National Hedgerow Week launched at Birr Castle
National Hedgerow Week 2024 was launched by Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity Pippa Hackett at a farmland biodiversity event in Birr Castle last week.
National Hedgerow Week, which is jointly coordinated by Teagasc and the Heritage Council, is an initiative highlighting the value of hedgerows in our landscapes and provides an opportunity for farmers, ecologists and the public to celebrate the versatility of our hedges.
A programme of free events will be taking place across the country up until Friday, September 6, focused on how to plant and manage hedgerows to maximise the benefits for biodiversity, climate and farmers.
This full schedule will allow National Hedgerow Week 2024 to engage communities, raise awareness, and celebrate the vital role of hedgerows in Ireland’s environmental and cultural landscape.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday, August 28, Minister Hackett said, "Hedgerows are in many ways the lifeblood of our countryside, offering sanctuary to wildlife, improving soil health, and connecting fragmented habitats.
“By caring for and protecting our hedgerows, we can safeguard the natural heritage that defines our rural communities as well as delivering for carbon sequestration, soil health, water quality and biodiversity."
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan TD highlighted the cultural and historical significance of hedgerows.
He said, "Ireland’s hedgerows are not just a feature of our landscape; they are a living link to our past. These ancient boundaries tell the stories of our ancestors and provide a unique habitat that is central to our biodiversity. Protecting them is not just an environmental imperative but a cultural one."
Chief Executive of the Heritage Council Virginia Teehan remarked, "The Heritage Council is delighted to partner with Teagasc for this important and valuable celebration of our farming heritage.
“Our network of local authority heritage and biodiversity officers across the country will be a key component of the success of this week in raising awareness of the value of hedgerows."
Teagasc Countryside Management Specialist Dr Catherine Keena, said: "Hedges are an integral feature of our countryside and farmers are the custodians of the land. Through sustainable management practices, farmers can enhance biodiversity, sequester carbon and protect water quality.
“National Hedgerow Week is an opportunity to showcase the benefits of well-managed hedgerows and to encourage continued best practices."
For more information on National Hedgerow Week 2024 and to view the full list of events, please visit teagasc.ie.