On Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:59:36 +0100, "BluntChisel"
wrote:

Hello -

I've inherited responsibility for maintaining a couple of hundred metres of
unkempt hedgerow in Devon. The hedge contains many different species, with
some of them being ferociously spiky. I've got a sturdy petrol hedgetrimmer
with a longish reach, and I don't mind the exercise at all.

What's the best time for trimming it? It seems a pity to trim it now,
because it's full of berries, insects and birds.
The local farmers seem to trim their hedges in the early autumn, but would
that deprive the birds of berries for the winter?

Any tips gratefully received.


The following NE guidance for hedgerows under agri-environment schemes
may be of help. Please note that the cutting cycles are based on
in-field hedgerows rather than boundaries abutting a highway or path.

Hedgerow management
Hedges should be maintained to a height which is customary to the
local landscape, but no less than 1.5 m. A mixture of heights and
widths will provide the best range of habitat.

Do not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures or pesticides to land
within 2 m of the centre of the hedgerow.

Hedgebanks should be maintained in a style that is customary to the
area.

Cut each hedge no more than once every two calendar years. Avoid
cutting all hedges in the same year. For public safety, the side of
the hedge and margin next to a road or enclosed public path may be
trimmed more frequently.

Do not cut during the bird-breeding season (1 March to 31 July).

Hedgelaying/coppicing should be completed before 1 March. However, in
exceptional circumstances work may continue up to 1 April, provided
that you conduct a survey to ensure there are no nesting birds
present.


Enhanced hedgerow management
Maintain hedges to a height which is customary to the local landscape,
but no less than 2 m. A mixture of heights and widths will provide the
best range of habitat.

Cut no more than one third of your hedges in each calendar year, and
do not cut them between 28 February and 1 September.

Cut each hedge/hedgebank no more than once every three calendar years.
Where necessary for public safety, the side of the hedge next to a
road or enclosed public path may be trimmed more frequently.

rbel