surrounding Boora is potential location for the expansion of grey partridge populations. LINNET plots on farms in this ‘Grey Partridge Area’ could help their survival.

Website www.greypartridge.ie

Group 1 Supplementary Measures

Payments on these three replace basic REPS payments on areas involved. However they do not reduce the number of hectares paid at the high rate of €200 (unless farms less than twenty hectares). Creation of these new habitats will not reduce the Single Farm Payment.

Group 2 Supplementary Measures

These are top up payments additional to basic REPS payments.