wildlife Archives – Fingal S.P.C.A.

Hedgerow Cutting Ban in Force

HEDGEROW CUTTING BAN IS USUALLY IN FORCE FROM March 1st until September 1st. Under the Wildlife Acts, hedgerow cutting is banned during the period March 1st to August 31st inclusive. This ban is legally enforced, and many prosecutions have been taken by excellent National Parks and Wildlife conservation officers charged with protecting our diminishing heritage. Burning, cutting, and grubbing vegetation during this period is also prohibited. If you see anyone breaching the law, take photos of the incident and machinery and contact your local National Parks and Wildlife Service officer. You can also contact the Gardaí.

Tractor cutting a hedgerow with words Hedge cutting ban from March 1st to 31st August

The following are the contact details for the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Eastern region: https://www.npws.ie/contact-us/eastern-division Northern region: https://www.npws.ie/contact-us/northern-division Western region: https://www.npws.ie/contact-us/western-division Southern region: https://www.npws.ie/contact-us/southern-division In Ireland, our relatively low cover of native woodland makes our hedgerows exceptionally important for biodiversity. Hedgerows provide botanical diversity as well as food and shelter for animals, most notably birds. They also act as corridors connecting habitats. Untrimmed, thorny hedges are favoured by birds, but birds may nest in any hedge. #education

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER AN INJURED BIRD?

It should be kept in mind that the majority of baby birds found outside the nest are not in distress or in need of help.

If you encounter a baby bird out in the open, moving it to a safer location with some cover may help its chances. If the chick is very young (with few or no feathers) and you know where the nest is, the best thing to do is to pop the chick back in and let the parents continue to care for it. Do not stay in the vicinity as you may frighten off the adult birds and cause unnecessary stress to the chicks.

Remember in Ireland all gulls and their active nests are protected by National and European Wildlife Legislation/Directives.

If you find an injured animal in your garden or outside, please consult the following web resources, which provides information on what you should do and the veterinary and rehabilitation professionals you can contact:

Click here for the Irish Wildlife Matters Website

The ISPCA

The Irish Wildlife Hospital