Using of animal deterrent chain is important!

It's time for the first mowing. It is important for farmers to bear in mind that in Hungary, the use of animal deterrent chain curtainare required by law when mowing grasslands and arable lands subjects of either Natura 2000 or Agri-Environmental Payments.

The wildlife alert chain is a supporting metal structure mounted in front of the scythe (e.g. on the tractor's front weights), from which chains hang down at a distance of 13-17 cm from each other, at most 10 cm from the ground surface. When mowing, the movement of the chains hanging down from the side and the sound of their interlocking will alert birds and mammals hiding in the grass, allowing them to escape in time.

It is essential for farmers to ensure that a properly installed animal alert chain is positioned at least 3 m in front of the scythe and covers the full working width. Care must also be taken to ensure that the quality of the material is adequate to prevent chains breaking during the work. It is also worth paying attention to the protective cover of the scythe is also installed, which also plays an important safety role.

As well as using a wildlife chain, it is important to keep to the maximum speed limit of 8 km/h, which will prevent the machine from harming the animals.

In addition to its importance for nature conservation and game management, the measure is also important from the point of view of fodder quality, since the carcasses of animals killed during mowing in all hay-making technologies significantly reduce the quality of hay.

The driver of the machine can spot birds that fly up from the ground thanks to the use of a properly equipped animal deterrent chain, so he can avoid the nests and if necessary (in the case of highly protected species), he can report the situation to the staff of the Bükk National Park Directorate.

Remember that by using a animal deterrent chains you are not only complying with the law, but you can also save the lives of many birds and other small animals!

Source: Bükk National Park Directorate