The BMP is the Biodiversity Management Plan drawn up by the Project Ecologist for each individual farm. Each farm will be walked and all habitats noted. Following a consultation with the farmer and taking into account the farm enterprise, a specific plan for the farm will then be drawn up. This will then be explained to the farmer and if agreed the plan will then be implemented.

The BMA is the Biodiversity Managed Area and will comprise of all the habitats that are present on a farm. These include hedgerows, bogs, drains, quarries/glens, field margins, derelict buildings, historic monuments, wetland, semi-natural grassland, treelines, woodland, streams/rivers, ponds, scrub, riparian buffer strips and winter stubble.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - The Bride Project

Q: Will I be allowed to cut hedges?

A hedgerow management plan will be drawn up for each individual farm and will differ depending on enterprise and species present. However, in general mature hedgerows are more biodiverse than those that are routinely cut so farmers will be encouraged to allow hedges to blossom and fruit. Side trimming of hedges will be encouraged to prevent scrub encroachment onto the field but also to allow light into the base of the hedge thus helping wildflower growth, small mammals and pollinators.

Q: Is there a minimum or maximum owned land area for applicants to the BRIDE Project?

No, all farm sizes will be eligible. There are no minimum or maximum thresholds for entry to the BRIDE Project.

Q: Can rented land be part of the BMA?

Yes, provided the land will be farmed by the participating farmer for the duration of the plan (up to 31st Dec 2023)). Written permission will also have to be sought from the owner of the rented land. However, the rented land will have to be within the BRIDE catchment area (see map).

Q: Can GLAS participants enter the BRIDE Project?

Yes but the BRIDE Project cannot give payments for the same measure undertaken in GLAS. No duplicate payments.

Q: How does BMA% relate to the project?

The principle aim of the project is that all participating farmers will have at least 10% BMA by the end of the 5 years duration. Teagasc research suggests that most farms have close to 10% BMA already.