04/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/18/2024 01:37
How much will be paid
£22.97 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 item
It is available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants only on one of the following:
How this item will benefit the environment
There will be new lengths of hedgerow planted with locally occurring native species.
Requirements
You must:
plants must be:
Do not:
Keeping records
You must send the following with your application:
You must keep the following records and supply them with your payment claim:
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
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.
You can use this item on the same length as the following supplement:
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.
When to plant
The planting season typically runs from November to April, depending on weather events and local conditions. However, if you are planting into clay soils, wait until March. Do not plant in freezing weather or on waterlogged ground. If you are planting into a newly restored earth bank, plant the following autumn.
Planting
To plant a hedge successfully:
If the landscape is characterised by a single-species hedgerows then the planting mix should reflect this. If not, then one of the following species should make up at least 70% of the planting mix:
Use other native shrub species intermixed randomly with the main species, rather than planted in a block or blocks.
Consider planting new hedgerow trees if they are characteristic of the local landscape.
Control weeds
Control competitive weeds (including brambles, nettles and grasses) during the first growing season. These weeds reduce the growth rate of the new plants by competing for soil moisture, nutrients and light. Avoid using a strimmer as these can damage the plants.
Protect the plants
Fence off the plants if sheep, cattle or horses graze the land. Keep fences far enough away so the hedgerow can grow at least 1.5m in width.
If there is a known problem with rabbits or hares you may need rabbit netting, either on its own or with stock fencing.
Avoid using spiral guards as they limit the amount of dense growth at the base of each plant, are unsightly and are difficult to remove.
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 holding's 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
New hedgerow planting can help control soil erosion and runoff. Hedgerows planted along contours will decrease slope length, reduce the force of surface flow, and encourage infiltration. Hedges planted alongside watercourses are also effective.
Look out for signs of soil damage and erosion such as capping, rilling and brown water runoff on long or steep slopes (particularly on sandy soils) and prioritise areas of high erosion risk, in particular areas adjacent to watercourses.
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.