Natural England
How much will be paid
128 per hectare (ha)
Where to use this option
It is available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on whole or part-parcels on any of the following:
- arable, temporary grassland or improved permanent grassland
- on land next to existing scrub or woodland areas
- in areas already inhabited by target species
Where this option cannot be used
- On historic or archaeological features
- On existing wildlife sites
- Where scrub would be harmful to the landscape
Features that can be included in this option
You can include the following features if they are part of the land, even if they are not eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS):
- water-bodies that are less than 4 metres (m) wide
- unsurfaced roads such as tracks, paths or bridleways
How this option will benefit the environment
It regenerates a succession of scrub. This enhances habitats for specific target species and improves the quality of the woodland edge.
Establishing scrub growth also restricts soil erosion and holds back water to reduce downstream flood risks.
If successful there will be:
- more scrub growing close to grassland, woodland and other habitats
- birds and invertebrates using the scrub
- less soil erosion in scrub areas
- reduced flooding in scrub areas
Requirements
You must:
- keep livestock out of the option area from 1 October to 30 April
- only cut to maintain the scrub and grass mosaic
- only cut to control the spread of injurious weeds and invasive non-native species
- protect growing trees from livestock and wild animals
- make sure tree guards do not damage growing trees
- keep all mature and veteran trees and standing deadwood
- keep all fallen deadwood in place uncut (although you can stack them in piles)
- graze to maintain the scrub and grass mosaic
- agree with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in writing all drainage works, including modifying existing drainage, before any works take place
The agreement will set out what must not be done. It is likely you will not be allowed to:
- use pesticides and herbicides except to spot-treat or weed-wipe to control nettles, bracken, injurious weeds or invasive non-native species
- cut more than one-third of shrub growth in any one calendar year
- cut during the bird breeding season (1 March to 31 August)
- apply fertilisers or manures
- plough, cultivate or re-seed
- harrow or roll
- use supplementary feed
Keeping records
On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you havent carried out any activities prohibited by the option requirements.
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
- field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
- stock records to show grazing activity on parcels
- a standard soil analysis carried out in the last 5 years, including analysis of organic matter by loss on ignition. The rules for farmers and land managers to prevent water pollution already require farmers and land managers to carry out soil testing on cultivated agricultural land - you can use these test results to meet the record-keeping requirements for this option
- photographs of all trees and standing and fallen deadwood
- photographs of existing bracken
- photographs of scrub location
- photographs of the management undertaken
The detailed requirements for this option will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. You should discuss and agree these requirements with your adviser.
Related options
You can locate the following options and supplements on the same area as this option:
- BE3 Management of hedgerows
- SP3 - Bracken control supplement
- SP4 - Control of invasive plant species supplement
- SP6 Cattle grazing supplement
- SP7 Introduction of cattle grazing on the Isles of Scilly
- SP8 Native breeds at risk supplement
- SP9 - Threatened species supplement
- WD9 - Livestock exclusion supplement - scrub and successional areas
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this option
The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.
Pick the right location
This option works best where:
- there is some open ground amongst the scrub for grasses and non-woody plants to grow
- scrub is next to other habitats such as grassland or heath
- scrub is established by woodland edges
- scrub can hold soils together and slow down surface runoff
Remove livestock
Remove grazing livestock to allow scrub plants to establish. Once established, stop scrub from becoming too dense by cutting on rotation, or by grazing.
Establish a variety of scrub
Establish a variety of scrub to provide habitats and food for target species. For example:
- gorse scrub can support birds like the Dartford warbler, stonechat, linnet and yellowhammer
- willow scrub in wetlands can support warblers, reed bunting and willow tits
- buds and berries and caterpillars on scrub are essential food sources for birds
Forestry Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
If youre planning large areas of scrub creation, you should consult the Forestry Commission to consider if it needs a Forestry EIA.
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).
Further information
Read more information about Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier to find out more about the scheme and how to apply.