Work of Hedgerows Ireland is recognised at the Áras

The work of Tipperary-based Hedgerows Ireland group was recognised by a special invitation to a President Michael D Higgins garden party at Aras an Uachtarain entitled Cherishing our Biodiversity and Sustainability.

Sadly, Michael D was unwell on the day but Banlaoch Sabina Higgins stood into the breach and delivered a powerful speech by the President in which he extended a warm welcome to community groups and activists and all those who have been dedicating themselves and committed to fostering a sustainable future for our citizens.
“I recognise your work, acknowledge it and salute you this afternoon,” he said.

PLANET EARTH
But true to his reputation for plain speaking, the President’s speech continued "The sobering truth is that our planet is in crisis. The scientific evidence is clear and unequivocal. Planet earth is burning as a result of human economic action, taken most often by those with power, and the consequences falling most acutely on the most vulnerable who are least responsible for climate change,” he said.

He quoted Pope Francis: “Our common home is being pillaged, laid waste and harmed with impunity. Our beautiful planet once teeming with life and vibrant ecosystems is facing unprecedented destruction. It is time for us to act with urgency and determination to reverse this course.”
The President’s speech ended on a positive note: “Let’s not succumb to despair. There is hope. We still have a chance to avert the worst effects of climate change, but to do so we must act urgently and decisively,” he said.
Hedgerows Ireland were also in action at the Clonmel Show at a very popular and lively show which included a hedgerow quiz with a prize of a pair of binoculars sponsored by David Anchell’s Camida company.

Alan Moore from Hedgerows Ireland was delighted by the response from the public, especially children who were helped to identify hedge plants including hawthorn, holly, spindle, oak and some flowers, honeysuckle, meadowsweet and wild carrot.
The theme of the hedgerows stand this year was “Bigger is Better”. Research now shows that taller, wider and denser hedges store much more carbon as well as being much more beneficial for all forms of wildlife.

In practice this means that cutting hedgerows less frequently and allowing more height and width is the recommended method.
If some of the hedges on a farm are cut on a rotation of every two, three or even five years this will allow fruit and flowers for birds and pollinating insects to survive at a time of species decline, as well as capturing much more carbon. Hedgerows Ireland’s next appearance will be at the North Tipperary Show on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7.