GovWire

How much will be paid

333 per hectare (ha)

Where to use this option

It is available for Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier and Higher-Tier on whole and part parcels on:

• permanent grass
• corners and small areas within permanent grassland fields

Where this option cannot be used

On historic or archaeological features identified in your Historic Environment Farm Environmental Record (HEFER) or Farm Environment Record (FER)

Related Mid-Tier options

You can locate the following options and supplements on the same area as this option.

• OR1 Organic conversion improved permanent grassland
• OR2 Organic conversion unimproved permanent grassland
• OT1 Organic land management improved permanent grassland
• OT2 - Organic land management - unimproved permanent grassland

How this option will benefit the environment

It provides year-round habitat and food for a range of wildlife within grass fields.

Aims

There will be a small area (no more than 0.5ha) of grass which is left un-grazed and uncut. This will provide tall grass tussocks with abundant flowering plants during the summer and dead seed heads by the autumn and winter.

Prohibited Activities

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities:

• cut or graze more frequently than one year in every 5
• operate machinery or carry out other activities during the bird breeding season, they may disturb breeding birds or damage nests
• apply any fertilisers or manures
• apply any lime
• use pesticides, except for herbicides to spot-treat or weed-wipe for the control of injurious weeds or invasive non-natives, soft and hard rush, nettles or bracken
• locate the option next to another area under the same option
• cut or graze all areas in the same year if there is more than 1 area
• use this option more than once in every 5ha of permanent grassland in your Mid Tier or Higher Tier application

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

Recommended management

To assist you in achieving the aims and deliver the environmental benefits for this option, we recommend that you employ best practice.

We recommend that you:

• only cut or graze one year in every 5 (it is acceptable to leave these areas uncut and un-grazed for the full length of the agreement)

Keeping records

Where theres uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps youve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. Its your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

• Field operations at the parcel levels, including associated invoices
• Stock records to show grazing activity on parcels

Additional guidance and advice

The following advice is helpful but is not a requirement for this item.

Using the mosaic approach

Better results will be achieved when the areas of longer vegetation are scattered widely across a landscape and located close to other habitat features, in a mosaic approach.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

This option can form part of an IPM approach to prevent the establishment of pests, weeds and diseases. If successful, appropriate and within proximity of cropped areas, these may limit the need for the use of Plant Protection Products and enhance wildlife and biodiversity on your holding. Read information on IPM at AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Integrated Pest Management and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Further information

Read more information about Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.