A large section of hedgerow was destroyed after burning off of nearby gorse got out of control.

Firefighters were called to the scene at Abbeylands at just after 5.30pm on Tuesday afternoon.

On arrival, they were confronted with a large and developing fire which affected a 100m length of hedge.

Crews initially faced difficulties with access due to the terrain.

The incident commander came up with a plan to surround the fire using off-road vehicles and set up a water relay system from nearby open water sources and hydrants.

Efforts were made to prevent the fire from spreading further. Hose reels, jets and beaters were used to extinguish the flames.

Appliances remained in attendance for about two hours to ensure there were no hot spots left.

Fire officers said initial burning off had become out of control due to the weather conditions and spread to the nearby hedge. They urged anyone considering carrying out a controlled burn to contact the emergency services joint control room beforehand on 697327.

They said it was important to look for any forecasted changes in the weather which may have an impact such as increasing wind strength or change of direction.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture said: ’The fire has resulted in the loss of a significant length of hedge.

’Hedges are an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife and at this time of year potentially birds’ nests have been destroyed.

’Where evidence exists that an active nest has been destroyed the Department has powers to prosecute under the Wildlife Act 1990.’