Open landscape buffer strips will be established and maintained to maintain biodiversity and ecological connectivity. The buffer strips will also protect other ecosystems from pesticides and chemically synthesised mineral fertilisers used on agricultural land. The recommended width of the Open landscape buffer strips is an average of 5 metres, with an optimum of 1-10 metres.
Description of the action
Maintain hedges by gradually pruning them. Ensure that hedgesvary in age and structure. If hedges contain dead or damaged trees, prune their crowns but avoid complete removal. Avoid pruning hedges during the bird nesting season (March to September).
Why?
Hedges provide opportunities to connect different natural ecosystems. They offer nesting and shelter for various animal and bird species, as well as a food base. Grass strips along hedges provide growing conditions for flowers and grasses. Gradual pruning ensures that part of the hedge blooms and bears fruit each year. Some hedge plants develop flower buds in their second year of growth, so hedge pruning can be spread over multiple years. It is important to maintain a diverse structure and age to provide habitats for different species.
