ditch between two fields

Tomjim

There is an old ditch in the middle of 2 fields that I own and I was thinking of taking the ditch out as it is all gaps and overgrown. The ditch could be 500 metres long and is mostly blackthorn,

Would it be worth anything for timber or chipping

Silverdream

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058254320/ditch-between-two-fields

Worth nothing, but be careful knocking ditches 500 meters is a long length. The dept might not be too happy about doing that

wrangler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119332954#Comment_119332954

You wouldn't be allowed take it out without having one of equivalent length sown

Base price

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119333013#Comment_119333013

Yep, the hedge that you intend to remove has to have a replacement hedge planted and growing prior to removal. As Silverdream posted if the hedge is 500m or more you have to apply to DAFM for screening (approval) prior to removing it. There are serious consequences if you do not.

‘If the length of field boundary to be removed is greater than 500 metres or the area of lands to be restructured by removal of field boundaries is above 5 ha then an application to DAFM for screening is required.

Screening is also required...

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/bb591e-statement-on-illegal-removal-of-hedgerows/

wrangler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119333235#Comment_119333235

Some change in policy alright.

Any ditches I removed in the 1980s cost less than the grant at the time.

ruwithme

Coppicing i imagine is what the op is thinking of doing & not actually removing the ditch bank.

If not op, the cattle will thank you for leaving it there for shelter from all elements.

Tomjim

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119334419#Comment_119334419

No I had wanted to take out the ditch completely to make a bigger field but I now know based on the advice in this thread, this isn't allowable, so I guess I will will just have to tidy it up and cut it back etc

cute geoge

cut it to the scut and let the cattle level it

limo_100

Hi Sorry for bringing back up an old thread, but was thinking of removing a hedge between a two fields which make it a slightly smaller than 6 acre field. What are the implications on this? Just to note there is no BPS payments on this land?

I cant really replant any hedges to make up for the removal of hedges as the farm consists of all small fields as it is for example I have two fields side by side which are an acre each and because I am getting BPS on this so I will probably never be able to remove them as I intended