GovWire

How much will be paid

212.56 per unit.

Where to use this item

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.

Only on woodland, wood pasture, scrub, heathland, and moorland or grassland restoration to protect regeneration of woody species from deer browsing.

How this item will benefit the environment

It will protect areas of woodland that are approximately 16 square metres in size from deer browsing. This will allow monitoring of the areas regeneration potential and the impact of browsing.

Requirements

Agreement holders are likely to need to:

• erect a deer exclosure plot that is at least 1.5m high by 4m by 4m, or as agreed with your local deer officer
• make sure the fence meets the specifications set out in the Forestry Commission Forest Fencing Technical Guide, but with no gates
• make sure the fence is inspected at least once a year
• maintain the fence so that deer cannot enter the site for the length of the agreement
• make sure that stakes are large enough to support the exclosure plot for the length of the agreement
• replace any stakes or fencing materials that become damaged during the term of the agreement
• clear debris from the line of the fence
• make the line of the fence smooth enough that the bottom of the fence sits with the ground (there must be no gaps that deer can get through)

What the management plan needs to include

The management plan needs to identify that deer are present on the site and are a threat to it.

Do not:

• cut any vegetation inside the plot

Keeping records

Agreement holders are likely to 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
• Forestry Commission Management Plan approval letter if required
• please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the Higher Tier guidance for more detail

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

• photographs of the completed work

The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Higher Tier applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.

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.

How to choose a site

Choose a site within the woodland where it is reasonable to expect the regeneration of trees, shrubs and flowers to take place, but where this is not currently happening. The area should receive enough light for regeneration to occur.

Further information

See the Higher Tier guidance to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.