Hedgerows are important heritage features. They provide food and shelter for a range of wildlife, including birds, insects and wildflowers and are an important part of our landscape.

The Wildlife Act, 1976 as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, gives some protection to wildlife in hedgerows. Under Section 46 of the Wildlife Amendment Act, 2000, it is forbidden to cut or remove hedgerows or destroy other vegetation during the bird nesting season, from the 1st of March to the 31st of August each year.

Summary Guidelines for hedgerow trimming to benefit wildlife.

• Trim hedgerows in rotation, so that some areas are always left uncut
• Aim to trim a hedge every three years.
• Aim for a triangular 'A' shape and allow the top to grow as high as possible.
• Aim to trim in late winter (January/February) so that vital nuts and berries are available as food for wildlife in the autumn.
• Try to avoid spray drift and fertiliser from reaching the hedgerow - leave a 1.5m margin between crop or pasture and hedgerow.
• Leave some trees to grow to full height.

The internet is a good resource for finding out more about hedgerows. The following website is an ongoing study of a Donegal hedgerow and is very useful for identifying flora and fauna

http://homepage.eircom.net/~hedgerow12/index.htm.

The Irish Wildlife Trust is also good for providing general advice:

http://www.iwt.ie/

The Organic Centre runs courses on hedgelaying as well as appreciating the value of hedgerows:

www.theorganiccentre.ie

Teagasc also offer advice:

http://www.teagasc.ie/advisory/environment/biodiversity.htm#commonhabitats

When hedgerows need to be trimmed, the hedge and tree cuttings should be reused or recycled in the following manner:

• Allowing them to compost naturally back into the exisitng hedgerow
• Mulching or shredding them on site
• Tranport them to the nearest recycling centre for shredding or mulching
• Storing them until dry and burning them in domestic fire. The cinders and ash should be spread thinly on the ground in calm conditions (wood ash is readily soluble unlike coal or turf ash). wooodash adds to the fertility of soil. If this is not possible, the ash should be considered to be municipal domestic waste and disposed of accordingly.

Where the above is not possible, it is permissable to burn this waste, but only in certain circumstances guided by the following regulations:

Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009

The purpose of these Regulations is to make more explicit the offence of disposal of waste by uncontrolled or unregulated burning and outlines the actions which are prohibited by the Regulations, including disposal of household waste within the curtilage of a building and backyard burning of waste. Waste burners are also outlawed unless regulated under the Air Pollution Act.

Exemption is provided for certain agricultural practices but only as a last resort and after specified steps are taken to, reduce and recycle waste arising. This exemption applies until 1st January 2014 when such activities will require registration with Kildare County Council.

The burning of waste relates solely to material consisting of uncontaminated wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush or other similar waste generated by agriculture practices, but excluding garden and park wastes and cemetery wastes and wastes arising from infrastructural development works, provided that such burning is done as a final measure following the application of the waste hierarchy as described of section 5 of the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) Regulations 2009.

Any uncontrolled burning of waste that causes, or is likely to cause, pollution is now explicitly in breach of both the Waste Management and Air Pollution legislation and Kildare County Council will instigate legal action against offenders.

If you require further information / clarification on this please contact the Environment Section at 045-980588

For further information or application form to notify Kildare County Council of the intention to carry out the disposal of Agricultural waste as described in the Regulations please visit www.environ.ie or download the application form at the bottom of this page.

Farm plastics

News- please note that three collections of large plastic drums and farm plastics for recycling have been scheduled for Kildare in 2011:

• 25th Jan, Peter robinson's yard, Maynooth
• 26th Jan, Adam Goodwin's yard, Athy
• 27th Jan, Kilcullen Mart, Kilcullen

All drums must be triple rinsed on arrival.

FRS Recycling is a leading provider of innovative, efficient and cost effective management services for waste plastics. Operating across Ireland via the FRS Network of affiliated co-operatives, FRS Recycling offers a closed loop service from supply of recycled plastic products to the management of waste plastics for recycling. This collection complies with all relevant waste legislation.

For further Information Contact Ronan Skelly on 1890 222 100 or 087-2978351

Nutrient Management Planning aims to protect the quality of water resources by avoiding pollution from agriculture. Teagasc advisory staff are trained in Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) and can provide plans to meet the needs of Local Authorities and for tax relief.

Recent research carried out on 12 intensive dairy farms indicates that these farmers could save up to €2,540 per farm by following a Nutrient Management Plan. There would be a positive environmental impact from these farmers following the implementation of a NMP.

The Nutrient Management Plan provides detailed fertiliser advice based on soil analysis and crop requirements. The plan will also consist of farmyard management advice and a Code of Practice for safe land applications of manures and fertilisers.

You can reach our Nutrient Management Planning services at Teagasc County Office and our Chief Environment Adviser is Sean Regan who can be contacted at: sregan@athenry.teagasc.ie

This Code of Practice has been designed to maintain optimum production of quality food while at the same time minimising nutrient loss through leaching, run-off or losses to air, and thereby prevent any avoidable rise in nitrate and phosphate levels in water.

There are two excellent reasons for doing so:

1.     Plant nutrients are valuable.1 tonne of nutrient N costs over €5001 tonne of nutrient P costs over €10001 tonne of nutrient K costs over €380

2.     Our waterways must be protected from nutrient enrichment. The EC Water Quality Directive requires that drinking water must not contain more than 50mg/l. nitrate (11.3mg/l, expressed as N) and establishes a guideline level of 25 mg/l. of nitrate. Phosphorus and nitrogen in water may give rise to eutrophication. Nutrient enrichment of the water leads to an over growth of algae and aquatic plants which in turn cause a depletion of oxygen in the water, leaving it unable to sustain other forms of life. If animal manure finds its way into water it increases biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) levels and depletes oxygen supply. Resultant harmful bacteria contamination of the water is a health hazard. Nitrate and phosphates are released, increasing vegetative growth and leading to further eutrophication.

In Ireland the quality of our water is good. It is important that we now redouble our efforts to ensure that our existing high water quality is preserved while improving the quality of our polluted waters.

1.     Aim to have all N fertiliser applied by early to mid-September

2.     Use only the recommended levels of N which take account of the availability of soil N

3.     Avoid N fertiliser application during extended drought periods

4.     Maintain a balance of nutrients in the soil. A deficiency of other nutrients can increase the potential for nitrate leaching.

1.     Match fertiliser application to yield expectations making due allowance for animal manure applied

2.     When applying inorganic fertiliser avoid direct contamination of water courses by leaving a buffer zone of 1.5m

3.     Avoid fertiliser spreading on or near hedgerows

4.     Do not apply fertiliser when heavy rain is forecast

5.     Do not apply fertiliser when soils are saturated

6.     Do not apply fertiliser when soils are frozen or snow covered

7.     Maintain spreading equipment in prime condition and calibrate equipment for even application.

1.     Apply animal manures at rates which take account of the crop requirements. The shortfall between the nutrients applied in the manure and crop requirements should be made up with fertilisers.

2.     Cattle slurry should be recycled to land conserved for hay or silage at not more than 55m3 per ha (5,000 gls per acre) per year, and not more than 33m3 /ha(3,000 gls per acre) in one application. Root crops can accept 44m3 /ha (4,000 gls per acre) in one application early in the growing season

3.     Pig slurry should be applied at lower rates because of its higher phosphorus content. 27.5m3 /ha (2,500 gls per acre) may be applied for first cut silage and to root crops. 11m3 per ha (1,000 gls per acre) per year will normally be adequate for grazing and cereals

4.     Slurry should be applied when plants require the nutrients ie as early as possible in the growing season

5.     Farm Yard Manure (FYM) should be stored to minimise nutrient loss and applied to soil using Teagasc recommendations

6.     Do not apply slurry when heavy rain is forecast within 48 hours

7.     Do not apply slurry to soils that are saturated

8.     Do not apply slurry when soils are frozen or snow covered

9.     When applying slurry avoid direct contamination of watercourses by leaving adequate buffer strips.Streams and drains: 10metres- Lakes and rivers: 20metres-Domestic wells: 50metres- Public water sources: 50-300 metres

10. Maintain spreading equipment in prime condition and calibrate equipment for even application

11. Minimise slurry odour and nutrient losses to air by adopting a common sense approach· Avail of suitable weather conditions· Use of best practices

Band spreading is more environmentally friendly than a splash plate.

1.     Whenever possible, avoid leaving soil bare over the winter. The growing of winter crops or catch crops reduces nitrate leaching.

When devising a fertiliser programme the soil fertility status must be known on foot of regular soil testing. The amounts applied can then be determined to ensure optimum yields without causing environmental damage. There must be full recognition of all sources of nutrients, both organic and inorganic. Regular soil testing is very important to help maintain a balance of nutrients in the soil.

Appendix-

Fertilisers

Make sure that you understand the precise nature of the recommendation. Kilograms per hectare (kg/ha) are different from units per acre.

1 unit per acre = 1.23kg/ha

100 units per acre = 123kg/ha

Examples

1 bag of 27.5% N = 27.5 units N = 13.7kg N

1 bag of 18-6-12 = 18.0 units N = 9.0kg N

                           = 6.0 units P = 3.0kg P

                           = 12.0 units K = 6.0kg K

1 hectare (ha) = 2.47 acres

1 part per million (ppm = 1 milligram pr litre (1mg/l)

The nutrient content of animal manure varies with the dilution. The recommendations in the Code of Practice relate to well stored animal manure.

Covered slatted stored cattle slurry would have 7 % to 8% dry matter.

Note - 11m3 per hectare = 1,000 gallons per acre.

tonnes (4,572 kgs) of dungstead manure are the equivalent weight of 1,000 gallons of slurry.

Guide values for the nutrient content of a range of farm slurries and manures is given below.

*Note all the nitrogen is not available for plant growth. Its availability can vary from 0 to 50% depending on type of manure, time and method of application. Only 25% of the nitrogen is available for Spring applications. Assume no nitrogen contribution from slurry or manure applied at other times of the year.

The steps which must be taken may be summarised as follows:

Apply the correct amounts of fertiliser at the right times and at the right rates in suitable conditions

Care must be taken at all stages in the collection, storage and application of animal manures. It must also be applied in the correct amounts at the right times, in the right places, and in suitable conditions.

Determine crop requirements by soil testing and cropping history. Correct Nutrient Management Planning means using organic manures efficiently and making up the balance with inorganic fertilisers to meet requirements.

Avoid leaving soil bare in winter wherever possible.

The following document offers advice on preventing water pollution from farms:

Precautions to be taken when burning gorse, heather and grass

• Before carrying out any burning, landowners should contact The Fire Brigade Control Centre at 045 454801 at least one day before it is proposed to burn. The location, time and duration should be given.

• Burning should be started early in the day.

• A fire break of at least 50 feet (16 metres) metres should be made at the outside of the area to be burned.

• Inform the owner or forester in charge of any woodland nearby.

• Inform your neighbours to prevent alarm.

• Check the weather forecast and do not burn in exceptionally dry conditions where strengthening or variable winds are likely.

• Burn against the direction in which the wind is blowing.

• Do not attempt to carry out the operation alone. Enlist sufficient help to ensure that the burning is carried out efficiently, effectively and safely.

• If possible have a mobile water tanker (e.g. slurry tanker) or crop sprayer with a hose attachment.

• No burning should be carried out at night.

• Remember that strong fire creates its own wind currents so don’t allow it to burn too fast.

• If the fire gets out of control and threatens buildings or woodlands, call the Fire Brigade immediately by dialling 999/112 and meet the Fire Brigade to show them the best route to the fire.

• Keep children away from the area being burned.

• Before leaving the area make sure that the fire is completely out. Return later to check, confirm to Fire Brigade Control, via 999 system, that controlled burning has been completed.

• Remember, it is an offence to start fires within 50 feet (16 metres) of a public road.

• Burning is prohibited between 1st March and 31st August each year. Landowners have a special responsibility to preserve the countryside, its landscape and its wildlife. They should take reasonable precautions to ensure that uncontrolled fires do not occur on their property.

Under Section 35 (3) of the Fire Services Act, 1981 and Section 2 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No 2) Act, 1983, Kildare County Council currently imposes a charge on the owner of the property, or beneficial occupier for the cost of the Fire Brigade’s being turned out consequent to a fire.
However, where Kildare County Council is satisfied that the landowner has taken reasonable precaution to guard against an uncontrolled outbreak of fire or where it is shown exceptional hardship exists, it may, at its own discretion, decide to waiver part or all of the charge.

Burning Straw

 

  The National Safety Council has a “Straw and Stubble Burning Code” which should be studied by anyone planning to burn straw.  The most important point is to ensure that the smoke or smut does not cause nuisance or danger to neighbouring properties, users of the public road or members of the public.

Before burning ensure a fire break of at least 15 metres wide exists by removing the straw and cultivating this strip.  It is an offence to start a fire within 15 metres of a public road.  Most importantly check with your local fire officer as to be in accordance with any bye-law.

Burning agricultural waste

Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal by Burning) Regulations 2009

The purpose of these Regulations is to make more explicit the offence of disposal of waste by uncontrolled or unregulated burning and outlines the actions which are prohibited by the Regulations, including disposal of household waste within the curtilage of a building and backyard burning of waste. Waste burners are also outlawed unless regulated under the Air Pollution Act.
Exemption is provided for certain agricultural practices but only as a last resort and after specified steps are taken to, reduce and recycle waste arising.  This exemption applies until 1st January 2014 when such activities will require registration with Kildare County Council.
The burning of waste relates solely to material consisting of uncontaminated wood, trees, tree trimmings, leaves, brush or other similar waste generated by agriculture practices, but excluding garden and park wastes and cemetery wastes and wastes arising from infrastructural development works, provided that such burning is done as a final measure following the application of the waste hierarchy as described of section 5 of the Waste Management (Prohibition of Waste Disposal By Burning) Regulations 2009.
Any uncontrolled burning of waste that causes, or is likely to cause, pollution is now explicitly in breach of both the Waste Management and Air Pollution legislation and Kildare County Council will instigate legal action against offenders.
If you require further information / clarification on this please contact the Environment Section at 045-980588
For further information or application form to notify Kildare County Council of the intention to carry out the disposal of Agricultural waste as described in the Regulations please visit www.environ.ie or download the application form here: