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THE RURAL STEWARDSHIP SCHEME 22. Management of
Extended Hedges
| Aim: To create hedges that are wider and
taller than normal which, along with the adjacent undisturbed areas, will support
a diverse range of plants as well as habitats for invertebrates, birds and small
mammals. Some BAP species that may benefit: Song thrush,
Bullfinch, Grey partridge, Purple ramping-fumitory. Eligible sites:
A strip of arable or improved grassland situated alongside an existing
or newly created hedge | Management Requirements:
| 
Extended Hedge Photo: Derek Robson
| - All
livestock must be excluded and no arable cultivations may be carried out within
a strip extending to at least 3 metres and up to 6 metres from the centre line
of the hedge.
- When the hedge is trimmed it must not be
trimmed again for at least 3 years. Hedges should be trimmed between 1 December
and 1 March.
- The grass in the strip must not be cut, unless with the
prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
- Fertiliser, slurry or
manure must not be applied to the site.
- Pesticides may be applied only
with the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers.
Also...
- Areas receiving management payment under RSS are not eligible for
AAPS. Where during the 5 year agreement the area managed for an extended hedge
is subject to rotational or non-rotational set-aside no action need be taken as
it has been agreed the amount of dual-funding involved is insufficient to justify
corrective action.
- Creation of an extended hedge must be undertaken at
the relevant time during the first year of participation in the scheme, and must
be maintained and managed for a period of not less than 5 years.
- Consideration
should be given to the planting of appropriate native-species trees and shrubs
in hedge gaps.
- Where only one side of the hedgerow is being managed under
this prescription, for example roadside hedge, the other side must be cut no more
frequently than once a year and between 1 December and 1 March.
| Grey Partridge
| box 3.15 |
| 
Grey partridge
Photo: © The Game Conservancy Trust
|
Once a widespread gamebird, the grey partridge population has declined
by 80% in the last 30 years; in Scotland it has been lost from a quarter of its
previous breeding range. Grey partridges breed in open farmland with few
trees. They favour field margins (Prescription 20) and
arable crops with weeds (Prescriptions 21,
24). Grey partridge nest in hedge bottoms (Prescriptions 22, 23),
grass banks (Prescription 20), cereal, game cover and
nettle beds. Adults feed on grass, cereal shoots and seeds. Weeds are a
vital food source - as plant matter, a source of seeds, and as an insect-rich
habitat. Chicks are dependant on insects for the first two weeks after hatching.
Herbicides and broad-spectrum insecticides are likely to reduce chick survival.
In winter, weed-rich stubble and fodder crop fields, areas of unharvested
crop (Prescription 26) set-aside, game cover and field
margins (Prescription 20) provide vital over-wintering
food supplies. | < Previous | Contents | Next > | 
