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How much will be paid

5.82 per metre (m). The payment rate is for the total length of boundary under the option (not for each side of the boundary).

Where to use this supplement

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

• Only on hedgerows being restored using BN5 - Hedgerow laying.
• can only be used when the applicant has management control of both sides of the boundary.

How this supplement will benefit the environment

If successful there will be lengths of hedgerow rejuvenated with new growth to form a continuous hedge.

Requirements

• use stakes made of straight and clean lengths of hazel, ash or sweet chestnut
• use binders made of straight lengths of hazel, ash or willow, with no side shoots

Keeping records

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

• any consents or permissions connected with the work
• receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
• photographs of each length of hedge entered into the supplement

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

• photographs of the completed work

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

Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items

This supplement can be used on the same length as the following items and supplements:

• BN5 - Hedgerow laying
• BN8 - Hedgerow supplement - casting up
• BN9 - Hedgerow supplement - substantial pre-work

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item

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

This item is to strengthen layed hedges. It should only be used where the local style of hedge laying includes top binding and staking. These include the Midland and South of England style and Welsh Border styles which include stakes (or crops) and binding. It is not typical of Lancashire/Westmorland styles of hedge laying in the north of England.

Biodiversity

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

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

Further information

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