ACRES hedgerow-planting deadline

ACRES Tranche 1 farmers have now less than one month to get their tree- and hedgerow-planting requirements completed.

The dates for the completion of these options for ACRES tranche 1 is March 31.

It is estimated that approximately 5,000 farmers will plant 2,000km of new hedges under ACRES, adding to Ireland’s extensive network of hedgerows. Farmers will also plant trees, orchards and trees in riparian zones to stabilise soil structure and reduce nutrient losses.

For farmers who are planting new hedges, the new hedge must consist of at least five plants per metre in a double-staggered row. All newly planted hedgerows must be protected from livestock with an appropriate permanent stock-proof fence.

This fence may need to be moved out further as the hedgerow grows and expands.

Grass and other vegetation must be controlled around the plants annually to aid establishment.

Plant one tree at least every 50 metres, and let them mature without cutting, or you can leave a hedgerow species mature into a tree every 50 metres. These should be protected with a tree guard or shelter.

Prepare the ground along at least 1.5-metre-wide strip to provide good soil conditions and as little competition from other vegetation as possible.

There have been some amendments to the planting of hedges for ACRES. Due to the increased demand for hedgerow plants, the Department of Agriculture has announced that participants who select the Whitethorn species as their chosen hedgerow species will no longer have to meet the Irish Provenance or Irish Origin requirement when purchasing plants from DAFM-registered professional operators.

This amendment relates only Whitethorn species; it does not encompass the other seven hedgerow species that are listed in the specification documents for the hedge-planting action.

It is also no longer a requirement to plant at least three species or to have not more than 85 per cent of one species making up the total.

Other suitable species include blackthorn, dog rose, guelder rose, hazel, holly, spindle and alder buckthorn that can be incorporated into hedges, and all are very suited to being planted within a hedge, each bringing their own ecological benefits.

For the tree-planting requirement, trees can be planted in either rows, groups or parkland styles.

Trees should be pit planted in a vegetation-free area.

Clear the area prior to planting so plants are planted on a weed-free area.

Purchased trees must be a minimum of 60 centimetres in height.

Plant at least three native tree species, of which not more than 25 per cent of trees planted are Scots pine.

Maintain at least four-metre spacing between each tree. All trees need to be fitted with a staked tree shelter, except for Scots pine.

These should be a minimum 75 centimetres in height.

Planting trees in riparian Zones was another popular measure farmers in General Acres. The objective of this measure is to protect water quality by enhancing nutrient uptake while also supporting biodiversity.

Riparian buffer zones will benefit from the planting of appropriate tree species to enhance erosion-interception and provide improved bank stability.

Over time, the roots of the tree and the tree canopy will intercept subsurface and aerial pollutant pathways.

Again, purchased trees must

be a minimum 60 centimetres in height.

All trees must be fitted with a staked tree shelter, of a minimum 75 centimetres in height.

The minimum spacing between trees, meanwhile, is four metres.

With all these measures, grass and other competing vegetation must be controlled. Under all the measures detailed, trees must be protected with appropriate fencing.

Also, failed plants must be replaced at the next planting season.

Contact your local tree supplier soon to ensure supply.

Should farmers require any further details on their planting requirements for ACRES, they should contact their farm advisor, who can supply you with the tree and hedging species and specifications that are acceptable under ACRES.