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How much will be paid

11.95 per box.

Where to use this item

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

In Mid Tier it can only be used with options HS1 and HS8.

For Higher Tier and Capital Grants it is available:

• for tree sparrow, dormouse, targeted bat species or invertebrate pollinators (these are the target species), unless an RSPB, Buglife or Natural England specialist supports its use for another species
• when the other year-round target species requirements (summer and winter foraging habitat) are being met on the holding or nearby

It is also available for Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants (SFI pilot) to help you to undertake the actions in the following SFI pilot standards:

• Hedgerows standard
• Arable and Horticultural land standard
• Improved grassland standard

In the above instances, you do not need to seek advice from Natural England.

How this item will benefit the environment

It provides artificial nesting, roosting and hibernation sites for specific mammals, birds and invertebrates.

Requirements

Each box should be sited in an appropriate location and cleaned out in the autumn (October and November), unless hibernating or roosting bats are using it. Each box must be maintained in good condition, with any damage or losses made good during the agreement term.

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 proposed site for the wildlife box
• the date that the nest boxes are cleaned out (unless used by bats or invertebrates)

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

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.

Location

Keep the box in its original location, but if it is not being used after year 3, ask Natural England for relocation advice.

Dormice

Boxes should be:

• in ancient woodlands or large hedgerows - avoid isolated trees
• in batches of at least 10 (ideally over 50), spaced 10m to 20m at around 30 boxes per hectare
• 1.5m to 2m above the ground, and over 3m if public have access
• away from footpaths
• made of untreated timber
• based on the PTES box construction guidance

Tree sparrows

Boxes should be:

• on farm buildings or hedgerow trees, ideally near permanent water such as ponds
• away from places cats and squirrels can easily access, with a secure lid
• out of the midday sun
• weatherproof with small drainage holes in the floor
• made from wood at least 15mm thick with a 28mm entrance hole - follow the RSPB and British Trust for Ornithology guidance

Bats

Boxes should be:

• large enough for a maternity colony to cluster to conserve heat
• dry, rainproof and draught-free, with no gaps where the sides and top join
• entered by a slit at the base (front or back) no more than 15mm to 20mm wide - follow the Bat Conservation Trust guidance
• preservative-free if made of wood
• out of the midday sun
• close to a hedgerow or tree line
• placed with other boxes facing in different directions to offer a range of temperature conditions

Solitary bees

Boxes should be:

• in a dry, sunny and sheltered position on farm buildings, a post, or freestanding with a raised base to prevent rising damp
• near pollen and nectar forage
• 50cm by 50cm and 20cm deep, open fronted but with a back
• made of untreated timber
• weatherproof with small drainage holes in the floor
• contain at least four compartments, packed tightly with drilled hardwood blocks, bamboo stem sections and reed stems or paper drinking straws

Additional guidance and advice

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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

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

Bats and their roosts are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 - it is an offence to disturb, handle or kill bats. A licence from Natural England is needed to inspect bat boxes that have been or are being used by bats.

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.