Maintaining land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) is a requirement of Cross Compliance. Prevention of undergrazing, including controlling the spread of whin is one GAEC measure.
The majority of whin (or gorse) found throughout the countryside is European Gorse (Ulex europaeus) which can grow to a height of 2.5m. Whin is a distinctive feature in many parts of the landscape. At a suitable level of growth, whin provides shelter for both livestock and wildlife.
However, if land is undergrazed there will be greater risk of scrub encroachment, which will restrict stock access. Further encroachment may lead to a reduction in grass growth and damage to important habitats such as species rich grassland, woodland and lowland raised bog.
Whin should be controlled by cutting and treating the stumps with glyphosate. Scrub should not be cut during the bird nesting season from 1 March to 31 August.
Burning of whin is not generally recommended as this causes seed germination and leads to the further spread of new growth. Mechanical removal, for example by a digger, will also allow the bushes to regenerate from any remaining material and may cause damage to the surrounding vegetation. Spraying by herbicides can be used; however application is often difficult due to poor access and difficult terrain.
The removal of significant areas of whin may require permission from DARD. The Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007 require anyone wishing to carry out work that increases the intensity of agriculture on uncultivated land or semi-natural areas to contact DARD for prior consent.
More restricted is Western Gorse (Ulex gallii) which is a much shorter whin and is a key component of dry heath habitats. Western Gorse is found mostly in the Mournes and Slieve Gullion areas. Removal is not permitted on dry heath moorland managed under DARD agri-environment schemes.
Please note that the control of whin (or gorse) on Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) requires prior written consent from the Environment and Heritage Service (EHS).
For further information on whin control or any other aspect of Cross-Compliance contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.
