Higher Level Stewardship Handbook

Transcription

1 Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Terms and conditions and how to apply Chalk grass, Wiltshire, courtesy of J Le Page, RDS

2 When you join Higher Level Stewardship this handbook will form part of your legal agreement with Defra. Please retain this handbook for the duration of your agreement. Environmental Stewardship in the wider context Grants to statutory sites (e.g. Wildlife Enhancement Scheme managed by English Nature on SSSIs usually covering situations outside the scope of ES) HLS Environmental Stewardship (ES) managed by the Rural Development Service ELS/OELS Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition as a condition of cross-compliance Single Payment Scheme managed by the Rural Payments Agency 2005 sees the introduction of major changes to the financial support mechanisms available to farmers in England. Defra expects that most farmers will register an interest in the Single Payment Scheme and that many will apply for Entry Level Stewardship or Organic Entry Level Stewardship, which go beyond crosscompliance in helping to tackle countrywide environmental issues. Higher Level Stewardship will be appropriate for those who are able to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas.

3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Contents Section 1 Introduction and general information 1.1 Background What is Environmental Stewardship? What are the aims of Higher Level Stewardship? Do I need to join Entry Level Stewardship? How does the scheme work? What payments will I receive? What will I be required to do? How long will my agreement last? Will advice be provided during my agreement? Will details of my agreement be made public? Who can apply? Registering my land on the Rural Land Register What is an RPA vendor number? Has a Farm Environment Plan been carried out? What if I do not own some or all of the land? Partnerships and trusts Is common land eligible? What if others hold rights over my land? What if the land I farm is owned by the Crown, a local authority or another Exchequer funded body? What if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? How do I apply? How do I submit my application? Can an agent act on my behalf? When should I send in my application and when will my agreement start? How will my application be assessed? Am I guaranteed an agreement? What happens if my application is accepted? What should I do if I have already sown my crops? What if my application is unsuccessful? Do I need consent from anyone? Will Defra discuss my application with anyone else? The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 17 1 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Appendices

4 Appendices Section 9 Section 8 Section 7 Section 6 Section 5 Section 4 Section 3 Section 2 Section 1 2 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Contents Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 The Farm Environment Plan 2.1 Why is the FEP so important? How is a FEP prepared? How long will it take to prepare a FEP? Do I need to employ a consultant? When will I be paid for the FEP? When should a FEP be carried out? How do I use the FEP? 21 How to complete your application form Step by step summary of the HLS application process What do I need to apply for HLS? How to complete your application form How to complete Annexes 2 to 5 of the application form How to complete your HLS options map Do I need to submit a management plan? Declarations and undertakings What will I receive if my application has been successful? 36 Choosing your Land Management Options 4.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option? What is an indicator of success? What is the difference between the maintenance, restoration and creation options? HLS supplements Can ELS/OELS and HLS options be combined on the same parcel of land? How should I take landscape considerations into account? How should I take historic environment considerations into account? Will an RDS adviser visit my land? 42

5 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Contents Section 5 Section 6 Choosing your Capital Works 5.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works? Is funding available? How do I apply for capital works? Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works? When can I start work? What standard of work is required? When will I receive payment? Special projects Restoration of traditional buildings 46 What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? 6.1 Single Payment Scheme Cross compliance management and HLS options HLS options and set-aside land Providing information on your SPS annual return Entry Level and Organic Entry Level Stewardship Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) Habitat Scheme (HS) Organic Aid/Organic Farming Scheme (OAS/OFS) Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS), Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS), Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) and English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) Other land management schemes on my land Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) Scheduled Monuments (SMs) Inheritance/Capital Gains tax exemption Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) Other obligations 52 3 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Appendices

6 Appendices Section 9 Section 8 Section 7 Section 6 Section 5 Section 4 Section 3 Section 2 Section 1 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Contents Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Appendices Additional requirements that you must agree to 7.1 General conditions on all HLS agreement land Grassland management Public rights of way and access Capital works Other funding Publicity 56 Changes to your agreement 8.1 Can I make changes to my agreement? What if I let, sell or transfer my land? Can I add land to my agreement? Derogations 57 Breaches and appeals 9.1 Breaches of agreement Penalties for breaches of agreement Overpayments Force majeure (exceptional circumstances) Variation of your agreement by the Secretary of State (acting through Defra) What if I disagree with any Defra decision or proposed action regarding my application or subsequent agreement? 59 1 Land management options 60 2 Rural Development Service contact details Glossary Index 117

7 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section Background What is Environmental Stewardship? Environmental Stewardship (ES) is a new agri-environment scheme which aims to secure widespread environmental benefits. The scheme has three elements: Entry Level Stewardship Organic Entry Level Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) is a whole farm scheme open to all farmers and land managers with conventional land. Acceptance will be guaranteed providing you can meet the scheme requirements. If you have a mix of conventionally and organically farmed land, or all your land is farmed organically, you should apply for OELS (see below). Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) is a whole farm scheme similar to ELS, open to farmers who manage all or part of their land organically and who are not receiving aid under the Organic Aid Scheme (OAS) or the Organic Farming Scheme (OFS). If any part of your farm is registered with an Organic Inspection Body, you should apply for OELS rather than ELS. To apply for OELS you will need a separate OELS application pack: this is available from your Rural Development Service (RDS) office. Higher Level Stewardship (HLS), which will be combined with ELS or OELS options, aims to deliver significant environmental benefits in high priority situations and areas. HLS is discretionary and concentrates on the more complex types of management, where land managers need advice and support and where agreements need to be tailored to local circumstances. Entry or Organic Entry Level Stewardship is generally a pre-requisite of Higher Level Stewardship. In the Higher Level handbook we refer to ELS or OELS in those instances where there are common links to both ELS and OELS handbooks. If all your land is conventional, you will need to refer to your ELS handbook. If you farm both organic and conventional land, you will need to refer to your OELS handbook which explains the application procedures for both types of land. Where there is a unique issue relating to either ELS or OELS that you need to be aware of within HLS, we will direct you to the appropriate section in the relevant handbook. You must read the relevant ELS or OELS handbooks before applying for HLS. 5

8 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information What are the aims of Higher Level Stewardship? The five primary objectives of Higher Level Stewardship are: Wildlife conservation Maintenance and enhancement of landscape quality and character Natural resource protection Protection of the historic environment Promotion of public access and understanding of the countryside There are two secondary objectives where spin-off benefits are sought from management designed to achieve the five primary objectives. These are: Flood management Conservation of genetic resources Do I need to join Entry Level Stewardship? The full benefits of Environmental Stewardship will usually only be achieved when ELS or OELS options are combined with the more demanding HLS options. You will normally have to apply for both elements of the scheme which will then be combined into a single agreement. Very occasionally there will be sites for which ELS or OELS options are not available, such as: Coastal and inter-tidal habitats Lowland heathland If your holding is made up largely of these types of habitat, and you believe you would not be eligible for ELS or OELS options, you should discuss this with your RDS adviser before completing the application form. In such exceptional cases it will be possible to apply for HLS alone How does the scheme work? Your Environmental Stewardship agreement will include a mix of ELS or OELS and HLS management options. The HLS options are designed to contribute to one or more of the five primary objectives and will normally only be suitable for land that is of significant environmental interest. These objectives are broken down into regional targets and more details can be found in the targeting 6

9 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section 1 statement included in your application pack. To determine which management options are most suitable for your land, you will need to carry out a formal assessment of the features on your land (these features are listed and defined in section 4 of the Farm Environment Plan handbook). This assessment will recommend suitable HLS options for these features. The remaining areas of your land are more likely to be suitable for ELS or OELS options. You then need to decide which of the ELS or OELS, and HLS, land management options you wish to apply for. If your application passes an initial assessment by RDS, an adviser will visit to discuss the management options with the aim of agreeing the details of your ten year agreement. Once you have signed the agreement, you will receive a payment every six months based on the management options which you have agreed to follow. In addition to the land management options, you can apply for funding towards a range of capital works through a Capital Works Plan (see section 5). This can be done as part of the initial application process and at intervals during the life of your agreement What payments will I receive? You will be paid according to the type of work you enter into the scheme. Once accepted into HLS, you will receive a payment every six months from the start of your agreement for its duration. This will include payment for the ELS or OELS element of your agreement. Each six monthly payment will be half of your annual management payment for that year. The first half of your annual payment will be made automatically. Towards the end of each agreement year, you will be sent a claim form. This needs to be completed and returned to enable the second half of your payment to be made. If you fail to return the claim form, you will receive no further payments. Subject to section 9.5, the payment rates set out in your agreement will apply for the first five years of your agreement. If there have been any relevant changes to payment rates following a payment review, these will apply for the remaining period of your agreement. As a result of a payment review, payments may go up or down or stay the same. For details of all the payment rates please see the leaflet included at the back of this handbook. Also, section 5.7 has more information on payments for capital works What will I be required to do? In applying for, and being accepted into, HLS you will be agreeing to: a) identify, map and retain your Farm Environment Record features and deliver your ELS or OELS options in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate handbook b) deliver the HLS management requirements as set out in your agreement document 7

10 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information c) adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this and the appropriate ELS or OELS handbook and, in particular, to follow Good Farming Practice throughout your farm and to comply with the additional requirements contained in section 7 of this handbook and section 5 of the ELS or OELS handbook How long will my agreement last? Your agreement with Defra, which will include ELS or OELS options and HLS options, will be legally binding. It will usually run for ten years and you will be expected to fulfil your obligations for the full term of your agreement. Very occasionally, there will be sites where a 20 year agreement is more appropriate. RDS will be able to advise you on the relevant options where this will apply. Generally, either party may withdraw from the agreement at the end of the fifth year, without penalty. Notice to withdraw must be given in writing at least one month before the end of the fifth year. You will be in breach of your agreement and will incur a penalty if you withdraw at any other time Will advice be provided during my agreement? Your RDS adviser will visit you at intervals during the life of your agreement, so that we can discuss the progress of the various management options with you. This will provide an opportunity for all parties to reflect on whether the management is achieving what we are aiming for and to consider the need for any adjustments to the agreement. We can also discuss the requirements for including additional capital items in a new Capital Works Plan. In the course of these visits, we will collect basic data on the results of management being undertaken which will allow us to assess the contribution your agreement is making toward Government targets for agri-environment schemes. You can, of course, contact your RDS adviser at any time, for further information Will details of my agreement be made public? Please refer to section of your ELS handbook or section of your OELS handbook. 8

11 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section Who can apply? Higher Level Stewardship is open to all farmers and land managers who are one of the following: Freehold owners Tenants Contractual licensees Graziers with rights over common land You must normally have management control of the land for the entire ten year period of the agreement. If not, you can make a countersigned application with the person who undertakes to carry on your agreement if your management control of the land ceases. Further guidance on countersigned applications is provided at section of the ELS or OELS handbooks. If neither of these requirements is possible, please contact your RDS office (see appendix 2). Please note that this and subsequent sections of the HLS handbook refer to the land. Land for the purpose of HLS is all the land and associated field boundaries registered on the Rural Land Register (RLR) that are farmed as one business enterprise in England (or, if you have a mix of conventional and organic land, as two separate business enterprises) and which are included in a single application. Your application may include land registered under more than one holding number. Land entered into scheme options must be agricultural or part of the farmed environment. In exceptional cases (e.g. on some SSSIs), vulnerable non-agricultural land which would benefit from protective management under HLS, could be eligible for an agreement. You should discuss the eligibility of such land with your RDS adviser before making your application Registering my land on the Rural Land Register Please refer to section of your ELS or OELS handbook What is an RPA vendor number? Please refer to section of your ELS or OELS handbook Has a Farm Environment Plan been carried out? All HLS applications must be supported by a Farm Environment Plan (FEP). This will identify the features on your farm, their condition, and provide a guide to the most appropriate management options. If an application is received without a FEP, it will be rejected. 9

12 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information For further information on the FEP, its importance and how it is to be prepared and paid for, please see section 2 of this handbook. Full details are set out in the FEP handbook What if I do not own some or all of the land? Please refer to section of your ELS or OELS handbook. However, under HLS, you must have management control for the ten years of the agreement. Even where, as a tenant, you have control of the land for the ten years, you will still need to inform your landlord that you intend to enter Environmental Stewardship and you will also need to insert their details at part 13 of your application form. If, according to the terms of your tenancy agreement, you need your landlord s consent, then their signature is required on your application form to confirm that they have given it Partnerships and trusts Please refer to section of your ELS or OELS handbook Is common land eligible? There are many valuable features and habitats found on common land and we welcome applications from those who have grazing or other relevant rights over the land, including the owner of the common. We can enter into an agreement with an association or person representing most commoners with grazing rights, but we would hope that as many as possible would be involved. However, we will normally only enter into such an agreement where we are satisfied that the delivery of the management options is unlikely to be compromised by the actions of someone not represented by the signatory to the agreement. Guidance on applying for HLS agreements in relation to common land is available from your RDS office. RDS will also provide a Common Land Supplementary Application form to assist an association or person wishing to apply for such an agreement, to collect signatures from other commoners who support their application. The sole purpose of this form is to satisfy RDS that the applicant has the support of enough other commoners that they will be able to comply with the management requirements of any agreement they enter into. The signature form will not be legally binding and it will not form part of the agreement. It is important to understand that the association or person signing the HLS agreement takes full responsibility for compliance with its terms. The commons signature form does not alter this in any way, as it neither transfers responsibility for the performance of the agreement to the people who sign the commons signature form, nor does it diminish the responsibility of the association or person signing the agreement. If a common is not brought into an HLS agreement, individual commoners can still enter their non-common land into HLS and receive payment 10

13 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section 1 for it provided that they also agree not to increase the level of stocking on common land. In view of the special requirements relating to common land, you should consult your RDS adviser before applying to include it in an agreement What if others hold rights over my land? Please refer to section of your ELS or OELS handbook What if the land I farm is owned by the Crown, a local authority or another Exchequer funded body? Land owned and managed by Government Departments, Executive Agencies and Non- Departmental Public Bodies cannot be entered into HLS. Other public bodies, including local authorities, National Park Authorities and Public Corporations, are eligible for HLS provided the work is not already required as part of their conservation responsibilities. If you are an agricultural/farm business tenant of a public body, with security of tenure for the length of the agreement, you will be eligible for HLS provided the application does not include any environmental management which is a condition of your tenancy, or is already required as part of the conservation responsibilities of your landlord. It is your responsibility to ensure there is no overlap between your obligations as a tenant and any HLS management requirements. Ask your RDS adviser if you are uncertain What if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? As a general rule Defra cannot pay you for management you are required to do under an existing scheme or obligation. Specific guidance on what to do if you have another scheme or obligation on your land is provided in section 6 of this handbook. You should also read section 4 of your ELS or OELS handbook in order to see if any of the guidance provided there also applies to you and your land. Arable reversion land in Countryside Stewardship Defra (Rebecca Pitt) 11

14 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information 1.3 How do I apply? How do I submit my application? Before you apply for HLS you must first read either your ELS or OELS handbook. Then you must ensure that all the land you intend to enter into the scheme is registered on the RLR (see section of your ELS or OELS handbook). If you have not received a pre-filled application form and maps, please follow the instructions on the inside front cover of your ELS or OELS handbook to obtain the necessary documentation. You must then prepare a Farm Environment Plan (FEP) (see section 2) based on your Farm Environment Record (FER) (see section of your ELS or OELS handbook). Choose your ELS or OELS options and, after taking into account the recommendations from the FEP and your local targeting statement (see section 1.3.4), choose your HLS options (see section 4 and appendix 1). Make sure that these are compatible with your chosen ELS or OELS options. Mark them all on the relevant option map. Choose your capital items (see section 5) and mark these on your HLS options map. Having submitted your application by post we will, in most cases, arrange a visit so that we can discuss the content of your proposed agreement (see section 1.3.4) Can an agent act on my behalf? Please refer to section of your ELS handbook or of your OELS handbook When should I send in my application and when will my agreement start? Once you have completed your application form and the supporting annexes, marked up your maps, and attached the relevant supporting documents, including the FEP and certificates of organic registration (where applicable), send it by post to your RDS office. At present you cannot apply for HLS using the internet. You can apply at any time but, if you want to be sure of a particular agreement start date, you will have to submit your application by the deadline for that start date. For 2005, the agreement start dates, and corresponding application deadlines, are available from your RDS office on the internet at RDS contact details are provided at appendix 2 of this handbook. For 2006 and following years, the agreement start dates, and corresponding application deadlines, are shown below: 12

15 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section 1 Application deadline Agreement start date 30 September 1 February 31 December 1 May 31 March 1 August 30 June 1 November We will acknowledge receipt of your application and give you a reference number for future correspondence How will my application be assessed? Defra, in discussion with other Government agencies, has outlined the key characteristics of the different parts of the English countryside, by defining over 150 Joint Character Areas; your land will be covered by one of these areas. Each area has priority targets for the management of a variety of features. These targets have been agreed with help from local organisations. A targeting statement relevant to your area is included with your application form. All HLS applications will be scored directly against these targets. Those applications which meet or exceed a pre-determined threshold will receive a visit from an RDS adviser and you may then be offered an agreement. You should ensure that any features identified in your FEP, which are also a target in your area, are included in your application. If your application does not address the relevant priority targets for your area, it will be rejected. If applications do not include satisfactory management of Sites of Special Scientific Interest or Scheduled Monuments (where applicable), they will be re-negotiated or rejected regardless of their score. Applications that miss opportunities to manage targeted features may also be rejected or re-negotiated. In addition, there will be no advantage in including in your application large amounts of extra management options that do not address the scheme targets for your area Am I guaranteed an agreement? Submitting an HLS application does not guarantee that you will be offered an agreement. Because funds for HLS are limited, agreements have to be allocated where they are likely to achieve the most environmental benefit for the countryside. Your application will be subject to a scoring process as described above and, in addition, it will need to represent good value for money. 13

16 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information If your application passes an initial assessment, an RDS adviser will contact you to discuss it with you and to arrange a visit to your land. Following the visit, alterations may be requested to help to improve the way in which your application will achieve the priority targets. If you do not then wish to proceed, you may withdraw your application but please confirm this, in writing, with your local RDS office as early as possible to avoid unnecessary work. If you want to make any changes, please tell your RDS office as soon as possible What happens if my application is accepted? If your application is accepted, subject to any changes agreed with your RDS adviser, you will be offered an agreement. You will need to sign and return this, usually within 14 days of receipt. The agreement does not come into force until all parties have signed it What should I do if I have already sown my crops? Please refer to section of your ELS handbook or section of your OELS handbook. When deciding on your agreement start date, you should consider any changes that you may have to make to your farming system and, in particular, your existing cropping and set-aside commitments What if my application is unsuccessful? If the HLS part of your application does not meet our scoring threshold, this part of your application will be rejected. We will tell you if your application has not been successful and explain why. If this happens, you will have three choices (as set out in the application form): Withdraw your entire application and continue with your existing ELS or OELS agreement (if you already have one). Proceed with just the ELS or OELS part of your application. Withdraw your entire application and re-submit one at a later date. If you are unsuccessful, you may submit a written representation to us. Your case will then be reviewed Do I need consent from anyone? If your land includes a designated area or Scheduled Monument, you will require formal consent from the relevant body before carrying out any works which would affect the designated area. Once your application has been received, your RDS adviser will discuss any proposals with the relevant body before you are offered an agreement. If you have already 14

17 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section 1 started this process any correspondence or an in principle approval should be submitted with your application, as this will speed up the processing of your application. In many situations, the relevant body will have to give consent before an HLS agreement can be offered and in all cases it is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary consent before starting any work. Further information is set out below. Sites of Special Scientific Interest For Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), English Nature (EN) can give advice and help, so you should discuss your proposals with them before applying. Once you have applied, your RDS adviser will copy your application to EN s local office for them to highlight any special wildlife considerations to be taken into account. Local EN officers may visit your land with your RDS adviser. They must give their consent before you sign the agreement to ensure that it delivers favourable condition. Your RDS adviser will explain the consent process to you. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 places new responsibilities on publicly funded bodies ( section 28G authorities ) for the management of SSSIs. If you are applying on behalf of such a body, you should contact your RDS adviser before applying. Scheduled Monuments There are special arrangements for Scheduled Monuments (SMs) on your land. The English Heritage (EH) Field Monument Warden can give you advice and your RDS adviser will consult EH once you apply. You may need Scheduled Monument Consent from EH for some work. EH can tell you if the proposed works are likely to be acceptable. Work affecting water This hill fort is designated as a Scheduled Monument Defra (Vanessa McNaughton) You will need Environment Agency (EA) or Internal Drainage Board consent for management that will affect watercourses. This includes work both to and within 8 m of a watercourse or work within the flood or coastal plain. For example, the installation of sluices to raise water levels, or excavation works such as ponds or scrapes, may require land drainage consent or an abstraction licence. 15

18 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Work on trees and hedges You may need permission for work on trees that are subject to a Tree Preservation Order, for instance during hedgerow restoration. Ask your local authority Tree Officer. If you are removing trees, or managing overgrown hedges, and you are removing more than 5 m 3 of timber, you may need a Forestry Commission Felling Licence. Listed buildings If any works are proposed to listed buildings, you will need to discuss the proposals with your local authority Conservation Officer who will advise if listed building consent is required. Conservation Areas Conservation Areas are areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. These can include rural landscape areas as it may be the special qualities and interest of the area that leads to designation as well as individual buildings in the built environment. Conservation Area status may impose additional restrictions on carrying out work and remove some permitted development rights on agricultural holdings. The Local Planning Authority must be consulted if any part of the holding is located within a Conservation Area and particularly if any work is proposed to trees or buildings. Planning permission Most routine agricultural operations do not require planning permission either because they are not regarded as development under planning legislation, or because they are permitted development which is reasonably necessary for agriculture. For some activities, e.g. the creation of new ponds, the planning requirements may not be straightforward. Your Local Planning Authority should give you informal advice as to whether your proposals are either permitted development or require planning consent. You are therefore encouraged to contact them at an early stage if you are unsure whether the activity requires planning consent. A Farmer s Guide to the Planning System is available from your RDS office. National Parks If your land is in a National Park, you are advised to contact the National Park Authority who can provide advice and information about making the best of the environmental interest on your land as part of your application. They are also the relevant authority for many of the above issues. 16

19 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information Section Will Defra discuss my application with anyone else? Yes, when it helps to assess your proposals, and particularly if specialist advice is needed. If your land is in a National Park, we will work closely with the relevant National Park Authority in delivering your agreement. Highways authorities are consulted on new access proposals and advice on historic features is sought from county archaeologists. Your RDS adviser may also seek the views of local specialists such as a county wildlife trust or local authority countryside staff when assessing your application The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations The Environmental Impact Assessment (Uncultivated Land and Semi-natural Areas) (England) Regulations 2001 seek to protect environmentally important land from agricultural intensification. Land likely to be subject to these regulations includes uncultivated and/or semi-natural grassland, heathland, moorland, scrub and wetlands. The type of agricultural operations ( projects ) covered include ploughing, cultivation, digging, scraping, draining, liming, spreading soil or manure, and increased application of fertiliser. Under these regulations, anyone proposing to carry out a relevant project on uncultivated land or semi-natural areas must apply to Defra for a screening decision (which usually takes up to 30 days). In many cases, the decision will be that the project is not likely to have a significant environmental impact, so it may proceed. But if a project is likely to have a significant impact (e.g. if it may damage valuable semi-natural habitat), the applicant must prepare an environmental statement and apply for consent before the project can go ahead. When applying for HLS, you should be aware of these regulations, which aim to protect some of England s most valuable environmental assets from intensive agriculture. Some HLS options are specifically designed to restore or create valuable habitats, e.g. arable reversion to species-rich grassland. In entering these options you should assume that the change is permanent, because at the end of your ten year agreement the land may well be subject to the regulations. If the management has been successful and the land has reached a high level of environmental significance, these regulations may not allow it to be returned to intensive agricultural use, although you may be able to re-enter it into a further agri-environment agreement. For other options e.g. field margins which are not seeking to re-create semi-natural habitats, this is very unlikely to be a constraint. Further information is available from 17

20 Section 1 1 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Introduction and general information The Environmental Impact Assessment (Forestry) (England & Wales) Regulations 1999 seek to protect land from potential environmental damage as a result of forestry activity. There are four forestry activities that come under these regulations afforestation, deforestation, forest roads and forest quarries. The first two activities are most relevant to Environmental Stewardship. Under these regulations, afforestation (woodland creation) or deforestation (conversion of woodland to another land use) proposals require consent from the Forestry Commission. Threshold areas exist below which consent is not normally required; the threshold varies depending on type of forestry activity and the sensitivity of the site. The HLS options most likely to fall under these regulations are woodland creation and restoration of heathlands, though other options involving tree planting/felling may also apply. If in doubt, contact your local Forestry Commission office for advice. Further details of these regulations are available in the Forestry Commission booklet Environmental Impact Assessment of Forestry Projects, which is also available on the Forestry Commission website: Defra (Robert Goodison) Mature woodland in the Yorkshire Dales 18

21 2 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook The Farm Environment Plan 2.1 Why is a Farm Environment Plan so important? Section 2 HLS is designed to deliver significant environmental benefits which may require complex management. In order to do this, it is vitally important that you and your RDS adviser have good quality information about the current environmental value and interest of your farm and its potential to deliver additional environmental benefits. The Farm Environment Plan (FEP) is designed to capture this information in a way that both you and RDS can use to determine how suitable the farm is for HLS management, and help build an HLS agreement. The questions most frequently asked about the FEP are answered in this section, but for full details please refer to the FEP handbook. The primary purpose of a FEP is to gather information necessary to inform an HLS application. The FEP will: Identify features on your land that may benefit from HLS management. In the FEP handbook we have defined over 180 features including: habitats for breeding waders; historic buildings; upland hay meadows; vulnerable soils; stone walls; ponds; ancient trees and traditional orchards. By defining these features in advance it will allow us to assess farms in a consistent way. It will also provide us with a basis for monitoring the success of the scheme. Build on, and not duplicate, the ELS or OELS Farm Environment Record which you will have completed (see section of your ELS or OELS handbook). Provide a baseline for future assessment of the condition of features managed under HLS. The FEP will not: Seek to provide information already available, such as that in Countryside Character or Natural Area descriptions. The information relevant to your holding will already be summarised by the ELS or OELS character area information sheet or the HLS targeting statement, sent to you with your application. Duplicate information requested on application forms. 2.2 How is a Farm Environment Plan prepared? FEP preparation falls into two main phases: the desk study and fieldwork. The purpose of the desk study is to make full use of existing environmental information that is already available to you: local records, existing maps and websites. Your land will then need to be walked to ensure that this data is accurate and to record additional information on all the fields, boundaries and any other features. 19

22 2 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook The Farm Environment Plan Section How long will it take to prepare a Farm Environment Plan? The time taken to carry out the FEP will vary according to the size and complexity of your land, and its accessibility. All the land will have to be walked in order to complete a FEP. 2.4 Do I need to employ a consultant? FEPs need to be carried out by those who have experience of the practical issues involved in the five primary objectives of the scheme wildlife, landscape, resource protection, historic environment and public access. For instance, you will need to be able to identify different species of grasses and wild flowers. You may therefore decide to employ a consultant who is familiar with the FEP process to undertake this task for you. However, you may feel that you have sufficient environmental experience to carry out the FEP yourself. Whoever carries out the FEP will need to have access to the internet in order to obtain all the relevant information. The guidance in the FEP handbook explains exactly what is needed. When a FEP is completed, you will receive a payment irrespective of who has completed the FEP. Payment will only be made on FEPs that meet the required standard, so whoever carries out the FEP must be competent in this area of work. If, when an RDS adviser visits the land, the FEP is found to be inaccurate you may be asked to correct the FEP and re-submit your application. 2.5 When will I be paid for the Farm Environment Plan? Payment will only be made to you once your HLS application has either been approved or rejected. Therefore you should not commission a FEP unless you will be applying for HLS. The relevant payment will be made to you. If you employ a consultant to carry out the FEP you will have to make separate arrangements for paying them yourself. Before payment is made, RDS will check that all the relevant sections of the FEP have been completed in accordance with the FEP handbook. If your application is rejected, providing the FEP has been completed correctly, payment will still be made. Your FEP payment will be based on the total area of land covered by the FEP, see section of the FEP handbook. The payment includes an element to cover the charge levied for consultations with Historic Environment Record Centres. The amounts are set out in the table below. 20

23 2 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook The Farm Environment Plan Section 2 Area (ha) Total payment ( ) < > When should a Farm Environment Plan be carried out? It can be done at any time of year but it needs to be done prior to applying for an HLS agreement. However, some features will be more easily identified at certain times of the year. For example, grasses and flowers in a hay meadow are most easily identified in summer, but the effects of soil erosion are more visible in winter. 2.7 How do I use the Farm Environment Plan? The FEP should be used to identify all features on your land. The targeting statement will explain which of the features identified in your FEP are most likely to meet the objectives of the scheme and would therefore benefit most from inclusion in an HLS application. The FEP will also provide a guide as to which land management options or capital items would be most suitable for the various fields and features on the land. You then need to decide which of these options you would like to apply for, taking into account your current farming system. Some of the options may require a very different approach to farming some fields. Before applying for these, you need to be sure that you can adapt your farming system accordingly. 21

24 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form Section 3 Step by step summary of the HLS application process STEP 1 For information on how to obtain your pre-filled application form and maps you should refer to your ELS or OELS handbooks (inside front cover). STEP 2 If you do not already have an ELS or OELS agreement, carry out a Farm Environment Record. STEP 3 Prepare a Farm Environment Plan for all your farm. You may need to hire a consultant to do this work for you. STEP 4 Using the recommendations from the FEP and the targeting statement for your area, consider the most appropriate HLS options for your land. STEP 5 Choose from the list of ELS or OELS, and HLS options and complete annexes 1 and 2 of your application form. Include enough ELS or OELS options to meet your points targets, even if you already have an existing ELS or OELS agreement. Mark the HLS options on your HLS options map. ELS and OELS options are marked on the ELS/OELS options map. STEP 6 Choose your HLS rotational options and complete annex 3. These do not have to be marked on a map. STEP 7 Choose the capital works that you wish to do in the first three years, and complete annex 4. Mark these on your HLS options map. STEP 8 List all your permanent grassland fields and the total area of temporary grassland in annex 5 and calculate the maximum stocking density. STEP 9 Make sure you have read and understood all the terms and conditions contained in this handbook and your ELS or OELS handbook. Submit your application to your RDS office. STEP 10 If you achieve the required threshold scores based on information supplied in the FEP and your application, you will be visited by an RDS adviser to discuss the content of the proposed agreement. If successful, an agreement offer will be sent to you for signature. 22

25 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form Unless you are applying for an HLS only agreement (see section 1.1.3), you must also apply for ELS or OELS options using a combined application form. If you already have an ELS or OELS agreement, you need to re-apply for these options when you apply for HLS. 3.1 What do I need to apply for HLS? Section 3 a) A personalised application form which will have been pre-filled with information about you and your land, including RLR field numbers and areas. If you have not received the pre-filled application form and maps described below, you must make sure all your eligible land is registered on the RLR and then ask your RDS office to send you the necessary documents and maps. Defra will not be able to accept applications on forms which have not been pre-filled. b) Your application maps: Environmental Information Maps showing designations on your holding such as SSSIs, Scheduled Monuments and Less Favoured Areas. This will allow you to identify high priority features on your holding which would benefit from the introduction of some of the options. Farm Environment Record (FER) and Farm Environment Plan (FEP) Map This map of your land should be used to prepare your combined FER and FEP map, and should be returned with your application form. Guidance for entering features on to your FER map is provided at section 2.3.2, of your ELS or OELS handbook. The completion of this map will earn points towards the ELS or OELS part of your HLS application. This completed map is also used for showing the features identified in your FEP. If someone else will be carrying out your FEP, you will need to provide them with your FER map. ELS or OELS Options Map This map should be used to mark where you are putting your ELS or OELS options on your land. HLS Options Map This map should be used to show where you are putting your HLS options on your land. These will usually include both the land management options and any capital works that you intend to carry out during the first two or three years of your agreement. This map should also be returned with your application form. c) A completed FEP form, see the FEP handbook for further details. 23

26 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form 3.2 How to complete your application form Section 3 To complete your ELS/HLS or OELS/HLS application form you will need to refer to guidance given at section 2 of the ELS or OELS handbooks, as well as this HLS handbook. Please read these handbooks in their entirety to ensure you are fully aware of all aspects of the application process. Table 1 identifies which sections of each handbook provide further guidance on completing the application form. 3.3 How to complete annexes 2 to 5 of the application form Guidance on completing these annexes is provided on pages Countryside Agency (John Morrison) 24

27 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form Table 1: Where to find guidance in the ELS, OELS and HLS handbooks Application form ELS/HLS applications handbook OELS/HLS applications handbook section number and section and section Section 1 1 Pre-filled Pre-filled 2 This can be used if you need to provide This can be used if you need to provide details of an additional contact name details of an additional contact name and address and address 3 ELS OELS Self-explanatory Self-explanatory 5 Self-explanatory Self-explanatory 6 ELS OELS Section 2 7 Self-explanatory Self-explanatory 8 HLS HLS ELS OELS HLS HLS ELS OELS HLS 2.1 HLS ELS OELS HLS OELS HLS Self-explanatory 15 If your application is any way linked HLS to or dependent on another application or an existing agreement, please provide details 16 HLS 3.5 HLS HLS 5.8 If your application is any way linked to or dependent on another application or an existing agreement, please provide details 18 HLS 3.5 & 5.9 HLS HLS HLS HLS HLS 3.5 & HLS HLS Section 3 ELS OELS Section 4 HLS 3.3 OELS Section 5 Self-explanatory HLS 3.3 Section 6 - Self-explanatory Annex 1 ELS Annex 1a - OELS Annex 1b - OELS Annexes 2-5 See examples on pages See examples on pages Section 3 25

28 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form How to complete annex 2, your Field Data Sheet (ELS and (this example uses the ELS/HLS application form: the principles are the same for OELS/HLS, except Section 3 Please also refer to the guidance in the ELS or OELS handbook for details of how to enter ELS or OELS options onto the data sheet To record non-rotational options follow steps A to F: Step A Write the code of your chosen option at the top of the Options column. Start with your ELS options and then choose your HLS options. Note, in this example, the first two options columns are ELS options: for detail see the ELS handbook. The third option, in this example, is an ELS option attracting an HLS payment. Step B Calculate the amount of this option for each field parcel you have decided to put it in and record this amount in the corresponding row of the Options column. For each entry calculate the area in hectares (rounded to the nearest 0.01 ha (100 m 2 )) or the number of occurrences or the number of metres (for certain boundary options). n Annex 2: Field Data Sheet for ELS and Please enter all ELS and HLS non-rotational options within RLR field no./boundary no. XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY XY Boundary 1 Pond 1 RLR field size (ha) LFA Status (Y/N) N N N N N N N N N N N N N N Soil erosion/ run-off risk? (tick if YES) Step C Calculate the total amount of your option for all field parcels and record this figure in the row marked Total amount (ha/100 m/no.). Step D Enter the cost per hectare or number available for the option in the row marked HLS per unit e.g. for HK15 you would enter 130. Total amount (ha/100m/no.) ELS points per unit ELS points HLS per unit HLS s Total area of land, excluding LFA land in 1 parcels of 15ha or more and land parcels which are not eligible. (this sheet) 2 Total area of LFA land in parcels of 15ha or more excluding land parcels which are not eligible. (this sheet) 1, 2 Total area for this sheet when added to any continuation sheets sh 3 Total ELS points for this sheet should be added to the total on any 4 Total value of HLS options for this sheet Step E Calculate the total payment for that option. ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04) Where you have an ELS option combined with an HLS option on the same parcel (e.g. XY ), the HLS payment may have to be reduced where there is an overlap in the management required. See Section 4.5 for further explanation and some examples of the payment reduction. 26

29 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form HLS non-rotational options within fields) options to be used on organic land are prefixed with the letter O instead of E ). HLS non-rotational options within fields Application reference... fields that you have chosen into this data sheet. Lists of the options available are provided in the ELS and HLS Handbooks. EE2 EK2 HE3 HK15 Options Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Total ELS (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ (ha/100m/ points/ no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) no.) HLS s HB HQ2 1 Where you have chosen an Entry Level option to contribute towards your HLS appliction, you must user the relevant HLS code e.g. use HE3 instead of EE3 for a 6m buffer strip. All codes are shown on the Payment Summary Sheet. Section 3 To calculate the HLS s multiply the total amount (ha/number) by the HLS s per ha or number In this case the option is maintenance of hedgerows of very high environmental value, option code HB12, so the calculation is: 800m x 35/100m ( 0.35/m)= If necessary, please continue on additional sheets and indicate in the box how many have been attached... ould equal the figures in table A at Section 3. continuation sheets and entered into table B at Section 3. [application reference] 13 Step F Once you have recorded all your non-rotational options, calculate your total HLS payment for the options recorded and enter this figure below your ELS points total. 27

30 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form How to complete annex 3 (HLS rotational, management plan and access base payment options). Section 3 Step A Decide which rotational options (listed below), management plans (HM1, HM2, HM3 and HM4) and access base payments (HN1 and HN8) you would like to apply for as part of your HLS agreement. Step B Record the code, description, payment rate and amount in the appropriate columns. To record rotational options: Assess the area of land to be managed under the rotational option and follow Steps A and B above. Record the area measurement in hectares rounding to the nearest 0.01ha. You will not need to mark the location of rotational options on your Options Map/s, as these will move around your land from year to year. However, you must ensure that the declared area and required management is delivered in every year of your agreement. The following rotational options are available in HLS. These include ELS options (and in some cases OELS options) which can attract an HLS payment (shown in italics below). HF6 Over-wintered stubbles HF8 Skylark plots HF9 Conservation headlands in cereal fields HF10 Conservation headlands in cereal fields with no fertilisers or manure HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots HF13 Fallow plots for ground nesting birds HF14 Unharvested fertiliser-free conservation headlands HF15 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-wintered stubble and spring crop HF16 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option HF17 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option HF18 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside HF19 Unharvested fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside HF20 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora HG1 Under sown spring cereals HG4 Cereals for whole crop silage followed by over-wintered stubble HG5 Brassica fodder crops followed by over-wintered stubble HG6 Brassica fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic HG7 Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion 28

31 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form n Annex 3. HLS rotational, management plan and access base payment options Payment Amount (ha)/ Total Code Description rate no./length Payment HN1 Access base payment 365/eg HM1 Soil management plan 3/ha ha HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots 495/ha 2.00ha 950 HF14 Unharvested, fertiliser-free, conservation headlands 440/ha 5.00ha 2200 Section 3 Total payment for rotational, management plan and access base payment options 7115 Step C Calculate the total payment for each option. Step D Calculate the total payment for all rotational, management plan and access base payment options. 29

32 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form How to complete annex 4 for HLS capital works To record HLS capital works follow steps A to G. n Annex 4. HLS capital works Section 3 Step A Write the code of your chosen capital works at the top of one work item column. Step B Write the location of the work in this column. For work to boundaries identified in the FEP use the boundary number ; for in-field works use the RLR parcel number; for any other works use a six figure grid reference. HR HSL PH FSB/H Location reference Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity XY XY Grid ref Step C For each entry calculate the quantity required (e.g. number, length, area). The quantity should be rounded to the nearest whole unit i.e. 1.4 m = 1 m. In the case of quantities based on a per hectare payment these should be rounded to the nearest 0.01 of a hectare. For actual cost items you should enter the estimated cost of the work. Step D Calculate the total amount of your option and record this figure in the row marked Total amount. Step E Enter the cost of the capital item per unit or, if it is an actual cost item, the percentage grant rate. Total amount s/unit OR % Total s , ,746 Step F Calculate the total cost of each capital item. ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04) Step G Calculate the total cost of all the capital items. 30

33 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form Work item WS WTX HTB CLH Total HLS Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Quantity Payment Section , ,500 1, % 60% , ,919 [application reference] 15 31

34 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form How to complete annex 5 for grassland area and stocking Follow steps A D Section 3 Step A List all fields, by RLR field number, on your land identified as permanent grassland and enter the total area of permanent grassland. The definition of permanent grassland is as for the Single Payment Scheme, i.e. land which, at the time of application, is used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage, whether naturally or through cultivation and which has not been included in the crop rotation of the land for five years or longer. If the land has been re-seeded during the five year period, it may still be counted as permanent grassland. Step B Calculate the total area of temporary grassland on your land. Temporary grassland is land which, at the time of application, has been used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage, whether naturally or through cultivation, for less than five years. Step C Calculate the total area of all grassland (permanent and temporary). Step D Calculate your maximum stocking density over your land. Worked example below. LUs LUs 20 beef cows 20 x cattle (over 2 years) 7 x cattle (6 months to 2 years) 8 x cattle (under 6 months) 5 x lowland ewes and lambs 50 x horses 3 x Total: 42.3 Total area of forage (permanent plus temporary grassland): ha 42.3 LU ha = 1.4 LU/ha Your RDS adviser will discuss and agree this stocking rate with you during the site visit, before an agreement is offered. If necessary it can be amended at this stage. Other livestock units: LUs Dairy cow 1.0 Hill ewe 0.1 Pony

35 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form rate n Annex 5. Grassland management If you are applying for any options involving grassland management please complete this annex. Guidance on how to complete this annex can be found in the HLS handbook. Permanent grassland (RLR Field Numbers ) Area (ha) XY XY XY Section 3 Please provide the current maximum stocking density over your farm. If necessary, please discuss with your RDS adviser. Livestock units per hectare 1.4 If necessary, please continue on additional sheets and indicate here how many you have attached... Total area of permanent grassland (ha) Total area of temporary grassland (ha) Total area of all grassland (permanent and temporary) Note: In providing the above information, you undertake: l l not to reduce the area of permanent grassland on the farm during the lifetime of the agreement; and not to vary the area of temporary grassland by more than 20% during the lifetime of the agreement. ERDP/ELS/HLS 1 (Rev. 12/04) [application reference] 16 33

36 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form 3.4 How to complete your HLS options map Section 3 An example HLS options map is included at the back of this handbook. For each option you wish to include in your HLS agreement you must: a) Decide where the option is to be located on your land (you may decide you want to have the option in more than one location). b) Mark every instance of the option with a coloured pencil on your HLS Options Map(s) using the appropriate colour for that option specified in the map key. Do not mark rotational and management plan options these are recorded separately on the Field Data Sheet (annex 3 of the application form). c) Mark any capital works on the same map. See section 5 for information on how to choose your capital works. d) Write the appropriate option code, using a fine black pen, on or against the option in each place that you have marked it on your HLS Options Map(s). 3.5 Do I need to submit a management plan? In ELS and OELS there are options which require the preparation of management plans for soils, nutrients, manures and crop protection (see section 3 of your ELS or OELS handbook). In HLS, in the great majority of cases, the FEP should provide the necessary information on which to base the agreement. The need for HLS management plans is therefore restricted to those complex situations which require a thorough evaluation of the current condition and future potential of the feature, together with detailed recommendations for implementing proposed management. In addition, there are situations where a comparatively simple (one day) implementation plan may be needed. Detailed management plan to support the design of an HLS agreement We recognise that in a few specific cases, the FEP will not be able to provide the level of detail required to inform the design, and/or feasibility, of an agreement. Instead a detailed plan is required which involves professional advice. This plan would usually be carried out through a one-year stand-alone agreement, which could then be followed by a ten year HLS agreement, if appropriate. In addition to a thorough survey and an assessment of feasibility, the plan should suggest all the HLS options and capital items required to deliver the optimum management. In certain cases it may be necessary to undertake the recommended work (e.g. building restoration) through a special project (see section 5.8). Payment is for 34

37 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form specialist advice required over and above that which could be provided by the FEP. Typically this is for situations such as: historic parkland restoration inter-tidal and major wetland creation and restoration traditional building or historic structure restoration Section 3 the management of poorly known rare species or those of very restricted distribution If your application is likely to involve any of these situations, please discuss them with your RDS adviser before drawing up your application. Once the need for a plan and its details have been agreed with RDS, you will be paid a contribution for the cost of employing professional help to prepare the management plan. Your RDS adviser will confirm the required content of the plan (detailed guidance notes are usually available). Implementation Plan In some situations plans may be commissioned to refine certain aspects, such as scrub and bracken management, heath/moor burning, resource protection works or large scale field boundary network restoration. These implementation plans will normally be prepared at the start of your agreement, and will then form part of your agreement. Your RDS adviser will explain if one of these plans is needed and whether funding is available through a Capital Works Plan. 3.6 Declarations and undertakings You will need to study Sections 2 and 5 of the application form as these contain important declarations and undertakings which will be binding for the duration of your agreement. If you are at all uncertain about your ability to comply with these undertakings, please do not sign the application form until you have discussed your concerns with your RDS adviser. Please also read section of your ELS handbook or section of your OELS handbook. Please read, complete and sign the declaration in your application form. Please return the following to your RDS office in the envelope provided with your application form: Your completed and signed application form 35

38 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form Annexes 1 to 5 of your application form Section 3 Your Farm Environment Plan and combined FER and FEP Map Your ELS or OELS Options Map marked with the options you have chosen Your HLS Options Map marked with the options you have chosen Where your application includes organically managed land, copies of your current, valid, certificates of organic registration and accompanying schedules issued by your Organic Inspection Body, covering all the land in your organic unit Where applicable, you will also need to include: Consents from other organisations (see section 1.3.9) Management plans (see section 3.5) You are advised to retain a copy of all these documents, before sending them to RDS. 3.7 What will I receive if my application has been successful? Your agreement document will include the following sections: Part 1 will provide details of your annual ELS or OELS payments, where appropriate, including Conversion Aid payments on land in OELS. Part 2 will be a data sheet showing options, points and payments for your ELS or OELS and HLS options. Part 3 will describe the management required for each HLS option you have chosen, what you can and cannot do, and what will be the indicators of success. Part 4 will include, if applicable, your Capital Works Plan. The works to be carried out will usually be scheduled over a two or three year period. Part 5 will provide specifications, if applicable, for the minimum standard of work for items in your Capital Works Plan. Part 6 will list all your fields under permanent grass and the total area of temporary grass, along with the permitted maximum stocking density for your land. Part 7 will be maps showing the location of your ELS or OELS and HLS options. 36

39 3 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook How to complete your application form In addition you will receive: Any relevant Environmental Stewardship Guidance Notes, which will provide additional guidance on various land management issues. These notes are also available from: If you need more information on any particular topic, please ask your RDS adviser. Section 3 Defra (Dean Kirkland) The Hope Valley, Derbyshire 37

40 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options For details of all the land management options please see appendix 1. The payment rates are provided in a separate leaflet enclosed at the back of this handbook. 4.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option? Section 4 Appendix 1 of this handbook summarises the aims and management involved for each land management option or group of options. Where relevant, it also includes guidance on what type of land is eligible for particular options. Although the options have been described as primarily addressing a single objective, in practice they can be used to benefit a range of environmental objectives. For example, the creation of species-rich grassland on former arable land could also help protect archaeological remains and reduce diffuse pollution. Your FEP will recommend possible options based on the features found on your farm. Now you must decide which are the most suitable options to choose. Except for the creation options, you should only include options which address features identified in the FEP. Under HLS there is also the opportunity to apply for more ELS or OELS options in addition to those required to meet your ELS or OELS points target. The relevant ELS or OELS options are listed at the end of appendix 1. These should be applied for only where the HLS target statement suggests that an ELS or OELS option is appropriate, or where a feature is best managed with an ELS or OELS option. ELS or OELS options should not be applied for where an HLS option is more appropriate. Your agreement will be drawn up through discussion with your RDS adviser, using the information in your FEP. It will contain a series of options clearly aimed at the management of one or more of the features identified in the FEP. Each option will have a set of management prescriptions which you must follow, but there will be considerable flexibility in the means by which you achieve the agreed outcomes. Environmental Stewardship focuses on achieving outcomes, not just following prescriptions. Adaptive management allows you and RDS to achieve the aims of the scheme. It will not be sufficient simply to follow the prescriptions. All options therefore have one or more indicators of success, which will link management to its intended outcome and will give you and your RDS adviser a realistic standard of management to aim for. 38

41 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options 4.2 What is an indicator of success? Experience has shown that you will not always be able to achieve the aims of the management options simply by following a basic set of rules. Environmental and agricultural conditions change over time and we want you to be able to adapt your management accordingly. The indicators of success developed under HLS are intended to paint a picture so that you and your RDS adviser can judge whether the management is working, and to see whether adjustments are needed. You will need to refer to these indicators, and use your own knowledge of your land and your farming system, to fine tune your management to allow for variations in conditions between years and between different areas of your land. In doing so, you must continue to comply with the management prescriptions. Section 4 Some examples that could be included in an agreement include: HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots At full crop establishment, there should be between 75% and 100% cover of the sown species. HJ4 Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off By year 2, the cover of dense grass should be at least 90%. HK9 Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders Between 5% and 25% of the field should have standing water between 1 March and 31 May (in hollows, scrapes, ditch edges, foot drains, etc). 4.3 What is the difference between the maintenance, restoration and creation options? Many of the broad suites of options have individual components which at first glance look very similar. In particular, you will see that there are maintenance, restoration and creation options for many features. The FEP should suggest which is appropriate, but it is important to understand the difference between them before submitting your application. Defra s highest priority is to maintain existing high quality sites, followed by restoration, and then creation. This will be reflected in the targeting statement. Maintenance These features will already be in good condition and the FEP will have identified this. The management requirements will almost certainly be very similar to those being followed by 39

42 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options you before joining the scheme. Management will therefore maintain the status quo and there may only be limited scope for enhancing the environmental interest. Restoration Section 4 The FEP will have identified the fact that the feature is present but that it is in less than ideal condition. Management will therefore require more positive actions, or possibly the cessation of certain activities, in order that, over time, the condition of the feature is restored. This will usually involve a change from the current management practices. You will have the opportunity to discuss the restoration potential of individual parcels, and their management, with your RDS adviser. Potential will depend on factors such as: Soil type ph and nutrient status Soil wetness Management history Location of the parcel in relation to existing features Creation The FEP may have identified the opportunity for creating a new feature. Creation options will be limited to the circumstances where a need for habitat creation has been identified and then only to the most suitable sites. Suitability will depend on similar factors to those for restoration above. Creation will not normally be accepted if the site already has a significant environmental interest. If the site is suitable, the creation options will require the conversion to a very specific type of grassland or other habitat and will be quite demanding. 4.4 HLS supplements In addition to the main land management options, there are a few additional supplements which can be used to help address particular management issues. These are described in appendix 1, together with an indication of the option with which they can be combined. 40

43 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options 4.5 Can ELS/OELS and HLS options be combined on the same parcel of land? HLS is designed to build upon ELS or OELS options and you may want to consider how certain ELS or OELS and HLS options could be combined on the same parcel of land. Using ELS or OELS and HLS options together can result in minimum disruption to management if you have an existing ELS or OELS agreement. It may also deliver additional environmental benefits that would not otherwise have been achieved. In some situations, you may find it advantageous to score ELS or OELS points and attract an HLS option payment from the same area of land. Section 4 There are two ways in which ELS or OELS and HLS options can be combined on the same parcel of land: Certain HLS options may be located on the same parcel of land as an ELS or OELS option without reducing your HLS option payments. This applies to options which have a different aim and require different management, e.g. an access option and an option for managing grassland for its wildlife benefit. In this case we pay for two options, but you are not being paid for the same management twice. You will have to follow the management requirements for both the ELS or OELS and HLS options. If your land includes a high proportion of high quality features, you may find it difficult to avoid combining ELS or OELS and HLS options in order to achieve your points target. In these situations, which should not occur very often, certain HLS options may be located on the same parcel of land as ELS or OELS options but there will be a reduction in your HLS option payment. This applies where the HLS option includes the management requirements of the ELS or OELS option, but with some extra management requirements. Where ELS or OELS and HLS options overlap, we cannot pay you twice for the same management, so we will adjust the HLS payment to reflect this. For example: HLS Option HK15 Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland 130/ha ELS Option EK2 Permanent grassland with low inputs (85 points) 85/ha HLS Payment reduced to 45/ha HLS Option HD11 Restoration of water meadows 350/ha ELS Option EK3 Permanent grassland with very low inputs (150 points) 150/ha HLS Payment reduced to 200/ha In the list of options (at appendix 1), where there is the potential to locate HLS options on the same land as an ELS or OELS option, it will be highlighted. If the HLS option description does not mention ELS or OELS options, then the HLS option must be used alone. 41

44 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options 4.6 How should I take landscape considerations into account? Section 4 There are no management options which are aimed specifically at the landscape, but it is nevertheless very important that all the chosen options respect the character of the area. The selection of appropriate land management options and capital works should reflect and enhance the distinctive historic and landscape character of the local area. Options for the maintenance of existing features and habitats will generally maintain and strengthen the landscape character of the area. Features and habitats to be restored by more pro-active management options will generally conserve, restore and strengthen the typical landscape character. You should therefore refer to the FEP landscape section to identify the key landscape characteristics which are typical of the area. Care needs to be taken not to choose options that will be detrimental to, or weaken, local landscape character. Choosing integrated combinations of options at a landscape scale can achieve a number of the main Environmental Stewardship objectives. Different combinations of options can also have a cumulative effect on the landscape and it is important that these are beneficial and not detrimental to landscape character. 4.7 How should I take historic environment considerations in account? Many HLS options are designed to help protect the historic environment through the sustainable management of habitats and other environmental features. However, there are also several options available within HLS which offer more specific opportunities for the protection of the historic environment. 4.8 Will an RDS adviser visit my land? If your application is successful in the initial assessment an RDS adviser, who will have been assigned to you, will visit. They will discuss your application, the options you have selected and your current land management. Assuming that both parties wish to proceed, the agreement will be finalised through discussion of the management requirements of the selected options and their indicators of success. The management options will then be confirmed in the subsequent agreement document. Additional technical information will be provided to help you to carry out the management requirements. During the period of your agreement your RDS adviser will be available for further visits to your land. You will also be informed of any promotional or technical events that are being organised in your area. 42

45 4 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Land Management Options Defra (Alistair Helliwell) Section 4 Discussions between the RDS adviser and applicant farmer are very important when drawing up an agreement 43

46 5 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Capital Works APPENDIX 5.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works? Not necessarily, but in addition to your annual management payments, HLS can contribute to the cost of a wide range of capital works to help you to deliver the environmental objectives on your land. These will be agreed with your RDS adviser and set out in a Capital Works Plan (CWP). You will not be able to have a CWP without also having one or more HLS land management options. The potential for capital works may be identified as part of the FEP or become apparent later during the life of the agreement. Works on which management options will depend (such as fencing and access gates), will have to be completed in year 1, but other works may be completed at a later stage. Section Is funding available? Yes, if the proposed work is appropriate and helps to achieve the objectives. Please see the leaflet in the back of this handbook which lists capital works and their associated payments. There is a wide range of environmental works that can be considered for funding as part of your agreement. Please note that any work you propose to undertake, and for which you wish to seek grant aid, must be approved before you start work. 5.3 How do I apply for capital works? When you make your initial application, you should aim to include in it the most important capital works which could be carried out during the first three years of your agreement. You must list these works in annex 4 of your application form and mark them on your HLS Options Map. When your RDS adviser visits the land they will agree with you, using the guidance in your FEP, the works to be included in your first CWP. It is important to be realistic when agreeing the works to be completed during each year of the CWP. Your CWP will indicate the value of work expected to be completed in each year. An individual CWP can run for two or three years. Amendments to a CWP during this period are not allowed, but in subsequent years you will be able to apply for a completely new CWP to run for another two or three year period. Contact your RDS adviser for the relevant application form and map. 44

47 5 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Capital Works 5.4 Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works? Not usually. Payments for the majority of capital works are standard and a specification for the work will be included in your agreement. However, where it has not been possible to identify a standard payment, a percentage grant based on the actual costs can be offered. In these cases you will need to provide written estimates at the time of your application and an invoice at the time of your claim. If you are registered for VAT, the VAT element will not be eligible for grant. 5.5 When can I start work? You can only start work, subject to the requirements below, when your relevant CWP has been agreed and signed. Some works might be seasonal and in such cases you will be advised as to the most appropriate time to carry out the work. Some works will require consent from a statutory body (see section 1.3.9) and it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain permission before starting work. The requirements of health and safety, codes of practice and any other relevant legislation must also be observed. Section What standard of work is required? Specifications will be provided, if applicable, for the minimum standard of work for items in your CWP. If you do not follow these specifications, we cannot pay you for the work. All capital works must be completed and maintained to the standard required to perform their intended function for the duration of your agreement. 5.7 When will I receive payment? Your CWP will set out the work that you need to do over the whole period of the plan. It will also set out the proportion of the work you should aim to complete by the end of each intermediate year. You will be expected to complete, and claim for, at least 75% of that year s proportion by the end of each intermediate year. All the work should be completed by the end of the plan period. The exact order in which you do the work is up to you. The one exception is those works which are critical to the success of other management options that are required under your agreement. These mandatory works will be highlighted in your CWP and must be completed, and claimed for, in the specified year. 45

48 5 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Capital Works You will be sent a pre-populated claim form at the start of each plan year and this can be used to claim at any time during the year, as soon as the work is completed. Once the payment has been authorised a further pre-populated form will be sent to you showing any outstanding CWP items. At the end of each year any outstanding items will also be shown on the annual claim form (used to claim your land management options). A number of claims can be submitted during the year. If the cost of items claimed exceeds that scheduled for that year, any excess will be paid at the start of the following year. Each individual claim should be for at least Special projects Section 5 Exceptionally, your proposals may need work outside the scope of the standard payments. Examples, which can be for both capital works and land management projects, include: interpretation boards or information leaflets to increase understanding of an area of countryside or an historic feature and explain the work being undertaken conservation and restoration of historic buildings restoration or consolidation of archaeological features provision of hides for viewing wildlife This type of work may be funded as a special project, either as a one-off capital work or for a continuing programme of up to ten years. For any more complex works, including building restoration, it is very likely that you will need a management plan (see section 3.5). In all cases you should consult your RDS adviser before you start detailed planning or seeking quotes, so that you can be clear that your proposed work is eligible. For more simple work items, such as interpretation boards or leaflets, you will need to submit an initial description of the proposed works, together with an estimate of the costs, and then discuss these with your RDS adviser at an early stage. 5.9 Restoration of traditional buildings The restoration of farm buildings under HLS is intended to help ensure the conservation/upkeep of buildings that contribute to the character of the landscape and are of historical interest. Funding will be targeted at those buildings of most importance on landscape or historic grounds (not only designated buildings), as identified in the targeting statement, providing they represent good value for money. 46

49 5 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Choosing your Capital Works As HLS is an agri-environment scheme, we focus on farm buildings in the countryside. In terms of after-use, our priority is to ensure that the character of the building, inside and out, is maintained, along with any existing value as a wildlife habitat (e.g. for barn owls or bats). To this end no internal or external changes to the building that alter its historic, landscape or wildlife value will be allowed without written consent from Defra. To achieve this we expect an after-use that has a continued connection to agriculture or other agreed sensitive and unconverted use, whilst under a management agreement. The Government also supports the conversion of farm buildings to aid economic regeneration and diversification, but HLS is not the appropriate mechanism for doing this. The Rural Enterprise Scheme may however be of assistance. Section 5 Defra (James LePage) Flint walled barn in Hampshire 47

50 6 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? APPENDIX 6.1 Single Payment Scheme As a general rule land receiving payments from the Single Payment Scheme (SPS) may be entered into HLS. Your HLS payment will be in addition to any payment you receive for SPS Cross compliance management and HLS options HLS options have been designed to go beyond the requirements of cross compliance management of the SPS. You must follow the procedures explained in section of the ELS or OELS handbook when you are applying for and managing your hedgerow (HB12) and grass margin (HE10) options. There are some arable options where, for reasons of timing or location, the HLS management may fall outside the cross-compliance conditions of SPS. If you comply with the conditions of the HLS agreement, you will not have to meet the cross-compliance conditions which conflict with the agreement. Section 6 The land management required for the following options will, however, usually contravene the requirements of cross-compliance because the land is unlikely to be capable of being returned to agricultural production by the next growing season. Such land is also likely to become ineligible for the SPS, either because it is forest or because it is used for nonagricultural activities. Therefore if you have land accepted into one of the following options, and you have included it as eligible hectares in your SPS application, you will be required to surrender to the national reserve a number of entitlements equal to the number of eligible hectares upon which these HLS options will be paid: Creation of woodland in the LFA HC9 Creation of woodland outside the LFA HC10 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach or regular inundation. HP9 The resulting loss of SPS payment has been factored into the payments for these options HLS options and set-aside land There are two arable HLS options which are available to enhance the environmental interest of set-aside. Although some of the management requirements may differ from those of set-aside, any land entered into the following options will not be disqualified from SPS and may be included within your set-aside obligation. 48

51 6 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? Cultivated fallow plots for arable flora HF16 Cultivated fallow plots for ground nesting birds HF17 Other than these two exceptions, you should not put set-aside on land on which there are HLS options. If you do, then your HLS payment is likely to be reduced or stopped. (Please also see section in your ELS or OELS handbook.) Providing information on your SPS annual return You will be required to provide information about the location and amount of HLS options you have on your annual SPS return. 6.2 Entry Level and Organic Entry Level Stewardship The Entry or Organic Entry Level and Higher Level elements have been designed to complement each other. If you already have an ELS or OELS agreement you will need to re-apply for these options when you make your HLS application see sections 3 and 4 of this handbook for more information. This will ensure that the elements of Environmental Stewardship are combined in the most effective way. Section Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as CSS. If you have a CSS agreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expires before applying for HLS. However, land may be added to CSS agreements where this meets their current rules on amendments. In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there are substantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it may be possible to terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement. Agreement holders who feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discuss their case with their RDS adviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan or applying for an HLS agreement. 6.4 Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as an ESA. If you have an ESA agreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expires 49

52 6 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? before applying for HLS. However, land may be added to ESA agreements where this meets their current rules on amendments. In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there are substantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it may be possible to terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement. Agreement holders who feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discuss their case with their RDS adviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan or applying for an HLS agreement. 6.5 Habitat Scheme (HS) It is not possible for HLS to be combined on the same holding as HS. If you have an HS agreement, in most situations you will have to wait until your existing agreement expires before applying for HLS. However, land may be added to HS agreements where this meets their current rules on amendments. Section 6 In some cases, where the existing agreement is on only part of the holding, and there are substantial environmental benefits from bringing new land or features into HLS, it may be possible to terminate the existing agreement and replace it with an HLS agreement. Agreement holders who feel they may fall into this category are strongly advised to discuss their case with their RDS adviser before either commissioning a Farm Environment Plan or applying for an HLS agreement. 6.6 Organic Aid/Organic Farming Scheme (OAS/OFS) If you have any land which is in the OAS or OFS, this is not eligible for HLS, ELS or OELS. However, transitional arrangements are in place to allow existing OFS agreement holders to transfer into OELS and HLS in certain limited circumstances. Section 4.2 of your OELS handbook explains these transfer arrangements in more detail. 6.7 Energy Crops Scheme (ECS) HLS options must not be located within land parcels covered by an ECS agreement. However, boundaries surrounding ECS parcels may be entered into HLS boundary management options. 50

53 6 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? 6.8 Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS), Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS), Woodland Grant Scheme (WGS) and the English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) Woodland managed under the Forestry Commission grant schemes such as EWGS, or the now closed WGS, FWPS and FWS, is not eligible for HLS management options. 6.9 Hill Farm Allowance (HFA) Please refer to section 4.7 of your ELS handbook or section 4.9 of your OELS handbook Other land management schemes on my land If land which you intend entering into HLS is in receipt of funding from another grant scheme, you cannot also receive HLS funding for the same work. Work which is outside the scope of HLS may, however, be eligible for grants from other organisations, including local authorities. You may also be able to enter other agreements or schemes on other land Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) Section 6 Land designated as an SSSI may be receiving payments under English Nature s Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (WES). SSSI land may also be eligible for HLS provided that HLS and WES are not funding the same activity Scheduled Monuments (SMs) Land designated as an SM may be receiving payment from English Heritage to help manage the site appropriately under what is known as a Section 17 Management Agreement. Such land may also be eligible for HLS provided that HLS and an EH Section 17 Management Agreement are not funding the same activity Inheritance/Capital Gains tax exemption The requirements referred to at section 4.9 of your ELS handbook or section 4.11 of your OELS handbook, also apply to HLS options. 51

54 6 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook What should I do if I have another scheme or obligation on my land? 6.12 Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) Please refer to section 4.11 of your ELS handbook or section 4.13 of your OELS handbook Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) HLF payments are designed to fund management not covered by HLS or other schemes, or for measures over and above the requirements of other schemes. HLF applications can count HLS as a source of match or partnership funding towards securing grants for further works, but only where the HLS payments are for separate works that are not subject to prior conditions. Where HLS agreements within an area-wide project have been signed less than 12 months prior to the HLF application, the payments will be viewed as match funding. The projected payments for future HLS agreements will also be included in the calculations Other obligations Section 6 You must make sure there are no other duties or obligations on you or the land that would conflict with your HLS agreement. If you are in any doubt about potential conflicts, please contact your RDS adviser. Defra (Robert Goodison) Swaledale in the Pennine Dales ESA 52

55 7 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Additional requirements that you must agree to The basic scheme rules, legal requirements and conditions for payment are set out in section 5 of the ELS or OELS handbook. Where these requirements include a reference to a five-year period, the HLS requirement is for a ten-year period. Because of the more complicated nature of HLS options, there will be some additional requirements which will apply to the HLS part of your agreement, as follows. 7.1 General conditions on all HLS agreement land In addition to the Standards of Good Farming Practice referred to in section 5 and appendix 4 of the ELS or OELS handbook, you must also follow the general conditions for management of your HLS agreement land as set out below, unless specifically stated otherwise in your agreement: Do not apply lime. On the conventional land that you manage: do not apply pesticides, except for the control of spear thistle, creeping thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock, common ragwort, nettles or other undesirable species named in your agreement. Herbicides may only be applied to these species by weedwiper or by spot treatment. On the land in your organic unit, please refer to section 5.1 of your OELS handbook. Do not allow your agreement land to be levelled, infilled, used for the storage or dumping of materials or used by motor vehicles or machinery (except where necessary for the management of the land), if this is likely to cause long-term damage from rutting or compaction of the soil, or otherwise damage areas being managed under the scheme. Do not light fires (including burning brash or cuttings) where they could cause damage to features of archaeological or historic interest, or within ten metres of tree canopies or on any areas managed for their wildlife habitat interest. (This does not restrict your ability to manage heathland vegetation by controlled burning in compliance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations 1986 and accompanying Code.) Section 7 Do not allow your agreement land to be used for organised games or sports, camping or caravanning, shows or sales where this is likely to damage areas being managed for their wildlife habitat interest or features of archaeological or historic interest; where this is likely to cause excessive or unreasonable disturbance to wildlife being encouraged under your agreement; or where this would cause unreasonable restriction to Public Rights of Way or access land as designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act

56 7 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Additional requirements that you must agree to Do not carry out or permit metal detecting on the archaeological sites on your holding identified in your Farm Environment Plan, unless agreed with your RDS adviser in writing. On Scheduled Monuments, a licence is required from English Heritage before metal detecting can take place. Detecting without such a licence is an offence. On SSSIs, where actions resulting from metal detecting (e.g. digging or vegetation disturbance) are listed as operations likely to damage the special interest of your SSSI, you are required to give written notice to English Nature of these operations and can only proceed once you have received written consent. As you are required to protect and maintain archaeological sites and other features over the entire area under agreement, you must ensure that no damage is caused to these features wherever metal detecting takes place (authorised or otherwise). 7.2 Grassland management If your agreement contains grazing management measures, you must maintain your current areas of temporary and permanent grassland in accordance with Part 6 of your agreement, for the duration of your agreement. A maximum stocking density will also be given and it will be a requirement that you must not over-graze or under-utilise any of the grassland. 7.3 Public rights of way and access Section 7 Requirements relating to public rights of way on your land are set out in section 5.3 of your ELS handbook or section 5.4 of your OELS handbook. In addition, the following conditions also need to be observed: You must fulfil your responsibilities relevant to any land on the holding classified as open access land on a conclusive map published in accordance with Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act You must allow any existing informal public access on the holding to continue. If your HLS agreement provides for payments for access, you must ensure that you have public liability insurance adequate for the type of access provided. You will be breaching your agreement if we find that: there was already public access to the agreement land before your agreement was signed, and we were not fully informed about this existing access. 54

57 7 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Additional requirements that you must agree to Defra Existing rights of way should be kept clear 7.4 Capital works Section 7 If there are any capital works to be done you must: complete them to the specification set out in Part 5 of your agreement, and follow the timetable in Part 4 of your agreement. Throughout the period covered by your agreement, you must maintain the capital works to a standard that satisfies us. This includes replacement as necessary. If your agreement replaces an existing or expired CSS or ESA agreement, you must take all reasonable care to protect, for the duration of the new agreement, any capital works which you have completed and for which you have been paid under that agreement. 55

58 7 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Additional requirements that you must agree to 7.5 Other funding You must not accept any other EU funding or enter into another agreement which applies to the agreement land or capital works covered by your agreement without our written consent. (EU Regulations do not permit more than one source of EU funding for the same activity.) 7.6 Publicity For any publicity, events, information or interpretative material on or about your agreement land, you must: get our written agreement, acknowledge the support of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme, as part of the England Rural Development Programme. Section 7 56

59 8 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Changes to your agreement 8.1 Can I make changes to my agreement? We would not expect to amend an agreement during its lifetime, particularly as most of the features needing management will have been identified by the FEP. However, in some circumstances it may be necessary to make changes to your agreement, for example if a particular management option is not delivering the required environmental outcomes. An amendment may also be made to your HLS agreement in such a genuinely unforeseen circumstance where there is no other solution to the problem. Amendments are not intended to be used for changes which are merely convenient. You must inform RDS about your proposed amendment before you make any changes to your options. Your amendment will not be valid until you have received a letter from your RDS office giving consent to the amendment. If you think you need to amend your agreement, you must contact your RDS office to request an amendment request form (ERDP/LTA1). Once an amendment has been made, further amendments are only permitted in very exceptional circumstances. 8.2 What if I let, sell or transfer my land? Please refer to section 6.2 of your ELS handbook or section 6.3 of your OELS handbook. 8.3 Can I add land to my agreement? Please refer to section 6.3 of your ELS handbook or section 6.4 of your OELS handbook. 8.4 Derogations A derogation is required where a minor and temporary change from the agreed management requirements is needed on a single occasion. This may involve permission to control serious weed infestations using herbicides, relaxation from time-based prescriptions, or changes to cutting or cultivating prescriptions due to practical problems. Section 8 If you require a derogation for any of the following: HLS options ELS or OELS options which attract an HLS payment 57

60 8 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Changes to your agreement ELS or OELS options on the same parcel as an HLS option you must obtain written approval before you make any changes to your management. A Derogation Request form may be downloaded from or obtained from your RDS office. Where the derogation concerns organically managed land, you will also need to obtain your Organic Inspection Body s approval before the proposed change can be made. Your Organic Inspection Body will be required to confirm, by countersigning your Derogation Request form, that your request is compatible with organic standards. On receipt of your request, RDS may visit you to discuss the issue. You will be informed in writing whether your application for a derogation is approved or not. The procedure for completing a Derogation Notice form for your other ELS or OELS options is explained at section 6.4 of your ELS handbook or section 6.5 of your OELS handbook. Defra (Matt Heaton) Section 8 58

61 9 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Breaches and appeals 9.1 Breaches of agreement Please refer to section 7.1 of your ELS or OELS handbook. 9.2 Penalties for breaches of agreement Please refer to section 7.2 of your ELS or OELS handbook. 9.3 Overpayments Please refer to section 7.3 of your ELS or OELS handbook. 9.4 Force majeure (exceptional circumstances) Please refer to section 7.4 of your ELS or OELS handbook. 9.5 Variation of your agreement by the Secretary of State (acting through Defra) Please refer to section 7.5 of your ELS or OELS handbook. 9.6 What if I disagree with any Defra decision or proposed action regarding my application or subsequent agreement? Please refer to section 7.6 of your ELS or OELS handbook. Section 9 59

62 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIX 1 Land management options The HLS land management options and supplements are summarised in this section. For each option, overall aims, management requirements and relationships with ELS and OELS options are explained. The exact management requirements for each option will be negotiated with you, and then included in your agreement. Page Hedgerow option 60 Woodland trees and scrub options 61 Orchard options 66 Historic environment options 68 Arable options 71 Resource protection options 78 Grassland options 81 Moorland and upland options 88 Access options 91 Lowland heathland options 96 Inter-tidal coastal options 99 Wetland options 103 Additional supplements 107 Adding extra ELS and OELS options to HLS 109 Where HLS options can be located with ELS or OELS options this is highlighted at the end of the text describing options, see below. Hedgerows Hedgerows provide shelter and food for many target species of farmland birds, insects and mammals and also provide important corridors for wildlife movement across the farmed landscape. In many parts of England, hedgerows are an intrinsic part of the farmed landscape. The particular mix of shrub and tree species in a hedgerow, which reflects both the age of the hedgerow and local management customs, contributes to local landscape character and distinctiveness. Hedgerows are a living part of our history and many are archaeological features in their own right. They provide a record of our use of the countryside over the centuries. Traditionally, hedgerows were used to keep animals in or out and to mark ownership boundaries and rights of way. There is good evidence that hedgerows, and in particular hedgerow trees, were an important source of firewood. Hedgerows still provide fruit, berries and nuts for people as well as birds, and offer cover for game. Hedgerows 60

63 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook APPENDIX 1 Land management options Maintenance of hedgerows of very high environmental value HB12 This option maintains hedgerows that support target species of farmland birds, insects or mammals, or which make a significant contribution to the local landscape character and/or are historically important boundaries. Defra (Sam Alston) The option will allow management to be tailored to meet the specific requirements of an identified target species or create a diversity of hedgerow structure across the farm to benefit target species. It may also be used to manage hedgerows in the local style and custom, to strengthen the local historic landscape character. The option The FEP will identify species-rich hedgerows suitable for HB12 will promote the development of a balanced tree population, where this is appropriate to the local landscape. Where required, works such as planting up gaps or establishing new hedgerow trees may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Woodland Trees and Scrub Woodland trees and scrub options Code Page Ancient trees in arable fields HC5 62 Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields HC6 62 Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland HC12 62 Restoration of wood pasture and parkland HC13 62 Creation of wood pasture HC14 64 Maintenance of woodland HC7 64 Restoration of woodland HC8 64 Creation of woodland in the LFA HC9 65 Creation of woodland outside of the LFA HC10 65 Maintenance of successional areas and scrub HC15 65 Restoration of successional areas and scrub HC16 65 Creation of successional areas and scrub HC17 65 Supplement Woodland livestock exclusion supplement HC Woodland

64 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Trees and woodlands provide an integral, and often dominant, part of the landscape structure in many parts of England. Woodlands have been managed for timber for thousands of years and many still retain signs of this ancient management. Ancient coppice stools and pollards can still be found in many woodlands, as can evidence of woodbanks, charcoal-hearths, iron smelting works and pottery kilns. Woodland, wood pasture, parkland and successional scrub are valuable and important wildlife habitats supporting a diversity of flora, insects, birds and mammals. The greatest concentrations of our ancient trees are found in ancient woodlands, wood pastures and parklands. These ancient trees are a valuable habitat for wildlife including rare and threatened species of insects, lichens, fungi and bats. Wood pasture consists of large open grown trees (often pollards) usually standing in grassland or heath. They are a remnant of an ancient system of combining livestock and woodland management. Parklands are designed landscapes that were created to retain deer for hunting. Often originating in medieval times, many were embellished with formal avenues, water features and follies in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. These options will not be available if the woodland is already receiving payments under FWPS, FWS or EWGS. Ancient trees in arable fields Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields HC5 HC6 By establishing a grass buffer around the base of the tree, these options protect ancient trees within arable or intensively managed grass fields from damage by livestock, cultivation and other agricultural activities. Management will include: establishing an unfertilised grass buffer of at least 15m radius around the base of each tree; not allowing treatments applied to the adjacent land to affect the buffer; protecting trees from damage by livestock including stock rubbing against the trees, bark stripping and soil compaction; retaining all tree limbs, including the lower limbs on the tree; retaining any standing or fallen dead wood. Capital works such as fencing to protect trees from livestock may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland Restoration of wood pasture and parkland HC12 HC13 These options maintain or restore the wildlife, historic and landscape character of wood pasture or parkland. Sites that are suitable for restoration will still support a number of ancient trees and/or parkland features. It may be that the sites are not grazed, are managed under arable cropping or have been planted with conifers or other inappropriate trees. Woodland 62

65 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options A management plan will usually be required for all these options and parkland restoration will always require a plan. This is to ensure that the original views and important elements of the designed parkland are retained. Management will include: protection of existing and newly established trees from damage by livestock, including stock rubbing against the trees, bark stripping and soil compaction; maintenance of areas of closely grazed turf interspersed with taller tussocks by grazing; no use of fertiliser, no ploughing or other cultivation, no re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing. Restoration such as tree planting to replace lost trees, scrub removal to prevent shading to ancient trees and restoration of ponds or water features, may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Defra (Ian Johnson) Veteran trees in Suffolk parkland 63 Woodland

66 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Creation of wood pasture HC14 This option creates wood pasture on sites that are known to have previously been wood pasture, or on sites adjacent to or linking existing areas of wood pasture. The option can also be used on appropriate sites within the National Forest and Community Woodlands. Planting will not be allowed on archaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value or where trees would be detrimental to the landscape. The preferred method of creation will be by careful and flexible grazing management to allow trees and shrubs to develop by natural regeneration. In some cases, it may be necessary to sow a specified grass seed mix or plant additional trees. These may be funded by a Capital Works Plan Maintenance of woodland Restoration of woodland HC7 HC8 These options maintain or restore woodlands to benefit wildlife and protect and strengthen the local landscape character. The options are targeted at small farm woodlands, or larger woodlands that are normally grazed as part of the farming system. Larger un-grazed woodlands will usually be more suitable for the Forestry Commissions English Woodland Grant Scheme. Please contact your RDS adviser for further advice. Management includes: maintaining rides and glades within the woodland by grazing or cutting; high forest management; rotational coppicing. Restoration may require you to: exclude livestock; remove inappropriate species; undertake planting; protect trees from grazing damage; re-introduce a selective felling or coppicing cycle to restructure the habitat. Capital items such as planting new trees and fencing may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Defra (Catherine Grundy) In your application, you will need to provide details of what you are trying to achieve and how this will be done. Depending on the size of woodland, funding can be obtained through either Environmental Stewardship or the Forestry Commission Woodland 64

67 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Creation of woodland in the LFA Creation of woodland outside the LFA HC9 HC10 These options create small areas of new woodland that benefit wildlife and strengthen the local landscape. They can also be used to protect soils and watercourses. The options will be particularly valuable on sites adjacent to existing woodland. Planting will not be allowed on archaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value, or where trees will be detrimental to the landscape. These options are for new woodlands that are individually less than 1 ha in size and less than 3 ha in total across your holding. If you are considering planting areas larger than 1 ha, grants may be available from the Forestry Commission under the English Woodland Grant Scheme. Defra (Robert Goodison) Woodland creation may include: site preparation; fencing the area of natural regeneration or new planting; and controlling weeds. Capital items such as trees, tree tubes and fencing may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Brown hairstreak butterflies benefit from sensitive management of blackthorn scrub With your application you will need to provide information about how you are going to create and maintain the woodland. This should include the proposed methods of establishment (e.g. natural regeneration or planting) and areas to be left as rides and other open ground. If you propose planting, you need to provide information on the species to be planted. Maintenance of successional areas and scrub Restoration of successional areas and scrub Creation of successional areas and scrub HC15 HC16 HC17 These options aim to maintain, restore or create a succession of scrub habitat for specific target species such as dormouse, song thrush or turtle dove. The options can also be used to protect soils and watercourses. Scrub creation is particularly targeted to sites where target species already occur and where the site is adjacent to existing areas of scrub or woodland. Planting will not be allowed on archaeological sites, on sites of existing wildlife value or where trees would be detrimental to the landscape. 65 Woodland

68 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will be tailored to maintain or create the ideal scrub habitat conditions required by a particular target species or to protect vulnerable soils. This may include allowing scrub to develop naturally; extensive grazing on part, or all, of the site; exclusion of livestock; and coppicing. Woodland livestock exclusion supplement HC11 This supplement supports the removal of livestock from over-grazed woodland or from areas of scrub, to encourage the establishment of trees and shrubs by natural regeneration. Following successful establishment, a grazing regime would then be re-introduced. It is only available on the restoration of woodland option HC8, and the creation or restoration of successional areas or scrub options, HC16 and HC17. Orchards Orchard options Code Page Maintenance of high value traditional orchards HC18 66 Restoration of traditional orchards HC20 66 Maintenance of traditional orchards in production HC19 67 Creation of traditional orchards HC21 67 Traditional orchards are characterised by widely-spaced standard fruit trees of old and often scarce varieties planted at less than 150 trees per hectare. Where they occur, they are a distinctive feature in the local landscape, containing some of our rarest fruit varieties and providing valuable habitats for birds, mammals and insects. Dead wood often found on old orchard trees can support many species of insect, including the rare noble chafer beetle. Traditional orchards consist of apple (for fruit or cider), pear (for fruit or perry), cherry, plum, damson trees or cob nut plantations, which are over 40 years old. Orchards entered into HLS must be able to be grazed. Preference will be given to sites that can provide public amenity, in particular public access. Maintenance of high value traditional orchards Restoration of traditional orchards HC18 HC20 Aimed at orchards which are not currently managed on a commercial basis, these options maintain or restore traditional orchards and nut plantations of high landscape, historical or wildlife value. Orchards suitable for the restoration option are neglected fruit orchards or nut plantations that contain overgrown trees and gaps where trees have died and have been removed or are being lost to scrub. Orchards 66

69 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include: maintaining the characteristic tree form (this will vary with the crop, variety, management system and in some cases, region); protecting trees from damage by livestock; retaining and protecting all mature or over-mature standing trees; retaining some standing dead trees and some dead wood on living trees; grazing without the use of fertiliser; rolling or chain harrowing. Defra (Dan Tuson) Restoration may include: restorative pruning; re-introducing annual pruning; a Traditional cherry orchard tree planting programme (see option HC21 for guidance on planting orchard trees); establishing or re-introducing management of a grass sward and/or scrub control. Capital items such as new trees and protective guards may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Maintenance of traditional orchards in production HC19 This option maintains traditional orchards which contribute to the historic landscape character of the area and are being managed on a commercial basis. Management will include: maintaining the characteristic traditional standard tree form; protecting trees from damage by livestock; following an agreed programme of crop protection to control specific, recorded pests and diseases; rolling or chain harrowing. Other management, including a grazing regime, pruning, management of dead wood, fertiliser applications and supplementary feeding, will be tailored to the site and fruit varieties. Creation of traditional orchards HC21 This option aims to enhance the historic landscape character by creating small orchards on sites that are known to have been orchard in the past. The option may also be used to increase the area of orchard habitat to support threatened species such as the noble chafer beetle. Suitable sites will normally be less than 1 ha and will either contain remnant trees or tree stations or appear as an orchard on old map records. It is also available for sites that have an ecologist s recommendation. To create an orchard you will need to establish traditional varieties by planting two year old fruit trees. A one metre diameter circle around the base of all newly planted trees should be kept free of all vegetation for the first three years after planting by mulching, the use of mulch mats, or the careful use of an approved herbicide. Formative pruning will also be required and once grazing is introduced the trees will need to be protected from livestock damage. 67 Orchards

70 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Once the trees are established the management should follow option HC18. Capital items such as trees and protective guards may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Historic Environment Historic environment options Code Page Arable reversion by natural regeneration HD7 68 Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) HD6 69 Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology HD8 69 Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies HD9 69 Maintenance of traditional water meadows HD10 70 Restoration of traditional water meadows HD11 70 Archaeological features such as hill forts, burial chambers, hollow ways, ridge and furrow, sheep washes and World War II defensive structures all contribute to our rich historical heritage and landscape. They are also often of ecological value, enriching landscape diversity and providing wildlife habitat. These features are an important record of our cultural development and where they occur on agricultural land in significant concentrations, or are distinctive, it is important to protect and preserve them. Many features of archaeological interest are protected and preserved in wetlands with high water levels. These options will protect the features from further damage or erosion. Provision of interpretation, permissive access and/or educational visits are encouraged on suitable sites. Arable reversion by natural regeneration HD7 This option protects sub-surface archaeological features from damage due to cultivation by establishing permanent grassland on arable, set-aside or grass leys through natural regeneration. It is targeted at protecting features at risk of damage through the standard method of grassland establishment which would involve some form of cultivation such as ploughing. This option may also help to protect soils from erosion and reduce diffuse pollution. Historic 68

71 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include: allowing the sward to establish by natural regeneration; managing the sward by grazing or topping during the first year or so to encourage tillering of the grasses. Once established the sward should be managed by grazing or cutting for hay. Any activities that would damage the sward must be avoided. Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) HD6 This option allows annual crops to be direct drilled, to protect archaeological features just below the surface from damage by ploughing or other deep cultivation. Because of the damage caused by the deep root systems of some crops and from harvesting operations, certain crops may not be grown under this option. It is targeted at sites where the field cannot be removed from arable cropping. Management includes: no growing of root crops, maize or energy crops; direct drilling all crops at a depth no greater than 30 mm; no cultivation, sub-soiling, deep ploughing or mole ploughing. Care must be taken to direct drill only in dry soil conditions to avoid compaction or rutting. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology HD8 Features of archaeological interest that are protected and preserved in wetlands are vulnerable to drainage and agricultural improvement. This option maintains current high water levels to protect underlying archaeological features from desiccation. The option may also help to protect vulnerable soils from erosion, reduce diffuse pollution and maintain the landscape character of the area. Management includes: maintaining the water levels at no more than 30 cm below the surface at all times of the year; avoiding field operations and stocking when the land is wet as this can cause compaction and damage to sub-surface features; no ploughing, subsurface cultivation, re-seeding, chain harrowing or rolling. The development of reeds, large sedges or scrub should also be prevented. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 without reducing your HLS payment. Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies HD9 Designed or engineered water bodies such as millponds and formal water features enhance the distinctive historic and landscape character of the area and can provide valuable habitats for wildlife. This option maintains both the designed or engineered water body and the associated features such as dams, retaining walls and sluices. 69 Historic

72 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will be tailored to the individual feature but may include: annual maintenance inspections of masonry, brickwork, pointing or engineering structures; regular maintenance to avoid decay or deterioration of the fabric; use of traditional materials, techniques and craftsmanship. Maintenance of traditional water meadows Restoration of traditional water meadows HD10 HD11 Water meadows were an important component of the distinctive historic and landscape character in parts of southern England. They also provide valuable habitats for wildlife. Water levels in traditionally managed water meadows, including catch meadows, are controlled using sluices and hatches, a process known as floating or drowning the meadow. These options maintain or restore traditional management on water meadows. Management will include floating or drowning the water meadow for an agreed period of time each year. Gutters, carriers or channels should be maintained to encourage an even film of water approximately 25 mm deep to flow over the sward. Once the land has dried out, the meadow will be managed by grazing and/or by hay cutting. Particular care must be taken to ensure that field operations and stocking do not damage the soil structure or cause heavy poaching especially when the land is waterlogged. To restore the water meadows you may need to restore water control structures and associated gutters, carriers and other channels. Scrub clearance and coppicing of bank side trees may also be required. These works may be funded by a Capital Works Plan or may form a capital special project. Defra (Kathy Stearne) This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options K2, K3 and K4 but will reduce your HLS payment. A water meadow in southern England Historic 70

73 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Arable Arable options Code Page Floristically enhanced grass margin HE10 72 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational) HF12 72 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (rotational or non-rotational) HF13 73 Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands (rotational) HF14 73 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-wintered stubble and a spring crop (rotational) HF15 73 Fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG6 74 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced setaside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16 75 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF17 75 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF18 75 Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF19 76 Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic HG7 76 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora (rotational or non-rotational) HF20 77 Arable farming creates the characteristic open ploughed land of areas such as East Anglia and the Vale of York. It is also an important part of the mixed farming tradition of areas such as the Midlands and the South West. However, modern crop management can limit the variety of insects, plants, birds and mammals traditionally associated with such land. For example, arable specialists such as the corn bunting, grey partridge, pheasant s-eye and cornflower have declined in numbers. Many field boundaries have been removed. In some circumstances, crop management may also cause soil compaction that can lead to increased run-off and erosion, which in turn may cause pollution of water courses or increased local flooding. Arable options will normally be available only on land that has been in arable production, including set-aside, for at least five years. An exception to this will be options involving the re-creation of an arable mosaic (HG6 and HG7), where you can include land that has been in arable cultivation at any time in the last ten years. For the arable set-aside options HF16 and HF17, management prescriptions may differ from the set-aside requirements of the SPS. Please see section 6.1 for more guidance. Arable options should only be considered where you can provide evidence that your proposals will benefit: Species mentioned in your target statements. Priority declining farmland bird species either present or adjacent to your land (your RDS adviser will have a list). 71 Arable

74 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Rare arable plant species (your RDS adviser will have a list). Rotational arable options can be moved from field to field to fit in with your crop rotation and to help reduce the build up of pests and diseases. If you choose any rotational arable options, you will need to complete a form in May each year to confirm the location of these options. If you do not return the form your payment will be delayed. Non-rotational arable options will be fixed in an agreed location for the duration of the agreement. Floristically enhanced grass margin HE10 This option provides feeding areas for insects and birds by maintaining field margins that contain a mixture of grass and wild flower species. The margins can be located along field boundaries or as a buffer strip around in-field features such as ponds or archaeological sites. This option must not run alongside any 6 to 10 m set-aside strips established under your SPS entitlement. This role does not apply to set-aside strips wider than 10 m, but the HLS margin must be next to the feature. Management includes: establishing the margin by natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mix recommended by your RDS adviser; and once established, cutting or grazing the margin on a cycle agreed with your RDS adviser. Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational) HF12 This option provides a valuable winter food source for declining farmland birds. The plots or margins will contain a small seedbearing crop tailored to meet the needs of the target bird species. The size and location and the number of plots will also be appropriate for the target bird species. Defra (Pete Stevens) Management will include establishing an agreed seed mixture every year or every other year and following an agreed pesticide and fertiliser programme. Many farmland birds will benefit when crops such as quinoa are allowed to set seed This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Arable 72

75 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (rotational or non-rotational) HF13 This option provides breeding and foraging sites for ground-nesting farmland birds such as lapwing, stone curlew and skylark. The uncropped plots should be at least 2 ha in size and located in suitable arable fields. The plots can be kept in a fixed location or rotated around agreed locations. Defra (David Smallshire) Management includes cultivating the plot in the spring to produce a rough fallow. This fallow should be retained without the use of pesticides or fertilisers for an agreed period. Lapwing This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands (rotational) HF14 The option provides a year-round food source for declining populations of farmland birds. The restricted pesticide programme will allow insects to flourish, providing food for the chicks in summer. Over winter the unharvested crop will provide a food source for farmland birds by providing spilt grain and seeding arable plants. This option can also encourage rare arable plants. The headland has significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with option HE10 (floristically diverse margins) or with ELS or OELS options E1, E2 or E3 (2-6 m wide buffer strips on arable land). Management includes cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual. The outer 6 to 24 m of the crop is to be managed by following a restricted herbicide and insecticide programme and without the use of fertilisers. This headland is to be left unharvested until the following spring before resuming normal management. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding over-wintered stubble and a spring crop (rotational) HF15 This option provides a food source for farmland birds, especially in the winter. The restricted herbicide programme will allow arable plants to flourish and set seed in the crop. Overwintering the stubble rich in arable plants will provide a winter food source for farmland birds. 73 Arable

76 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual, but following a restricted herbicide programme. The cereal crop should then be harvested without using a pre-harvest desiccant. Any soil compaction should be remedied following harvest to prevent increased run-off and erosion. The stubble should then be maintained without the use of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime until the following spring. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Fodder crop management to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG6 Where arable farming has declined in traditionally mixed farming areas, this option returns fields to arable cultivation in order to provide valuable foraging sites for seed-eating birds. Fodder crops (brassica or root), grazed in situ, allow arable plants to persist and set seed within the crop. Andy Hay/RSPB-images.com Management includes: establishing a whole field of fodder brassica/fodder root crop before 1 July; following a restricted pesticide programme; grazing over the autumn and winter; and maintaining the stubble until the following spring. Yellowhammer Arable Options on Set-aside There are four options that can be used to enhance the environmental value of set-aside. The first two (HF16 & HF17) involve the creation of plots within the set-aside area. Within these plots, the HLS management prescriptions override any conflicting prescriptions for the management of set-aside under the SPS. Outside HLS plots, the SPS requirements for setaside must be followed in full, but any treatments must not affect or encroach on the HLS plot. Please see section 6.1 for more guidance. The second two (HF18 & HF21) involve the management of the cereal crop preceding set-aside. All cereal crops which are followed by set-aside are eligible for options HF18 & HF19, but wherever possible they should be located in fields with lower inherent soil fertility and/or low levels of pernicious weeds. Arable 74

77 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF16 This option provides suitable conditions for the germination and establishment of rare arable plants on in-field plots or margin strips within set-aside. Management will include cultivating to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in autumn or spring, depending on the target species. This fallow plot or margin should be retained for an agreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers. Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds as an enhanced set-aside option (rotational or non-rotational) HF17 This option provides breeding and foraging sites for ground-nesting farmland birds, such as lapwing and stone curlew, on setaside. The plots should be at least 2 ha and located in suitable arable fields. Locating the plots within 2 km of extensively grazed grassland or areas of scrub will provide additional foraging habitat. The plots can be kept in a fixed location or rotated around agreed locations. Defra (James LePage) Management will include cultivating the plot in the spring of each year to produce rough fallow. This fallow plot should be retained for an agreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Cornflowers in an unsprayed crop Reduced herbicide, cereal crop management preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF18 This option provides a food source for farmland birds, especially in the winter. The restricted herbicide programme will allow arable plants to flourish and set seed in the crop. The stubble, rich in arable plants, will provide a winter food source for farmland birds. 75 Arable

78 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual, but following a restricted herbicide programme. The cereal crop should then be harvested with no use of pre-harvest desiccant. Following harvest any soil compaction will need to be remedied to prevent increased run-off and erosion. Maintain the stubble (now in set-aside) with no applications of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime until 15 July. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlands preceding enhanced set-aside (rotational) HF19 This option provides a year-round food source for declining populations of farmland birds. The restricted pesticide programme will allow insects to flourish, providing food for the chicks in summer. Over the winter and through the set-aside period, the unharvested crop will provide a food source for farmland birds by providing spilt grain and seeding arable plants. This option can also encourage rare arable plants. The headland has significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with option HE10 (floristically diverse margins) or with ELS or OELS options E1, E2 or E3 (2-6 m wide buffer strips on arable land). Corn bunting Andy Hay/RSPB-images.com Management includes cultivating and sowing a cereal crop as usual. The outer 6 to 24 m of the crop will be managed by following a restricted herbicide and insecticide programme and without the use of fertilisers. This headland is to be left unharvested and retained through the following set-aside year. The use of pesticides, fertilisers, manures or lime is not permitted on the unharvested headland until 15 July in the next year when normal management may be resumed. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Low input spring cereal to retain or re-create an arable mosaic (rotational) HG7 This rotational option provides an important habitat for declining farmland birds (e.g. grey partridge, skylark and corn bunting) and mammals (e.g. brown hare). The open spring crop Arable 76

79 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options will provide breeding sites for ground nesting birds and encourage rare arable plants. It is particularly applicable in areas where spring crops were traditionally grown but have now declined. This option will have significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with grass margins. This option also provides an opportunity for ley establishment by under sowing with a grass/legume mixture. Management includes establishing a spring cereal crop at a specified seed rate of not more than 100 kg/ha; following a restricted herbicide and fertiliser programme; and not harvesting the crop before 31 July. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable flora (rotational or non-rotational) HF20 This option creates opportunities for rare arable plants to germinate, flower and set seed. Management will include cultivation to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in the autumn or spring, depending on the target species. This fallow plot or margin should be retained for an agreed period without the use of pesticides and fertilisers. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D3 and J1 without reducing your HLS payment. Defra (Mark Stevenson) Narrow-leaved hemp nettle, a rare arable plant 77 Arable

80 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Resource Protection Resource protection options Code Page Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off HJ3 79 Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off HJ4 79 In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off HJ5 79 Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland HJ6 80 Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with no input restriction HJ7 80 Supplement Nil fertiliser supplement HJ8 80 These options are designed to protect watercourses by reducing diffuse pollution. They buffer sensitive habitats and protect areas that replenish groundwater, by reducing the risk of soil erosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorus transport. They also contribute to flood management. Diffuse pollution is the contamination of watercourses by run-off laden with eroded soils and nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) from large areas of land. Increased run-off leading to soil erosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorus transport is often caused by the capping and/or compaction of soils in arable cultivation or intensively managed grassland systems. Careful management of grass cover will improve soil structure and water infiltration, reduce run-off and provide protection from soil erosion. The options will be targeted at high risk land within priority catchments identified in your target statement and may be applied to part-fields or whole fields. These options can also help protect archaeological features. source Protection Where resource protection options (including the nil fertiliser supplement HJ8) are proposed, you must also apply for and complete a Soil Management Plan (option M1) within the first agreement year. In addition, if you apply livestock manures, a Manure Management Plan (option M3) must be included in your application. Where fertilisers are applied, a Nutrient Management Plan (option M2) must be included in your application. 78 Soil erosion can result in diffuse pollution as well as reduced profitability Defra

81 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off HJ3 HJ4 In fields identified in the FEP as being at high risk, these options stabilise soils and reduce nutrient losses by the establishment and maintenance of either an unfertilised or a nutrientrestricted fertilised grass cover. Maintaining a grass cover will help to improve soil structure and water infiltration, reduce run-off and protect against wind erosion. Zero or restricted inputs of nitrogen fertilisers and organic manures will reduce the risk of nitrate leaching. Management will include: ameliorating any areas of soil compaction before sowing and establishing a specified grass mix (before 1 October); cutting the sward at least twice in the first year to encourage the tillering of grasses and, from the second year onwards, cutting once after mid-july. There should be no overgrazing or poaching and supplementary feeding will be restricted to mineral supplements. Option HJ3 does not allow the use of fertilisers or organic manures. Option HJ4 permits up to 100 kg/ha per year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or no more than 50 kg/ha per year of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, which can only be applied between 1 February and 14 August. In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off HJ5 This option reduces the movement of sediment, nutrients and pesticides by wind and water erosion, both within fields and from field to field, through the careful location of permanent grass areas. This option can be used to achieve a number of different objectives depending on the type of pollution and the pollutant pathway. For example: a grass strip adjacent to a watercourse can filter surface run-off to reduce the amount of eroded soil, organic material, nutrients and pesticides reaching the watercourse grassing natural drainage pathways (e.g. valley bottoms) will help to reduce the channelling of run-off water that can produce rills and gullies a grass strip angled against the prevailing wind can reduce wind borne soil erosion This option applies to part fields only, up to a maximum permissible area of 30% per field. Part or whole field arable reversion (HJ3 or HJ4) should be considered for larger areas. Management will include: removing any areas of soil compaction before establishing a specified grass mix (before 1 October); cutting the sward at least twice in the first year to encourage the tillering of grasses. You must not use the area for regular access, vehicle turning or storage. Other management, including grazing and/or mowing regimes, fertiliser and supplementary feeding can be tailored to site objectives. 79 Resource Protectio

82 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland HJ6 This option reduces soil compaction and surface run-off on improved grassland by extensive grazing. Extensive grazing will help to improve soil structure, water infiltration and reduce run-off. Restricting inputs of fertiliser and organic manures will reduce nitrate leaching. This option is suitable for use on improved grassland that receives in excess of 200 kg N/ha and where there is evidence of soil erosion or run-off, or where a soil risk assessment indicates that a target feature is under significant threat from erosion or run-off. It may also be used to buffer sensitive habitats if used in combination with HJ8 Nil fertiliser supplement (see below). This option applies to the whole field. Management includes: alleviation of severe soil compaction; application of up to 100 kg/ha per year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or no more than 50 kg/ha per year as inorganic nitrogen fertiliser. Supplementary feeding is restricted to mineral blocks or licks. Other management including grazing and/or mowing regimes will be tailored to site objectives. Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with no input restriction HJ7 Defra This option supports the removal of livestock at specific times of the year to reduce compaction and run-off. This option is suitable for use on soils that are prone to water logging, compaction or poaching and applies to the whole field. Soil damage on other fields must not result through removing livestock from fields receiving this supplement. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D5, K2, K3, K4, K5, L3, L4 and L5 without reducing your HLS payment. Nil fertiliser supplement This stream would benefit if cattle were removed during the winter HJ8 This supplement supports the management of land under option HJ6 (Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland) without the use of fertilisers. This will reduce nitrate leaching into ground and surface water. It may be applied to whole fields or part-fields greater than 1 ha. source Protection 80

83 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Grassland Grassland options Code Page Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK6 82 Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK7 82 Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK8 82 Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders HK9 83 Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK10 84 Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders. HK11 84 Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK12 84 Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders HK13 85 Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK14 85 Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK15 85 Restoration of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK16 85 Creation of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK17 86 Enhanced buffer strips on intensive grassland HE11 86 Supplements Hay-making HK18 86 Raised water levels HK19 87 Inundation grassland HQ13 87 Species-rich, semi-natural grassland Unimproved hay meadows and pastures are important to the character of locally distinctive pastoral or mixed farming landscapes. They support a rich mix of native grasses and flowers including meadow foxtail, quaking grass, cowslip and lady s bedstraw and are valuable for butterflies and other insects. These grasslands are a precious but threatened habitat. Fragments survive in areas that have not been re-seeded, drained or heavily fertilised. They therefore often contain some of our best preserved archaeology. Active management of these habitats will maintain their value for wildlife, contribute to the protection of valued landscapes and archaeology, and promote good soil conditions. Defra (James LePage) You will need to submit evidence of current soil ph and nutrient status (results up to three years old are acceptable) with your application when creating or restoring species-rich grassland. Chalk grassland in good condition 81 Grassland

84 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK6 This option maintains grasslands that are already species-rich and in good condition by continuing with the current management. Management includes: grazing and/or cutting for hay; no ploughing, re-seeding, or installation of new drainage; no heavy poaching. Other management, including fertiliser and supplementary feeding, will be tailored to each site based on the type of grassland and the farming system. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment and on ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK7 This option restores grasslands that were species-rich in the past, but have suffered from management neglect or have been agriculturally improved. Grasslands that are suitable for this option will still have some diversity of grasses and flowers. Potential for this option will also depend on soil type, ph and soil nutrient status (particularly available phosphorus). This option will be managed as option HK6, but restoration may include scrub clearance, invasive weed control and/or seed introduction by spreading species-rich green hay from a suitable nearby site. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment and on ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK8 This option creates species-rich grassland on former arable land, ley grassland or set-aside. The creation of species-rich grassland is very demanding and will be feasible only in a few situations. Potential for this option will depend on soil type, ph, soil nutrient status (particularly available phosphorus). This option will be targeted at sites close to existing species-rich grassland. Creation of a species-rich grassland will include establishing the sward by natural regeneration or using a seed source or mix recommended by your RDS adviser. The sward will need to be cut or grazed in the first year to encourage the grasses to tiller and to control annual weeds. Once established, management will be the same as for HK6. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment. Grassland 82

85 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl Wet grasslands are important and distinctive components of the coastal and river floodplain landscape. Wet grasslands provide wintering and/or breeding habitat for wading birds and wildfowl. Winter flooding that creates islands of damp grassland surrounded by shallow surface water (up to knee-deep) provides secure feeding and roosting sites for wildfowl and waders. The shallow flooding produces an abundance of food in the form of seeds and insects that can attract large numbers of ducks, geese, swans and lapwing. Waders such as snipe, redshank, curlew and lapwing need damp soil conditions, with some areas of very shallow standing water in the spring and early summer, to provide an abundant supply of insect food for their chicks. These options can also protect the many features of archaeological interest that are preserved in wetlands with high water levels, see also Historic Environment option HD8 (maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology). For the management of other wetland habitats including ponds, reedbeds, fens and bogs please see Wetland Options, HQ1-HQ10 on page 103. When restoring or creating wet grasslands, the ability to control surface water will be required. In most situations land drainage consent and/or a management plan will also be required. A range of capital items such as sluices, bunds, scrapes and ditch restoration may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders HK9 This option maintains wet spring and summer grasslands that already support breeding waders. In some instances it may be necessary to change the water management regime to continue to attract these birds. Management includes: controlling in-field and ditch water levels in the spring and early summer; maintaining ditches and existing field drainage systems; creating a varied sward structure by the end of the growing season by grazing and/or taking a late hay cut; restricting the stocking density in the bird nesting season; avoiding heavy poaching (although small areas of bare ground are acceptable); and avoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or nonessential activities. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS Reasonable numbers of snipe overwinter but relatively few stay to breed Defra (David Smallshire) 83 Grassland

86 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK10 This option maintains wet grasslands that already support wintering populations of wildfowl and waders. In some instances it may be necessary to change the water management regime to continue to attract these birds. Defra (Trevor Mansfield) Management includes: controlling in-field and ditch water levels over the winter months; maintaining ditches and existing field drainage systems; creating a varied sward structure by the end of the growing season by grazing and/or cutting for hay; no grazing over the winter months; no heavy poaching (although small areas of Shallow flooding provides good conditions for over-wintering wildfowl bare ground are acceptable) and avoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or nonessential activities. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK11 HK12 These options provide habitat for waders and wildfowl and/or breeding habitat for wading birds by re-wetting permanent grassland and by managing the grazing to create a mosaic of grass structure. These fields will have been wetter in the past but have since been drained or improved for agriculture. The potential for this option will depend on both the availability of surface water and the ability to control it. Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but for restoration of wet grassland you may need to: alleviate any areas of soil compaction (except on archaeological features); implement a water management regime; excavate scrapes and re-profile ditches; and introduce seed by spreading species-rich green hay from a suitable nearby site. Grassland 84

87 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK13 HK14 These options create wet grassland habitat for either breeding waders in the spring and summer or waders and wildfowl in the winter months. Fields suitable for these options are current arable land, set-aside or temporary grassland. These fields will have been wetter in the past but have since been drained and improved for agriculture. The potential for this option will depend on both the availability of surface water and the ability to control it. Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but additional management for the creation of the wet grassland habitat includes: establishing a grass sward by natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mix recommended by your RDS adviser; alleviating areas of soil compaction; implementing water level management; restoring the ditch network; and excavating scrapes and ponds. These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment. Management of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species These options manage semi-improved or rough grassland that provides a habitat for target species such as great crested newt, chough, cirl bunting or wintering geese, as well as particular groups of species such as scarce bumblebees and ground-nesting farmland birds. These options are only available on land outside Less Favoured Areas (LFA). Upland options HL7 and HL8 (maintenance or restoration of rough grazing for birds) may be appropriate for land within the LFA. Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species Restoration of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK15 HK16 These options will maintain or restore semi-improved or rough grassland which is known to provide good conditions for target species. These options can also be used to maintain moderately species-rich semi-improved grassland but only where this is a local target, and where the grassland lacks the potential to be restored to species-rich, semi-natural grassland (option HK7). 85 Grassland

88 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include grazing and/or cutting for hay. Other management including fertiliser and supplementary feeding will be tailored to each site based on the target species present. These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment and ELS or OELS options K2, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Creation of semi-improved or rough grassland for target species HK17 This option creates semi-improved or rough grassland on former arable, set-aside or temporary grassland. Fields under this option will be managed as HK15, but creation of the grassland will include establishing a grassy sward through natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mix recommended by your RDS adviser. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment. Enhanced buffer strips on intensive grassland HE11 This option provides additional habitat for invertebrates, birds and small mammals by managing buffer strips in intensive grass leys. These strips of wild flowers and grasses provide nesting habitat and shelter, as well as a food source for a variety of species including farmland birds, bats and insects such as bumblebees and butterflies. The strip may be rotated within the same field. Management will include sowing and establishing a specified seed mix of wild flowers and grasses. The strip will need to be protected from grazing and will need to be re-established when the cover of wild flowers decreases. Other management such as cutting and fertiliser will be tailored to each site based on the species targeted. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option D5 without reducing your HLS payment. Defra (Robert Goodison) Haymaking supplement HK18 This supplement supports the continuation or re-introduction of haymaking on sites that would normally be managed as pasture, due to the ready availability of Haymaking encourages botanical diversity by allowing flowers to set seed Grassland 86

89 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options livestock and/or the climatic difficulty of haymaking. These fields will have high existing environmental value as hay meadows, but are at risk from haymaking being discontinued for economic reasons. This supplement is suitable for use with options HK6 - HK8, HK15-17 and HD10 & 11. Raised water levels supplement HK19 This supplement supports the raising of water levels in ditches and adjacent land, where exceptional management is needed at key periods of the year. This supplement may be used to provide feeding and nesting habitats for wetland birds. In addition, it will enhance the grassland habitat for wetland plants. This supplement can also be used to manage specialised wet grassland communities or to maintain the diversity of fauna and flora in important ditches. The supplement is available on options HK6 to HK14. HK9 to HK14 are eligible for Control of water levels is important in managing wet grassland this supplement, but only in exceptional circumstances where specific management is required to raise water levels. The payments for HK9 to HK14 include an element for raised water level management, so applicants will need to provide evidence to show that extra effort is needed to raise levels. Defra (Trevor Mansfield) Inundation grassland supplement HQ13 This supplement is designed to allow the inundation of areas of the river floodplain that are currently protected by flood defence banks. Grassland which is made available for additional inundation by floodwater can develop as a valuable habitat, complement adjacent habitats and, in appropriate locations, contribute to flood management. The supplement is used in designed washlands subject to prolonged and random flooding. This supplement is only available on options HK10, HK12 and HK14 where there are not significant numbers of breeding waders using the site. The site, either alone or as part of a group application, should form a natural hydrological unit, and there should be no significant negative impact on other valuable features. 87 Grassland

90 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Moorland and Upland Rough Grazing Moorland and upland rough grazing options Code Page Maintenance of moorland HL9 89 Restoration of moorland HL10 89 Creation of upland heathland HL11 89 Maintenance of rough grazing for birds HL7 89 Restoration of rough grazing for birds HL8 89 Supplements Shepherding HL16 90 Seasonal livestock exclusion HL15 90 Moorland re-wetting HL13 90 Management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping HL12 91 Past management of moorland and upland rough grazing land has created a rich tapestry of diverse upland landscapes and habitats. These habitats include open heather moorland, blanket bog and a variety of grasslands. It is important to establish or maintain appropriate grazing and burning regimes to protect the peat, conserve these habitats and associated wildlife. Moorland and upland rough grazing areas contain important archaeology and some of our most extensive historical landscapes. Use of these options can help protect these moorland features and landscapes. The moorland options aim to maintain and restore habitats contained within the moorland grazing units. They may also be used in the management of large enclosures such as allotments, intakes and newtakes. Habitats include upland heath, blanket bog, upland calcareous grassland and limestone pavement. The options are targeted at land in Less Favoured Areas which is predominantly above the moorland line. Defra (Pete Stevens) Capital items such as fencing and grip blocking may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Western Heath Saddle Tor, Dartmoor Moorland 88

91 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Maintenance of moorland Restoration of moorland HL9 HL10 These options maintain or restore moorland habitats to benefit upland wildlife, retain historic features and strengthen the landscape character. Management will include grazing the moorland following an agreed stocking calendar. This calendar will reflect the different habitats within the moorland unit and their present condition. It will indicate how many and what type of livestock will be allowed to graze the moorland in each month of the year. Restoration may also include grip blocking or temporary fencing to reduce or exclude grazing. These options can be located on the same land as ELS option L6 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Creation of upland heathland HL11 This option creates dwarf shrub communities in upland moorland areas where heathland plants are rare or absent and their seed banks are depleted. It will strengthen the diverse vegetation mosaic characteristic of upland landscapes. It will be targeted at areas adjacent or close to existing dwarf shrub heath. Management is likely to include: site preparation using a combination of topping, scarification, ploughing, burning and/or herbicide treatment; establishment of heathland vegetation by sowing or spreading heather or heathland seed or cuttings; control of grass and weed species. Once established the heathland would be managed as HL9 or HL10. This option can be located on the same land as ELS option L6 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Maintenance of rough grazing for birds HL7 Restoration of rough grazing for birds HL8 These options provide rough grazing habitat for upland birds, particularly breeding waders, and other target species. They are targeted at allotments, intakes and newtakes and semi-improved fields that either presently support populations of upland birds or have the potential to do so. Shallow pools will encourage breeding waders g Defra (Robert Goodison) 89 Moorland

92 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will include grazing with sheep at an agreed stocking density (between 0.4 and 1.0 Livestock Units/ha depending on site conditions and objective) between 31 March and 20 June. At other times stocking densities (cattle and/or sheep) should be managed to achieve the desired sward height. Restoration will be individually tailored to the site, but may include blocking existing surface drains, ditches and grips to create or extend areas of flush or wet, marshy grassland vegetation. These options can be located on the same land as ELS and OELS options L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 but with a reduction to your HLS payment. Shepherding supplement HL16 This supplement aims to support a grazing regime on moorland and rough grazing land that will prevent damage to archaeological sites, peat exposures, other vulnerable soils or vegetation by over or undergrazing and poaching. The supplement requires shepherds to identify the most vulnerable sites within the grazing unit and manage livestock to ensure that different habitats are grazed appropriately. The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10. Seasonal livestock exclusion supplement HL15 This supplement supports the removal of livestock from moorland for periods of time, to allow moorland restoration or to achieve additional environmental benefits on moorland that is in good condition. Examples of these benefits include increasing the rate of heather regeneration and allowing rare plants such as spring gentian to flower, or shrubs such as juniper to regenerate. The supplement may also be used to help protect archaeological sites and other historic features. The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10. Moorland re-wetting supplement HL13 This supplement supports the re-wetting of moorland to maintain wetland habitats and their associated wildlife. Re-wetting may also help to reduce diffuse pollution by reducing run-off from the re-wetted area. This should also help to reduce flooding downstream. In addition, the supplement can help protect archaeological sites and peat exposures. The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9, HL10 and HL11. Moorland 90

93 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping HL12 This supplement supports the establishment of an appropriate programme of rotational vegetation management to maintain or restore the wildlife value of moorland habitats. It applies to land where a significant change in management activity is required. Defra (Robert Goodison) The supplement is available on options HL7 - HL10. Access Heather burning on moorland above Nidderdale Access options Code Page Permissive open access HN2 92 Permissive footpath access HN3 93 Access for people with reduced mobility HN5 94 Upgrading CRoW access for people with reduced mobility HN7 94 Permissive bridleway/cycle path access HN4 94 Upgrading CRoW access for cyclists/horses HN6 94 Educational access payment per visit HN9 94 Linear and open access base payment HN1 95 Educational access base payment HN8 95 Providing access is an important way of enhancing public enjoyment of the countryside. The open access and linear access options complement the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network by providing areas of open access or creating new footpaths, cycle and/or bridleways to allow people to enjoy more of the countryside. The educational access option encourages visits both by schools and by a wide range of other interest groups and provides an opportunity to illustrate the links between farming, conservation and food production. It also allows people to see and enjoy the environmental improvements being made through Environmental Stewardship. Under these options you will be allowing the public on to your land on a concessionary basis and no new permanent rights of way will be created. Access options may also be considered where the public have, in the past, been allowed informal access or the landowner has tolerated their presence. Defra will promote your access site on the Defra Countrywalks website at Site maps and waymarks will be provided and kissing gates or other access furniture may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. 91 Access

94 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options There will be occasions when increased access conflicts with other Environmental Stewardship objectives. Access will not be appropriate where it may cause potential damage to a feature such as erosion of an archaeological feature or of a vulnerable habitat, or where it may cause disturbance to wildlife. However, in many cases it is possible to locate the access to run alongside these areas. It will be your responsibility to ensure that your public liability insurance is sufficient to cover additional access by members of the public. This is particularly important if you are organising school visits under the Educational Access option, HN9, so please discuss this with your insurance company. Access payments are classified as de minimis State Aid. Under European rules, individual businesses are not allowed to receive more than 70,000 (100,000 euros) from this type of aid over a three year rolling period. You will need to keep a record of all such payments that your business has received, including those from other Government Departments or Agencies, for the duration of your agreement. Details must be submitted to Defra annually to ensure that the maximum aid level is not exceeded. Coastal path, Cornwall Defra (Mark Bridges) Access provided under HLS must conform to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 which came into force on 1 October Under this Act, providers of services to the public have to make reasonable adjustments to their physical premises where this is needed to provide reasonable access for disabled people. The extent to which this requirement might apply to you will depend on the nature of your particular access site. Further information can be obtained from the Disability Rights Commission at Your RDS adviser should be able to provide some general advice, for instance, about using gates rather than stiles to facilitate access by disabled people. Permissive open access HN2 This option allows the public access to whole fields or other open areas to enjoy a viewpoint, historic feature, riverbank or other feature of interest. It can be located on any land that can be reached by the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network, permissive paths or other open land. Open access is not as manageable as a footpath and you will need to take care when siting it adjacent to or on features. Access 92

95 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options This option is not available on land that has been designated as open country under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act Management will include: installing site maps and waymarks; erecting any additional access furniture and maintaining all gates and stiles in a good useable condition; keeping the area safe for users and free from litter; and excluding animals which are known to be, or are likely to be, dangerous from the area (e.g. dairy bulls and aggressive suckler cows or beef bulls). This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, K2, K3, K4, K5, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS Option L6 without reducing your HLS payment. Permissive linear access These options create new linear routes to link or extend the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) footpath and bridleway network; create circular routes; or provide access to features such as riverbanks, historic features and areas of wildlife or landscape interest. These options can also provide links to, and between, land-locked open country designated under the CRoW Act. Options can be located on any land that can be reached by road, the PRoW network or other open land. Defra (Chris Hartfield) Permissive footpath access HN3 This option creates new linear footpaths for the public to walk on and enjoy the countryside. Management includes: maintaining a safe and even grassed surface of at least 2 m in The start of a permissive footpath with a site map describing the route width; installing site maps and waymarks; erecting any additional access furniture and maintaining all gates and stiles in a good useable condition; keeping the area safe for users and free from litter; and excluding animals which are known to be, or are likely to be, dangerous from land crossed by a permissive path. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment. 93 Access

96 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Access for people with reduced mobility Upgrading CRoW access for people with reduced mobility HN5 HN7 These options create new permissive routes for people with restricted or reduced mobility, such as wheelchair users or those with pushchairs. The intended route should be across flat or gently sloping ground and there should be parking close to the start of the route. The management will be the same as HN3 but will also require you to: maintain a hard surface 1.2 m in width along the route; install access furniture such as gates, benches and perches; and ensure that there are no barriers along the route other than gates. These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment. Permissive bridleway/cycle path access HN4 This option provides a new linear route for the public to ride horses or bicycles in the countryside. This option can also be used to provide an alternative safe off-road route. Management will be the same as for HN3 above but will require that a 3m wide safe and even grassed surface is maintained. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment. Upgrading CRoW access for cyclists/horses HN6 This option provides new permissive paths for horses and/or cyclists across open country designated under the CRoW Act, provided that the land will not be damaged by such use. Management will be the same as HN4 above. This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6 without reducing your HLS payment. Educational access payment per visit HN9 This option aims to encourage visits by schools and colleges for curriculum studies at all levels or by a wide range of other interest groups. It provides the opportunity to explain the links between farming, conservation and food production. It is suitable for any farm where the farmer or other person is enthusiastic, willing and able to take groups around and where there is likely to be a demand for such a service. You will be expected to provide evidence of this demand to your RDS adviser during the initial site visit. There is scope for interpretation of sensitive features and this option may be used where other forms of permissive access might not be appropriate. Access 94

97 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options You will need to prepare a Teachers Information Pack (using a Defra template) where you plan to encourage visits by local schools and also provide information about your farm for inclusion in a Farm Facts Leaflet, which will be produced by Defra. Both documents would be made available to visitors. You will be required to arrange between four and 25 visits per year and you will be paid for each visit up to the maximum of 25. If you do not achieve four visits, we cannot pay you for this option. You will also be required to undertake a health and safety check and to prepare a risk assessment. You will also agree to Defra promoting your site on the Defra Countrywalks website ( and the Growing Schools website ( run by the Department for Education and Skills. You will be encouraged to undertake an accreditation course, financed mainly by Defra, in the first year of your agreement. Linear and open access base payment Educational access base payment HN1 HN8 In addition to the payments related to the length or area of access provided, as described above, you will also receive an annual base payment to cover the costs associated with setting up linear, open or educational access and managing visitors. Countryside Agency (Graham Parrish) Farm visits provide an opportunity to raise awareness of rural issues 95 Access

98 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Lowland Heathland Lowland heathland options Code Page Maintenance of lowland heathland HO1 96 Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sites HO2 97 Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland HO3 97 Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland HO4 97 Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites HO5 97 Formed and maintained by traditional agricultural practices, lowland heathlands are ancient wild landscapes on nutrient-poor acid, sandy and peaty soils below 300 m in altitude. They are often found on common land with a tradition of public access. The vegetation of lowland heathland is a mixture of dwarf shrubs, particularly heathers and gorses, providing a refuge for rare species such as the marsh gentian, dartford warbler and sand lizard. In the past, heathlands were managed by burning, grazing, and/or cutting. Many heathlands have been lost or become fragmented due to ploughing, development or forestry planting. Those that remain are often neglected and dominated by scrub and bracken or have returned to woodland. Management of lowland heathland under these options will protect and enhance the valuable plant communities and associated wildlife, protect archaeological features and maintain and strengthen the vegetation mosaics characteristic of lowland landscapes. The management of lowland mires within the heathland should be considered under these options. Soil type, management history and location in relation to existing heathland sites, will be significant factors in determining the suitability of a site for restoration or heathland creation. Heathlands vary in character and complexity and therefore a management plan may be required. A range of capital works including fencing, bunds, sluices and ditch restoration may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Maintenance of lowland heathland HO1 This option maintains the valuable plant communities and associated wildlife of lowland heathland by appropriate active management. Management will require you to: burn, or cut and remove, small patches of heathland each year to sustain a varied and balanced age range and structure of dwarf shrubs; maintain fire breaks; graze to control scrub and grasses; bracken and tree cover. No supplementary feeding is allowed. Heathland 96

99 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Defra (Robert Goodison) Heathland in good condition Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sites HO2 This option restores lowland heathland on sites that have become degraded by scrub, bracken or woodland encroachment. Fragments of heathland vegetation will still be evident. Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but restoring the heathland may require you to: exclude winter grazing; remove areas of scrub, trees and bracken; burn, or cut and remove, small areas of heathland to restore a varied and balanced age range and structure of dwarf shrubs; and restore the original drainage system to areas of wet heathland and mire. Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland HO3 This option restores lowland heathland by clear-felling and re-introducing traditional grazing on sites that were heathland in the past, but have since been forested. Evidence of heathland vegetation will often still remain. 97 Heathland

100 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but restoring the heathland may include: clear-felling trees; removal of accumulated organic litter where it is deeper than 5 cm; restoration of the original drainage system to areas that historically were wet heathland. Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland HO4 This option creates lowland heathland on arable or improved grassland sites that were historically heathland but have been improved for agricultural production. It will usually only be possible to restore heathland on sites that have been in intensive agricultural production for only a few years and on which the soil nutrient status is low. Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but creating the heathland habitat may include: spreading dwarf shrub cuttings or seed sourced from a local site; excluding livestock over the first winter to allow germination; and grazing from late spring to control competing weeds and grasses. Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites HO5 This option creates lowland heathland on worked mineral-extraction (quarry) sites. These sites are likely to have good potential for heathland creation, as they will be very low in nutrients. However, former chalk or limestone quarries are not suitable for this option. Areas under this option will be managed as HO1, but creating the heathland habitat may also include: preparing the mineral substrate by light surface cultivation; spreading dwarf shrub cuttings or seed sourced from a local site; excluding livestock in the first winter following seeding; and grazing from late spring following seeding. Heathland 98

101 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Inter-tidal and Coastal Inter-tidal and coastal options Code Page Maintenance of coastal saltmarsh HP5 100 Restoration of coastal saltmarsh HP6 100 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7 100 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8 100 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach or regular inundation HP9 101 Maintenance of sand dunes HP1 101 Restoration of sand dunes HP2 101 Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land HP3 101 Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland HP4 101 Supplements Extensive grazing on saltmarsh HP Saltmarsh livestock exclusion supplement HP These options are targeted at managed sand dunes, coastal heaths and inter-tidal habitats such as saltmarsh, vegetated shingle ridges and saline lagoons. They are valued for their wild landscapes and historical features. Many of these habitats are nationally and internationally important for their plant, animal and bird interest. For management of cliff tops see the options for grassland, upland and moorland or the lowland heathland management. Coastal grazing marshes can be managed using the grassland options and coastal heathlands managed by the lowland heathland options. Where saltmarsh, sand dunes or vegetated shingle ridges require active annual management such as grazing, or a change in management practice is required, they are eligible for payment under the following options. Saltmarsh, mudflats and saline lagoons These are important coastal habitats which support many plants and invertebrates that are specially adapted to survive high salinities and/or regular flooding by the tide. Saltmarshes also provide breeding sites for wildfowl and high-water roosting sites for both wildfowl and waders. Exposed mudflats at low tide provide an abundant food source for large numbers of wading birds. Saline lagoons are a rare habitat that support some of our rarest plants and animals and are particularly important for birds such as avocet, little tern and common tern. Coastal land that is currently arable or grass and is protected by a sea wall may be suitable for creating new saltmarsh, mudflat or saline lagoon habitat by breaching the sea wall or constructing a water inlet and outlet system. Ideally, the site would be located close to existing inter-tidal habitat and would naturally rise to higher land. Each site is unique and will 99 Inter-tidal and Coastal

102 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options require detailed feasibility and planning studies. If you think you have suitable land you should apply for a one-year Inter-tidal Habitat Creation and Management Plan. Please contact your RDS office for further advice. Maintenance of coastal saltmarsh Restoration of coastal saltmarsh HP5 HP6 These options will maintain or restore coastal saltmarsh habitat by traditional grazing management. A site suitable for restoration may be one that is currently being grazed in a traditionally un-grazed area, or it may be over-grazed or grazed at an inappropriate time of year. Alternatively, it may be a site that is difficult to graze and has become dominated by a few coarse species. The extensive grazing supplement (HP10) may be used with the maintenance option (HP5). Both the extensive grazing (HP10) and livestock exclusion supplements (HP11) may be used with the restoration option (HP6). Defra Management includes: extensive grazing with no supplementary feeding or fertiliser inputs; retaining wood debris and accumulations of seaweed. Restorative management will be tailored to each site, based on the existing and traditional practices in the area, and may involve introducing or removing grazing. Abbotts Hall Saltings, Essex Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP7 HP8 These options create inter-tidal and saline habitats such as saltmarsh, mudflats and saline lagoons on former arable land, set-aside or grassland by a managed breach in the sea defences or, for a saline lagoon, constructing a water inlet and outlet system. A one year Inter-tidal Habitat Creation and Management Plan will be required. Please contact your RDS office for further advice. Once the Plan is completed and accepted, the creation of saltmarsh and mudflat habitat may include: site preparation by spraying off existing vegetation; breaching the sea wall and excavating creeks; and allowing the site to flood regularly with the tide. Saline lagoon creation may involve the excavation of the lagoon; constructing a water inlet and outlet system; and implementing a water flow regime. Inter-tidal and Coastal 100

103 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by unmanaged breach or regular inundation HP9 This option maintains inter-tidal and transitional habitats on former arable land, set-aside or ley grassland of low conservation value where an unmanaged breach in the sea defences has already occurred. Management of the site may be informed by the completion of a management plan and will require you to continue to allow all tides to flood the site. Under this option you should not: plough; re-seed; roll or chain harrow; fertilise; introduce grazing without prior agreement; or remove accumulations of seaweed or wood debris. Sand dune and vegetated gravel systems Sand dunes and grazed shingle systems support many unusual plants and animals. Flowers such as wild thyme, dog violets and rest harrows grow in grassy areas on sand dunes, whilst yellow horned poppy and sea pea grow on the vegetated areas of shingle. These habitats are also very important for breeding waders and often contain valuable ponds. Land that lies behind a sand dune or shingle ridge and is currently arable land, set-aside or grassland may be suitable to allow the roll-back of these systems inland. Each site is unique and will require detailed feasibility and planning studies. Please contact your RDS office for further advice. Maintenance of sand dunes Restoration of sand dunes HP1 HP2 These options maintain or restore areas of grazed sand dune and shingle systems. Management includes: extensive grazing with no fertiliser or supplementary feeding; maintaining the existing drainage and seasonal flooding pattern; restricting vehicular access; retaining accumulations of seaweed and wood debris; no ploughing, re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing. Restorative management may be informed by a management plan, but may involve introducing or changing the grazing regime or undertaking erosion control activities. Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland HP3 HP4 These options provide an area of land to allow the migration of coastal shingle and sand dune systems inland. Very sandy or shingle soils may indicate where this habitat has occurred further inland in the past. 101 Inter-tidal and Coastal

104 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Management will be informed by a Habitat Creation and Management Plan and should not include: ploughing, cultivation, re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing; fertiliser, supplementary feeding, removal of wood debris or accumulations of seaweed; and access by vehicles is restricted. This option may include flexible grazing or cutting to control excessive growth of vegetation. Supplement for extensive grazing on saltmarsh HP10 This supplement supports the management of grazing on saltmarshes where grazing is traditional, or on newly created saltmarsh where grazing is appropriate. It is available on options HP5, HP6, HP7, HP8 and HP9. Saltmarsh livestock exclusion supplement HP11 This supplement removes livestock from saltmarshes where grazing is either not traditional, or is damaging the environmental value of the site. This may be where the site is over-grazed or supports breeding wildfowl or other birds. It is available on options HP6 or HP9. Defra (Robert Goodison) Inter-tidal and Coastal Sand dunes at Holy Island 102

105 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Wetland Wetland options Code Page Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value < 100 sq m HQ1 103 Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value > 100 sq m HQ2 103 Maintenance of reedbeds HQ3 104 Restoration of reedbeds HQ4 104 Creation of reedbeds HQ5 104 Maintenance of fen HQ6 105 Restoration of fen HQ7 105 Creation of fen HQ8 105 Maintenance of lowland raised bog HQ9 106 Restoration of lowland raised bog HQ Supplements Wetland cutting HQ Wetland grazing HQ Wetlands come in many different forms and are one our greatest natural assets. Wetland habitats include ponds, reedbeds, fens, bogs and coastal and floodplain grazing marsh. For wetland coastal and floodplain grazing marsh please see pages and for coastal saltmarsh options, see page 100. They are home to a wide diversity of wildlife and they are often important and distinctive features of the local landscape. The following options are designed to maintain, restore or create these wetland habitats. Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value < 100 sq m Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value > 100 sq m HQ1 HQ2 These options are targeted at ponds which are of particular value to wildlife, e.g. because they support rare or threatened species or because of the diversity of wildlife which is present. Management will be tailored to the individual pond, but will require you to: retain the present pond profile; retain submerged or partially submerged dead wood; allow natural draw-down to occur. You must not: top-up the water level; alter the drainage of the pond or adjoining land in any way; use any pesticides or fertilisers within 6 m of the pond; introduce any plants, animals or waterfowl or feed any waterfowl. 103 Wetland

106 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Reedbeds Reedbeds are an important part of the wetland landscape mosaic. They provide a valuable habitat for plants, insects and birds, including the rare and secretive bittern. Many sites are small and neglected, whilst some of the larger sites are threatened by drainage and other land improvements. Reedbeds can also be harvested to provide traditional material for purposes such as thatching. Defra (Pip Hulme) Maintenance of reedbeds Restoration of reedbeds HQ3 HQ4 Rotational management is important in maintaining the wildlife value of reedbeds These options maintain or restore reedbeds to provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. Sites suitable for these options should usually be over 0.5 ha with a good cover of reeds. Management includes: maintaining water control structures in good working order; controlling scrub cover and retaining some open water; cleaning ditches and foot-drains no more than once in every five years; cutting ditch banks in rotation; no fertiliser. You must not use poor quality water to top-up the water levels. Restoration may include: clearing scrub; cutting reeds in the summer; implementing a water management regime; restoring the ditch network. Restoration or installation of water control structures and restoration of ditches may be funded under a Capital Works Plan. Where mowing is appropriate, supplement HQ11 is available. Creation of reedbeds HQ5 This option creates new reedbeds on land of existing low conservation interest. It is suitable for use on arable, ley grassland or permanent improved grassland. The site should be flat and have a reliable summer water supply. It will be necessary to maintain up to 30 cm depth of water over part of the site in the summer months. Reedbed creation would not be allowed on archaeological features. Reedbed creation and establishment will be informed by a management plan. This plan will detail the design and construction of the reedbed and will include: creating a variety of land forms with areas of higher ground and areas of shallow open water; excavating ditches, installing bunds and sluices; and establishing reeds. Once established, the reedbed will be managed as HQ3. Wetland 104

107 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Fens Fens range from wetlands that are typically dominated by rushes, sedges, wetland grasses and characteristic flowering plants, to others that are moss covered. Fens can be easily damaged by additional inputs of nutrients or by scrub encroachment. In addition to high botanical diversity, many of these sites will support a variety of birds and insects. These options can also help protect archaeological sites, particularly organic remains. Maintenance of fen Restoration of fen HQ6 HQ7 These options maintain or restore fens to provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects and small mammals. They are applicable to fens of all sizes, from the smallest around springs or in small depressions, to large areas on floodplains. Management will include: maintaining water control structures and gateways in good working order; maintaining fens in an open condition with just a few scattered trees or shrubs. You must not allow water containing high levels of nutrients to empty into fens or use poor quality water to top-up water levels. Restoration may include: scrub clearance and implementation of a water management regime. Restoration or installation of water control structures and restoration of ditches may be funded by a Capital Works Plan. Where mowing and/or grazing is appropriate, supplements HQ11 and HQ12 are available. Creation of fen HQ8 This option creates new fens on land of low conservation interest especially around existing wetlands. Suitable sites will be arable, ley grassland or permanent improved grassland on peaty soils that are over 0.5 ha; or less, if part of a wider wetland mosaic. The potential for this option will depend on the availability of a reliable summer water supply. Fen creation will not be allowed on archaeological sites. Lowland raised bogs These rare and fragile ecosystems occur on acid peat deposits and only survive in waterlogged conditions. Historically they often formed part of a larger wetland mosaic. Management of adjacent areas is likely to influence the condition of the bog, and they are easily damaged by drainage, peat digging or scrub encroachment. 105 Wetland

108 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Maintenance of lowland raised bog Restoration of lowland raised bog HQ9 HQ10 These options maintain or restore lowland raised bog to provide habitat for the specialist plants and wildlife that are associated with them. Sites suitable for restoration will usually occur on acid peat deposits, be part of a wider wetland habitat and have at least some typical bog plants. Management will include: retaining rainfall to maintain a high water table throughout the year; maintaining water control structures in good working order; not digging or turning over peat; and no fertilisers. Restoration may include removing scrub and tree cover to below 10% cover of the site area and/or filling or blocking ditches. Where grazing is appropriate, supplement HQ12 is available. Wetland cutting supplement HQ11 This supplement supports a cutting regime where this is the most appropriate form of management for the habitat. In addition, this option may help maintain local techniques and traditions that may otherwise disappear. It is only available on the maintenance, restoration and creation options for reedbed or fen, options options HQ3 - HQ8. Wetland grazing supplement HQ12 This supplement supports a grazing regime on fens or lowland raised bogs where this is the most appropriate form of management for the habitat. Defra (Dougal McNeill) It is only available with maintenance, restoration and creation of fens and maintenance and restoration of lowland raised bog options HQ6 - HQ10. Cutting reeds at Hickling Broad Wetland 106

109 Higher Level Stewardship Handbook Appendix 1 Land management options Additional Supplements Additional supplements Code Page Supplement for the control of invasive plant species HR4 107 Bracken control supplement HR5 107 Supplement for small fields HR6 108 Supplement for difficult sites HR7 108 Supplement for group applications HR8 108 HLS supplements may be available on the same land as certain HLS options (but not with ELS or OELS options). Their use will be discussed at the post-application visit, and is at the discretion of RDS. Where appropriate and agreed, however, the use of more than one supplement on a single parcel is possible. Supplement for the control of invasive plant species HR4 This supplement supports the regular management of particularly severe infestations of invasive species, such as rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and rushes, which are damaging a feature of interest. Defra (Robert Goodison) It is eligible on all habitat management options, except arable. This supplement cannot be used for controlling weeds listed in the Weeds Act 1959, for the control of bracken or gorse (for which there are other specific options), or for complying with the cross-compliance conditions of the Single Payment Scheme. Rhododendron can be very invasive Bracken control supplement HR5 Bracken control may be necessary to maintain or restore wildlife value or protect archaeological sites. It can also help maintain and conserve the vegetation mosaics characteristic of upland and heathland landscapes. This supplement supports control of the spread, or removal, of existing stands of bracken where it is desirable to do so. It is paid in addition to the capital payments for bracken control to cover the costs of follow-up management. Care must be taken not to cause areas of bare soil in areas vulnerable to soil erosion. 107 Additional Supplements