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Bird nesting season does not end early - An Taisce
08 Jun 2015: posted by the editor - Environment, Ireland

An Taisce has asked the Irish  Farmers' Association (IFA) to release the scientific evidence that they are using to justify altering the current hedge cutting and gorse burning dates.

An Taisce said that the IFA’s (1) claim, that 'There is a real basis for a shorter closed period, as the nesting season now occurs earlier', made after meeting Minister Humphreys to persuade her to shorten the restricted period under the current review of permitted hedge cutting and gorse burning dates by her Department, required proof.

“Further, their argument that changing the hedge cutting season will improve road safety is false. Under the current legislation hedges can already be cut if there is a potential health and safety issue. For instance, enlightened Local Authorities ensure that only a short distance either side of junctions is cut for road safety and the rest is left.

“Given the dramatic decline in farm biodiversity since the 1970's this is an extremely negative stance for the IFA to take and it is completely against the Green image that the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia are trying to portray,”

(1) http://www.ifa.ie/ifa-welcomes-minister-humphreys-commitment-to-address-hedge-cutting-and-gorse-burning-dates/#.VXWpOtLBzGd

Tags: hedge cutting, bird nesting

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