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How much will be paid

27.91 per box.

Where to use this item

Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants

In Mid Tier it can only be used with options HS1 and HS8

For Higher Tier and Capital Grants it is available:

• for tree sparrow, dormouse, targeted bat species or invertebrate pollinators (these are the target species), unless RSPB, Buglife or a Natural England bird specialist support its use for another species
• when the other year-round target species requirements (summer and winter foraging habitat) are being met on the holding or nearby

It is also available for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot) to help you to undertake the actions in the following SFI pilot standards:

• Hedgerows standard
• Arable and Horticultural land standard
• Improved grassland

In the above instances, you do not need to seek advice from Natural England.

How this item will benefit the environment

It provides artificial nesting, roosting and hibernation sites for specific mammals and birds. This includes tree sparrow and targeted bat species.

Requirements

Each box should be sited in an appropriate location and cleaned out in the autumn (October and November), unless hibernating or roosting bats are using it. Each box must be maintained in good condition, with any damage or losses made good during the agreement term.

Keeping records

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:

• any consents or permissions connected with the work
• receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
• photographs of the proposed site for the wildlife box
• the date that the nest boxes are cleaned out (unless used by bats or invertebrates)

Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:

• photographs of the completed work

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item

The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.

Each box must be maintained in good condition, with any damage or losses made good during the agreement term.

Location

Keep the box in its original location if it is being used. If it is not being used after year 3, ask Natural England for relocation advice. Boxes should be strapped to trees with wire and hose or rubber to prevent tree damage.

Tree sparrows

Boxes should be:

• in farm buildings or hedgerow trees, ideally near permanent water such as ponds or ditches
• away from bird feeders or places cats and squirrels can easily access, with a secure lid
• out of the midday sun
• weatherproof with small drainage holes in the floor
• made from wood at least 15mm thick with a 28mm entrance hole - follow the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology guidance

Bats

Boxes should be:

• large enough for a maternity colony to cluster to conserve heat
• dry, rainproof and draught-free, with no gaps where the sides and top join
• entered by a slit at the base (front or back) no more than 15mm to 20mm wide - follow the Bat Conservation Trust guidance
• where bats are known to feed
• preservative-free if made of wood
• sheltered from strong winds and sun for at least part of day
• close to a hedgerow, tree line or other linear vegetation feature
• placed with one or two other boxes facing in different directions to offer a range of temperature conditions

Biodiversity

This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holdings situation and potential.

The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.

Further information

Bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - it is an offence to disturb, handle or kill bats. A licence from Natural England is needed to inspect bat boxes that have been or are being used by bats.

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants including how to apply.