Hedgerows Ireland has warned of “very serious” long‑term impacts from the growing use of heavy mulching heads on mature hedgerows, as the hedge‑cutting season draws to a close at the end of the month. Hedgerows Ireland, alongside the IFA and ICMSA, is lobbying for improved incentives in the next CAP to support “more sustainable and less intensive hedge management practices”. While Moore acknowledges that “every hedge is different and one size doesn’t fit all”, the group argues that some basic principles can protect hedge health. The group also advises leaving old or ancient hedges uncut, rejuvenating gappy hedges by coppicing or hedge‑laying on a very limited rotation, leaving margins of uncultivated land beside hedges, and avoiding fertiliser and pesticide drift. Above all, the group warns farmers to “avoid mulching heads for hedge maintenance”, describing them as “very destructive” and likely to reduce mature, productive hedges “to pulp” with resulting losses in wildlife habitat and carbon storage.

Source: Irish Independent February 17, 2026 10:04 UTC