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As the hedge cutting deadline approaches, Hedgerows Ireland has urged landowners to avoid using heavy mulching heads for maintenance. These machines reduce hedges to low heights but can damage hedge health, leading to disease and plant death.

This trend is partly attributed to the green vegetation burning ban that took effect in November 2023. The organization emphasizes that healthy hedgerows are vital for biodiversity, providing benefits such as flood protection, shelter, and carbon storage. To promote sustainable practices, Hedgerows Ireland is lobbying for better farm payment incentives in the next Common Agricultural Policy.