Natural England
How much will be paid
136.95 per gateway.
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants.
Only in areas targeted to reduce water pollution from agriculture.
Where this item cannot be used
- where there are archaeological or historic features identified in the HEFER
- where a public right of way passes through the gateway without relevant advice or consent from the Highways Authority
How this item will benefit the environment
This item will provide a strengthened surface at the field gateway. This will reduce ponding on either side of the gateways caused by soil compaction. If successful there will be reduced surface runoff, soil erosion and risk of diffuse water pollution.
Requirements
- excavate the full width of the gateway by the full length which the gate opens into the field when it is at 90 degrees
- excavate to a minimum depth of 150mm or until there is a naturally occurring hard surface
- remove the excavated soil from the gateway area and spread it on the verges of the field track, allowing for drainage
- overlay the excavated area with a geotextile membrane, then fill with aggregate (hard core) to a minimum consolidated depth of 150mm
- all capital works carried out must meet the relevant British Standards - examine copies of the most up-to-date standards for guidance
Do not:
- spread the excavated soil on any environmental or historic features as identified in the HEFER
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs of the existing gateway before works start
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs of the completed work
Before applying, applicants must seek advice or consent from the Highways Authority if a public right of way passes through the gateway. You do not need to provide this with your application, but you will need to submit consents or permissions with your payment claim.
Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items
This item can be used on the same area as the following item:
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.
Materials and area of resurfacing
When carrying out the work:
- the area to be resurfaced should be appropriate for the size of the gateway and the type of traffic that will move through it
- compact each layer of hard core well down before adding another layer, making sure each layer is no more than 150mm thick
- advice should be taken from the Environment Agency (EA) if road planings, waste or recycled materials will be used as hard core
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
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) operates in parts of the country where there are water quality issues linked to farming. The scheme provides farmers with free advice and training. See more information on CSF support.
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.