Find the latest news about hedgerow conservation and hedgelaying
We are so happy to bring you another wonderful foraging blog from one of our talented members. In this post, Margaret Podger introduces us to some of the many gifts of the Elder tree, a common denizen of our Irish hedges, and shares a recipe for a healing Elder Leaf Cream. Just back from a […]
Foraging Elder – Sambucus Nigra Read More »
October brings a rich, mellow magic to the hedgerows. While their role in biodiversity, ecological resilience, and the wider landscape is vital, they also offer something more personal: a chance to pause, explore, and take joy in the season’s abundance. In the first edition of our new foraging series, one of our members introduces the
The 2025 All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships return to Northern Ireland on Saturday 18th October 2025 at 10 Ballytrim Road, Killyleagh, Downpatrick, BT30 9TH. Traditionally the Hedge Laying Championships take place on a working farm. This year is no different, the scenic location of Ballytrim has been farmed by the Cunninghams for generations and the farm’s
Join us for the 2025 All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships Read More »
Every year, National Heritage Week offers us a chance to revisit and renew our connection to Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. This is a particularly special opportunity for us at Hedgerows Ireland, as it helps us highlight an often-overlooked aspect of hedgerow conservation. Our focus is most often on the environmental and biodiversity benefits of
Hedgerows & Heritage Week 2025! Read More »
Hedgerows are an irreplaceable part of our rural landscape, but their ecosystems don’t end where the city limits begin. The urban hedgerow has a lot to contribute to our shared spaces, as journalist Sunni Bean discovered. Recently, we had the opportunity to contribute to her excellent article from The Dublin Enquirer, which looks current efforts
Spotlight on Urban Hedgerow Projects Read More »
Hedgerows Ireland, An Taisce, and the Environmental Pillar appeal for signatures on their open letter to Minister McConalogue, asking him to take decisive action on the risk of Fireblight in Ireland. Fireblight is a bacterial disease that may result in the removal of Ireland’s emblematic Hawthorn hedgerows if allowed to spread. Its other common host
Press Release: Sign our Open Letter to Stop Fireblight Read More »
View the Ear to the Ground piece on the risk of Fireblight to Ireland’s hedgerows here: RTÉ Player Season 31, Episode 11 You can also learn more with our webinar on the Diseases & Pests of Irish Hedgerows: View the recording here. Report details and send photographs of suspected disease or insect damage through TreeCheck
Letter regarding the importation of Whitethorn for ACRES Read More »
On Saturday 16th December 2023, we visited Cooltrim Organic Farm for a walk with Trevor Harris. We learned about his farming practices and discussed them in the context of the European Union and the Nature Restoration Law. With final negotiations of the Nature Restoration Law around the corner, now is a vital time to learn
Farm Walk: Agriculture in the Nature Restoration Law Read More »
Written by Sonja Moore, a Director of Hedgerows Ireland. The possibility of attending a hedge laying championship in Stanford Hall to watch, learn and understand different kinds of hedge laying proved to be a very rewarding experience. Especially for one who had never laid a hedge, only tried her hand on the few unfortunate young
A Novice at the 44th National Hedgelaying Championships, UK Read More »
Dáil Eireann, 23rd May 2023: Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, announced a review of Ireland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations. These Regulations are designed to protect nature and our environment by requiring landowners to go through screening and an Environmental Impact Assessment for particular projects. Projects may include restructuring rural land (e.g. removing hedgerows or stone walls),
Hedgerows Ireland Submission – EIA Review Read More »
