Cross-compliance rules mean farmers should not be hedge-cutting yet

FARMERS NEED to remember that cross-compliance rules mean they should not be cutting their hedges in England and Scotland until after Jul 31 and in Wales until after Aug 31.

The new rules have been introduced to make sure farmers are not trimming hedges during the main breeding season for birds.

But exemptions are available if a hedge overhangs roadside and needs cutting for health and safety reasons.