Freshly cut alder banks are once again on the land of Nijiga’s Freddy Hiemstra. In one and a half kilometers of canals, the bottom of the trees has recently been trimmed – from the trunk to a height of about four metres. This cutting is done once every seven years, and most trees are removed every twenty years to make room for new shoots.

There are still some thick branches on the side. “A mouse in the stove,” says Hiemstra. He just removed thin branches and other pruning debris with a chopper. This was the first time and it took much longer than burning what he always did in other years.

He worked for three days

Hiemstra: “We were crazy for two people for three days. Earlier, I terrorized her in the middle of the whole time with a shovel and a bulte skowe.” He estimates the cost of the chopping operation to be around three thousand euros, almost two zeros more than the 35 euros he would have spent on a permit. Burn it.

Because this permit now costs much more money in Smallangerland – around four thousand euros – he tried shredding as an alternative. But these costs still exceed the compensation for managing four kilometers of tree walls, which amounts to more than 2,400 euros.

This was not to cover costs, it was just compensation. “Mei dizze fore awards in Fergunning poured on a woolen heel. Then the motivation to understand this and continue with it becomes less.

Environmental code

The expensive permit relates to the introduction of the environmental law on January 1, explains Dan den Houde from the Smollingerland section of the agricultural collective Noardlike Fryske Wâlden. It has more than eight hundred members, most of whom are farmers who preserve the distinctive landscapes in the municipalities of Smöllingerland, Achkarspielen, Titzgerkstadiel, Dantomadell and Nord-East-Frieslan.

Since January 1, the burning of pruning waste has been considered commercial waste burning and falls under the Environmental Management Act. “Every municipality has to deal with this change, but Smallingerland is in the middle of it because all the permits here have to cover the costs. That’s why the prices are so expensive here.”

Environmental permits are issued by FUMO and Smallingerland now collects these costs directly. Chancellor Maria Le Roy has already indicated that she will reconsider these costs. Den Hoed assumes that a solution will be found this year to clean up the pruning residue.

“We are considering options, for example, to process it and compost it or apply for an environmental permit for several managers at the same time, because this is not possible. With these costs we lose hedges and banks from management.

Wait before shooting

Large piles of pruning waste can already be seen here and there in the country. Usually, farmers leave it to dry for a year before setting it on fire. Hiemstra: “Then all together.”

Noardlike Fryske Wâlden advises its members to wait a while before burning. “There will be a cheaper solution this year, because this solution is not sustainable,” says den Hoed. “This should be arranged before the next cutting season.”

Enjoy this country skip

Hiemstra likes to do maintenance. “I enjoy this landscape every day.” He finds the high prices of permits in his municipality incomprehensible, also in light of the developments surrounding the redevelopment of the rural area and the desire for more nature. “Saint the wall beams may only be ûnderhâlde.”

It is not expected that alder banks or tree banks will disappear due to the current situation. “I’m about to scream in anger.” Reduced management can lead, for example, to swelling of ditches in alder banks and accumulation of silt.