Cross compliance rules for hedgerow spraying

[Grassman247]

Does anyone know the definite rules on spot spraying weeds next to a hedge?

We have a lot of electric fences next to hedges on our dairy farm and there full of thistles and nettles and we are fighting a losing battle with them

I spoke to someone on the phone from the rpa a while ago but it still isn’t very clear

 

[Brisel]

Cross compliance

Cross compliance ended on 31 December 2023. If you are a farmer or land manager, find out what this means for you.

www.gov.uk

See GAEC 7a from page 30 onwards

GAEC 1 lists the species you can spray without a derogation from the RPA

GAEC 1:

I think you'd better be careful with spraying nettles "next" to creeping/spear thistles or other species listed above not to make it too obvious that you've taken the pee.

Walk along with a hand held hedge trimmer to clear the electric line. Mains fencer? Get a big one that will burn off the weeds where they touch but you'll need to start with a clean run or there won't be enough power to fry the weeds touching the wire.

 

[deleted user 837354]

You cant spray, fert or pee within 2m of a hedge.