Questions about Field Boundaries

Reference code: FOL.QUES/40
Level of description: Series
Title: Questions about Field Boundaries
Scope and content: "The hedgerows, walls and fences which divide fields in Ireland are of a surprisingly varied character when examined closely. This questionnaire is designed so that we may investigate the distribution of the various types of field boundaries found within Ulster.
How common are the following types of field boundaries in the area with which you are familiar? (Please delete the answers which do not apply.)"
1. Hedge planted on a flat surface:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
2. Hedge planted on top of a small bank or sod wall (less than 3 feet high):
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
3. Bank and trench with a hedge planted between:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
4. Stone-faced bank and hedge:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
5. Large earth bank (higher than 3 feet and with hedge, whin, wire fence or open top):
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
6. Large earth bank with trenches on either side:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
7. Open trench:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
8. Dry-stone wall:
ALMOST ALL / VERY COMMON/ QUITE COMMON / RARE / NOT FOUND.
9. Are there any other types of field boundaries not mentioned above found in your area?
10. Are large mature trees commonly found in the hedgerows in your district? If so, do they appear to be ‘planted’ (regularly spaced and of the same species) or ‘wild’?
11. If hedgerows are common in your district, are they all of hawthorn? YES/NO/MOSTLY (delete as appropriate).
If ‘No’ or ‘Mostly’, are some examples of ash?
Beech?
Blackthorn?
(Tick which applies)
Other types?
12. Do you have any local information about when the field boundaries were constructed, how they were constructed, or how they were altered and looked after?
13. We would be grateful if you could write or draw below any other information about field boundaries which you feel may be of interest.