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Higher Level StewardshipPart C Options, Capital items andManagement Conditions Handbook

Second Edition – October 2008

www.naturalengland.org.uk

Section 1 Choosing your land management options 1

1.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option? 1

1.2 What is an ‘indicator of success’? 2

1.3 What is the difference between the maintenance, restoration and creation options? 2

1.3.1 Maintenance 2

1.3.2 Restoration 2

1.3.3 Creation 2

1.4 Higher Level Stewardship supplements 3

1.4.1 Extending Entry Level Stewardship/Organic Entry Level Stewardship benefits within Higher Level Stewardship 3

1.5 Can Entry Level Stewardship/Organic Entry Level Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship 3options be combined on the same parcel of land?

1.6 How should I take landscape considerations into account? 4

1.7 How should I take historic environment considerations into account? 4

Section 2 Land management options 5

2.1 Hedgerows 5

2.2 Woodland, trees and scrub 7

2.3 Orchards 11

2.4 Historic environment 13

2.5 Arable 15

2.6 Resource protection 18

2.7 Grassland 21

2.7.1 Species-rich, semi-natural grassland 21

2.7.2 Management of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl 22

2.7.3 Management of grassland for target features 25

2.7.4 Buffer strips 26

2.7.5 Supplements 26

2.8 Moorland and upland rough grazing 29

2.9 Access 32

2.9.1 Permissive linear access 33

2.9.2 Educational access 34

2.10 Lowland heathland 35

2.11 Inter-tidal and coastal 37

2.11.1 Sand dune and vegetated gravel systems 38

2.11.2 Salt marsh, mudflats and saline lagoons 39


2.12 Wetland 41

Contents

2.12.1 Ponds 41

2.12.2 Reedbeds 42

2.12.3 Fens 43

2.12.4 Lowland raised bogs 43


2.13 Additional supplements 45

2.14 Adding extra Entry Level Stewardship and Organic Entry Level Stewardship 46options to your Higher Level Stewardship application

Section 3 Choosing your capital works 48

3.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works? 48

3.2 Is funding available? 48

3.3 How do I apply for capital works? 49

3.4 Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works? 49

3.5 When can I start work? 49

3.6 What standard of work is required? 49

3.7 When will I receive payment? 49

3.8 Special projects 50

3.9 Capital items for historic features 51

3.9.1 Historic and archaeological feature protection (HAP) 51

3.9.2 Restoration of historic buildings (HTB) 51

Section 4Capital items 52

Section 5List of acronyms 55

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Section 1 Choosing your land management options1.1 How do I choose the most appropriate option? All the land management options are listed in Section 2 of this handbook. For each land management option orgroup of options there is a summary of the aims and management involved. Where relevant, this handbook alsoincludes guidance on what type of land is eligible for particular options. Although the options have been describedas primarily addressing a single objective, in practice they can be used to benefit a range of environmentalobjectives. For example, the creation of species-rich grassland on former arable land could also help to protectarchaeological remains and reduce diffuse pollution.

Your Farm Environment Plan (FEP) will have identified the presence and condition of features on your holding, andthis might suggest the sort of management that would be beneficial for these features. When deciding which arethe most suitable options for your land, except for the creation options, you should only include options thataddress features identified in the FEP.

Your agreement will be drawn up in discussion with your Natural England adviser, using the information in yourFEP. It will contain a series of options clearly aimed at the management of one or more of the features identified inthe FEP. Each option will have a set of management prescriptions that you must follow, but there will beconsiderable flexibility in the means by which you achieve the agreed outcomes. Environmental Stewardshipfocuses on achieving outcomes, not just following prescriptions. Adaptive management allows you and NaturalEngland to achieve the aims of the scheme. It will not be sufficient simply to follow the prescriptions. All optionstherefore have one or more ‘indicators of success’, which will link management to its intended outcome and willgive you and your Natural England adviser a realistic standard of management to aim for.

North Yorkshire landscape.

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1.2 What is an ‘indicator of success’? Experience has shown that you will not always be able to achieve the aims of the management options simply byfollowing a basic set of rules. Environmental and agricultural conditions change over time and we want you to beable to adapt your management accordingly. The ‘indicators of success’ developed under Higher Level Stewardship(HLS) are intended to ‘paint a picture’, so that you and your Natural England adviser can judge whether themanagement is working, and to see whether adjustments are needed. You will need to refer to these indicators, anduse your own knowledge of your land and your farming system, to fine-tune your management to allow forvariations in conditions between years and between different areas of your land. In doing so, you must continue tocomply with the management prescriptions.

Some examples of indicators of success that could be put into an agreement include:

� Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (HF12)At full crop establishment, there should be between 75 and 100 per cent cover of the sown species.

� Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off (HJ4)By the second year, the cover of dense grass should be at least 90 per cent.

� Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders (HK9)Between 5 and 25 per cent of the field should have standing water between 1 March and 31 May (in hollows,scrapes, ditch edges, foot-drains etc).

1.3 What is the difference between the maintenance, restoration and creation options? Many of the broad suites of options have individual components which at first glance look very similar. Inparticular, you will see that there are maintenance, restoration and creation options for many features. Thecondition survey element of the FEP should suggest which type of option is most appropriate, but it is important to understand the difference between them before submitting your application.

Natural England’s highest priority is the maintenance of existing high-quality sites, followed by restoration and then creation.

1.3.1 Maintenance These features will already be in good condition and the FEP will have identified this. The managementrequirements will almost certainly be very similar to the ones you followed before you joined the scheme.Management will therefore maintain the status quo, and there may be only limited scope for enhancing theenvironmental interest.

1.3.2 Restoration For restoration options, the FEP will have identified the fact that the feature is present but that it is not in a goodcondition. More positive management will be necessary and certain activities will need to stop, in order that, over time, the feature is restored. You will have the opportunity to discuss the restoration potential of individualparcels, and their management, with your Natural England adviser. Potential will depend on factors such as:

� soil type;

� pH and nutrient status;

� soil wetness;

� management history; and

� location of the parcel in relation to existing features.

1.3.3 Creation The FEP might have identified the opportunity for creating a new feature. Creation options will be limited to thecircumstances where a need for habitat creation has been identified, and then only on the most suitable sites.Suitability will depend on similar factors to those given for restoration (see above). Creation will not normally beaccepted if the site already has a significant environmental interest. If the site is suitable, the creation options willrequire the conversion to a very specific type of grassland or other habitat, and will be quite demanding.

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1.4 Higher Level Stewardship supplements In addition to the main land management options, there are a few additional supplements that can be used to helpaddress particular management issues. These are described in Section 2 of this handbook, together with anindication of the options with which they can be combined.

1.4.1 Extending Entry Level Stewardship/Organic Entry Level Stewardship benefits within Higher Level StewardshipUnder HLS there is also the opportunity to apply for more Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) or Organic Entry LevelStewardship (OELS) options, in addition to those required to meet your ELS or OELS points target. The relevant ELS orOELS options are listed at the end of Section 2 of this handbook. These options should only be included in an HLSagreement where:

� their use will clearly benefit features identified in the HLS target statement;

� there is no appropriate HLS option available to achieve the desired outcome

� the targeted feature is best managed using an ELS or OELS option; and

� their use provides best value for money.

Where an alternative HLS option is available, it should be used in preference to using an ELS or OELS option.

1.5 Can Entry Level Stewardship/Organic Entry Level Stewardship and Higher LevelStewardship options be combined on the same parcel of land? HLS is designed to build upon ELS or OELS options, and you might want to consider how certain ELS or OELS and HLSoptions could be combined on the same parcel of land.

Using ELS or OELS and HLS options together can result in minimum disruption to management if you have anexisting ELS or OELS agreement. It may also deliver additional environmental benefits that would not otherwise beachieved. In some situations, you might find it advantageous to score ELS or OELS points as well as an HLS optionpayment from the same area of land.

There are two ways in which ELS or OELS and HLS options can be combined on the same parcel of land:

� Certain HLS options can be located on the same parcel of land as an ELS or OELS option without reducing yourHLS option payments. This applies to options that have a different aim and require different management, forexample an access option and an option for managing grassland for its wildlife benefit. You will have to followthe management requirements for both the ELS or OELS and HLS options.

� If your land includes a large proportion of high-quality features, you might find it difficult to avoid combiningELS or OELS and HLS options in order to achieve your points target. In these situations, which should not occurvery often, certain HLS options can be located on the same parcel of land as ELS or OELS options, but there willbe a reduction in your HLS option payment. This applies where the HLS option includes the managementrequirements of the ELS or OELS option, but with some extra management requirements. Where ELS or OELS andHLS options overlap, we cannot pay you twice for the same management, so we will adjust the HLS payment toreflect this. For example:

HLS option Maintenance of semi-improved or rough grassland (HK15) £130/ha

ELS option Permanent grassland with low inputs (EK2) £85/ha

The HLS payment is reduced to £45/ha

In the list of options in Section 2 of this handbook, where there is the potential to locate HLS options on the sameland as an ELS or OELS option, it will be highlighted. If the HLS option description does not mention ELS or OELSoptions, then the HLS option must be used alone. When co-locating options you must follow the prescriptions forboth options. In the event that prescriptions of co-located options contradict each other, you must follow the morerestrictive of the two.

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1.6 How should I take landscape considerations into account? There are no management options that are aimed specifically at ‘the landscape’, but it is nevertheless very importantthat all of the chosen options respect the character of the area. The selection of appropriate land managementoptions and capital works should reflect and enhance the distinctive historic and landscape character of the localarea. Options for the maintenance of existing features and habitats will generally maintain and strengthen thelandscape character of the area. Features and habitats to be restored by more pro-active management options willgenerally conserve, restore and strengthen the typical landscape character.

You should refer to the landscape section of your FEP to identify the landscape characteristics that are typical ofyour area. For example, in a predominantly pastoral, enclosed landscape, the grassland and field boundaries onthe farm should be highlighted as key features in the FEP. It follows that options chosen to maintain fieldboundaries and permanent pasture will help to maintain and strengthen the local landscape character. If an optionis also chosen to restore an arable field back to grassland, and is combined with capital works to restore the fieldboundaries to a stockproof condition, then this will make a significant contribution to restoring the local landscapecharacter.

Some options, such as buffer strips and wild bird mixes, which are used to enhance wildlife habitat, need to be verycarefully located to ensure that they do not have a negative visual impact on the landscape. An integratedcombination of options, used appropriately in the landscape so that they do not conflict with one another,achieves the best results for the environment.

1.7 How should I take historic environment considerations in account? Your FEP will have identified the historic environment features on your farm. Protection of the historic environmentis a key objective of HLS, so you should consider how to address the management of historic features in yourapplication. The FEP condition assessments are a good indication of whether your current management isbenefiting such features or not. The Historic Environment Record consultation response will highlight thesignificance of all features and identify those that are considered to be the highest priority for management.

You should consider how to manage the historic environment features that have been identified as a high priorityfor management, as this takes into account significance, condition and the known or potential threats to a site, suchas existing land management practices. The enhanced management of other features is encouraged as this is stillvaluable and will strengthen your application.

You should ensure that your intended management of any feature will not cause damage to any of the historicenvironment features identified in your FEP.

Many of the HLS options are designed to protect the historic environment through the sustainable management ofhabitats and other environmental features, and you are encouraged to use these options where they meet multipleobjectives and priorities as defined in your Joint Character Area targeting statement. However, there are also severaloptions available within HLS that offer more specific opportunities for the protection of the historic environment,and these include options available in ELS/OELS. The use of these options should be targeted to where they willprovide clear benefits to historic environment features identified in your Joint Character Area targeting statement.

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2The HLS land management options and supplements are summarised in this section.

For each option, overall aims and management requirements and their relationships with ELS and OELS options areexplained. The exact management requirements for each option will be negotiated with you, and then includedin your agreement.

Where an HLS option can be located with ELS or OELS option(s), this is highlighted at the end of the text for theoption. Note that the ELS or OELS option codes are shown without the E (Entry Level) or O (Organic Entry Level)prefixes, for example, K5. You should include the relevant prefix on the application form, in order to provide thecomplete ELS or OELS option code, for example EK5.

Only the ELS or OELS options listed can be combined with the particular HLS option.

2.1 Hedgerows

Hedgerows provide shelter and food for many target species of farmland birds, insects and mammals, and alsoprovide important corridors for wildlife movement across the farmed landscape.

In many parts of England, hedgerows are an intrinsic part of the farmed landscape. Traditionally, hedgerows wereused to enclose or exclude animals and to mark ownership boundaries and rights of way. The particular mix ofshrub and tree species in a hedgerow, which reflects both the age of the hedgerow and local management customs,contributes to local landscape character. Hedgerows are a living part of our history and they provide a record ofour use of the countryside over the centuries.

Land management options Page

Hedgerows 5

Woodland, trees and scrub 7

Orchards 11

Historic environment 13

Arable 15

Resource protection 18

Grassland 21

Moorland and upland rough grazing 29

Access 32

Lowland heathland 35

Inter-tidal and coastal 37

Wetland 41

Additional supplements 45

Adding extra ELS and OELS options to your HLS application 46

Section 2 Land management options

Hedgerow options Code Page

Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (both sides) HB11 6

Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (one side) HB12 6

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HB11 Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (both sides)HB12 Management of hedgerows of very high environmental value (one side)These options are used to manage hedgerows that support target species of farmland birds, insects or mammals,such as the tree sparrow, brown hairstreak and dormouse. They are used also to maintain hedgerows that make asignificant contribution to the local landscape character and/or are historically important boundaries.

Sympathetic trimming, to improve the structure of hedgerows and encourage a diverse range of hedges across thefarm, including the development of a balanced tree population where it is appropriate to the local landscape,benefits farmland birds, insects, plants and mammals.

Where required, works such as laying, coppicing, planting up gaps or establishing new hedgerow trees can befunded by a Capital Works Plan (CWP).

These options can be located on the same boundaries as ELS or OELS options B4 and B5 without reducing your HLSpayment, and ELS or OELS options B1, B2, B3, B8, B9, B10 with a reduction of your HLS payment.

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The FEP will identify species-rich hedgerows suitable for HB11 and HB12.

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Trees and woodlands provide an integral, and often dominant, part of the landscape in many parts of England.Woodlands have been managed for timber for thousands of years and many still retain signs of this historicmanagement. Old coppice stools and pollards can still be found in many woodlands, as can evidence ofwoodbanks, charcoal hearths, iron-smelting works and pottery kilns. Woodland, wood pasture, parkland andsuccessional scrub are valuable and important wildlife habitats supporting a diversity of flora, insects, birds andmammals, as well as being of historic interest.

The greatest concentrations of our ancient trees are found in ancient woodlands, wood pastures and parklands.These trees are a valuable habitat for wildlife, including rare and threatened species of insects, lichens, fungi and bats.Wood pasture consists of large, open-grown trees (often pollards), usually standing in grassland or heath. They are aremnant of an ancient system of combining livestock and woodland management. Parklands include designedlandscapes that were created to retain deer for hunting as well as more recently created parklands. Often originatingin medieval times, many were embellished with formal avenues, water features and follies in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In drier parts of the country, on peaty and sandy soils where high wind speeds coincide with bare seedbeds,hedgerow and woodland planting may provide a windbreak or shelterbelt and help to reduce the risk of soilerosion. On long, steep slopes, re-establishment or introduction of breaks such as hedgerows or woodlands mayhelp to intercept and slow surface run-off water before it builds into damaging flow. These options should also beconsidered together with grass strips. You should seek advice to ensure that, used in this way, these options will notbe detrimental to the landscape character nor to any existing habitat.

These options will not be available if the woodland is already receiving payments under the Farm WoodlandPremium Scheme, the Farm Woodland Scheme or the English Woodland Grant Scheme.

HC5 Ancient trees in arable fieldsHC6 Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fieldsBy establishing a grass buffer around the base of the tree, these options protect ancient trees within arable orintensively managed grass fields from damage by livestock, cultivation and other agricultural activities.

Management must include:

� establishing an unfertilised grass buffer with a radius of at least 15 m around the base of each tree;

� not allowing treatments applied to the adjacent land to affect the buffer;

� protecting trees from damage by livestock including stock rubbing against the trees, bark stripping and soilcompaction;

2.2 Woodland, trees and scrub

Woodland, trees and scrub options Code Page

Ancient trees in arable fields HC5 7

Ancient trees in intensively managed grass fields HC6 7

Maintenance of wood pasture and parkland HC12 8

Restoration of wood pasture and parkland HC13 8

Creation of wood pasture HC14 8

Maintenance of woodland HC7 9

Restoration of woodland HC8 9

Creation of woodland in the Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA) of the LFA HC9 10

Creation of woodland outside the LFA SDA and the Moorland Line HC10 10

Maintenance of successional areas and scrub HC15 10

Restoration of successional areas and scrub HC16 10

Creation of successional areas and scrub HC17 10

Woodland livestock exclusion supplement HC11 11

� retaining all tree limbs, including the lower limbs on the tree; and

� retaining any standing or fallen dead wood.

Capital works, such as fencing to protect trees fromlivestock, can be funded by a CWP.

HC12 Maintenance of wood pasture and parklandHC13 Restoration of wood pasture and parklandThese options are used to maintain or restore thewildlife, historic and landscape character of existingand former wood pasture and parkland. Sites that aresuitable for restoration will still support a number ofancient trees and/or parkland features. It may be thatthe sites are not grazed, are managed under arablecropping or have been planted with conifers or otherinappropriate trees.

A management plan will usually be required for allthese options, and parkland restoration will alwaysrequire a Parkland Plan, which is a capital item funded under the HAP code (see section 3.9.1 of this handbook). Thisis to ensure that the original views and important elements of the designed parkland are retained. In some cases,the extent of a Parkland Plan may be such that it should form a one-year stand-alone HLS agreement – especiallywhere the park forms the majority of the holding, and where the results of the plan will help to inform the full 10-year HLS agreement. You can obtain more information on Parkland Plans and how to apply for them from yourNatural England adviser.


� protection of existing and newly established trees from damage by livestock, including stock rubbing against thetrees, bark stripping and soil compaction;

� grazing to maintain areas of closely grazed turf interspersed with taller tussocks;

� no use of fertiliser;

� no ploughing or other cultivation; and

� no re-seeding, rolling or chain harrowing.

Restoration, such as tree planting to replace lost trees, scrub removal to prevent shading to ancient trees and restoration ofponds or water features, can be funded by a CWP.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment.

HC14 Creation of wood pastureThis option is used to create wood pasture on sites that are known to have been wood pasture previously or on sitesadjacent to or linking existing areas of wood pasture. The option can also be used on appropriate sites within theNational Forest and community woodlands. Planting will not be allowed on archaeological features, on sites ofexisting wildlife value or where trees would be detrimental to the landscape.

The preferred method of creation will be by careful and flexible grazing management to allow trees and shrubs todevelop by natural regeneration. In some cases, it might be necessary to sow a specified grass seed mixture or toplant additional trees, both of which can be funded by a CWP.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment.

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Remnant oak wood pasture, Hampshire. ©

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HC7 Maintenance of woodland HC8 Restoration of woodlandThese options are used to maintain or restore farm woodlands to benefit wildlife and to protect and strengthen the locallandscape character. They are only appropriate where the woodlands are part of the farmed landscape or part of themanagement of the agricultural holding (eg grazed). The Forestry Commission’s English Woodland Grant Scheme shouldbe used for any woodland with silvicultural objectives – contact your Natural England adviser for further advice.

Management includes:

� maintaining rides and glades within the woodland by grazing or cutting;

� high forest management; and

� rotational coppicing.

Restoration may require you to:

� exclude livestock;

� remove inappropriate species;

� undertake planting;

� protect trees from grazing damage; and

� re-introduce a selective felling or coppicing cycle to restructure the habitat.

Capital items, such as planting new trees and fencing, can be funded by a CWP.

In your application, you will need to provide details of what you are trying to achieve and how this will be done.

Depending on the size of the woodland, funding can be obtained through Environmental Stewardship.

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These options can also be used to provide or enhancehabitats for specific target species and to protect soilsand watercourses. Scrub creation is particularly aimedat sites where target species already occur and wherethe site is adjacent to existing areas of scrub orwoodland. Planting will not be allowed onarchaeological features, on sites of existing wildlifevalue or where trees would be detrimental to thelandscape.

Management will be tailored in order to maintain,restore or create the ideal habitat conditions requiredby a particular target species, or to protect vulnerablesoils. This may include:

� allowing scrub to develop naturally;

� extensive grazing on part, or all, of the site;

� exclusion of livestock; and

� coppicing.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment.

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Duke of Burgundy butterflies benefit from management of scrub grassland.

HC9 Creation of woodland in the Severely Disadvantaged Area (SDA) of the Less Favoured Area (LFA)HC10 Creation of woodland outside the LFA SDA and the Moorland LineThese options are used to create small areas of new woodland that benefit wildlife and strengthen the locallandscape. They can also be used to protect soils and watercourses. The options will be particularly valuable onsites adjacent to existing woodland. Planting will not be allowed on archaeological features, on sites of existingwildlife value or where trees will be detrimental to the landscape.

Option HC10 can be used in riparian zones to create flood plain woodland – it must be located in areas supportedby the Environment Agency’s Catchment Flood Management Plans. Any riparian woodland planting must beundertaken in agreement with the Environment Agency.

These options are for new woodlands that are, individually, less than 1 ha in size and, in total, less than 3 ha acrossyour holding. If you are considering planting areas larger than 1 ha, grants might be available from the ForestryCommission under the English Woodland Grant Scheme.

Woodland creation may include:

� site preparation;

� fencing the area of natural regeneration or new planting; and

� controlling weeds.

Capital items, such as trees, tree tubes and fencing, can be funded by a CWP.

With your application you will need to provide information about how you are going to create and maintain thewoodland. This should include the proposed methods of establishment (eg natural regeneration or planting). Ifyou propose planting, you need to provide information on the species that will be planted.

HC15 Maintenance of successional areas and scrub HC16 Restoration of successional areas and scrub HC17 Creation of successional areas and scrubThese options aim to maintain, restore or create a succession of scrub habitat. This can provide structure in priorityhabitats, including sea buckthorn on east-coast dune systems and limestone pavement in Yorkshire and the north-west.

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Traditional orchards are characterised by widely spaced standard or half-standard fruit trees, of old and oftenscarce varieties, grown on vigorous rootstocks and planted at low densities, usually less than 150 trees per ha inpermanent grassland. Where they occur, they are a distinctive feature in the local landscape, often containing rarefruit varieties and providing valuable habitats for birds, mammals and insects. Dead wood on old orchard trees cansupport many species of insect, including the rare noble chafer beetle.

Traditional orchards generally consist of apple (for fruit or cider), pear (for fruit or perry), cherry, plum, damson treeor cob nut plantations. Extant orchards that are over 40 years old may be eligible for options HC18, HC19 and HC20.Remnant and recently planted orchards may be eligible for option HC21. Preference will be given to sites that canprovide public amenity – particularly public access.

HC18 Maintenance of high-value traditional orchards HC20 Restoration of traditional orchardsThese options are aimed at existing traditional orchards and nut plantations of high landscape, historical or wildlife value that are no longer managed primarily for fruit production (although there are no restrictions onselling the fruit).

HC18 is used for maintaining existing traditional orchards that are generally in good condition. These will have atleast two-thirds of the original stations occupied by trees, with less than 25 per cent of these requiring restorativepruning.

HC20 is aimed at restoring neglected orchards. These may contain trees that are overgrown or being lost to scrub,and there may be gaps where trees have died or have been removed. Suitable orchards will have between one-third and two-thirds of the original stations occupied by trees. The option is also used where more than 75 per cent of trees require restorative pruning.

Under either option, management must include:

� maintaining the characteristic tree form (this will vary depending on crop, variety, management system and – in some cases – region);

� protecting trees from damage by livestock;

� retaining and protecting all mature or over-mature standing trees;

� retaining some standing dead trees and some dead wood on living trees;

� managing the sward through hay-cutting or grazing – without the use of fertiliser; and

� rolling or chain harrowing.

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Orchard options Code Page

Maintenance of high-value traditional orchards HC18 11

Restoration of traditional orchards HC20 11

Maintenance of traditional orchards in production HC19 12

Creation of traditional orchards HC21 12

HC11 Woodland livestock exclusion supplementThis supplement supports the removal of livestock from overgrazed woodland or from areas of scrub, in order toencourage the establishment of trees and shrubs by natural regeneration. Following successful establishment, agrazing regime would then be re-introduced. The supplement is only available on the Restoration of woodlandoption (HC8), and the Creation/Restoration of successional areas and scrub options (HC16/HC17).

Please note that you cannot claim Single Payment Scheme on any land subject to this supplement.

2.3 Orchards

Restoration may include:

� restorative pruning;

� re-introducing annual pruning;

� a tree-planting programme to restore tree numbers to an appropriate level (see option HC21 for guidance onplanting orchard trees); and

� establishing or re-introducing management of a grass sward and/or scrub control.

Capital items, such as new trees and protective guards, can be funded by a CWP.

HC19 Maintenance of traditional orchards in production This option aims to maintain traditional orchards that contribute to the historic landscape character of the area and are managed primarily for commercial fruit production.

Management will include:

� maintaining the characteristic traditional tree form;

� protecting trees from damage by livestock; and

� following an agreed programme of crop protection to control specific, recorded pests and diseases.

Other management, including a grazing regime, appropriate pruning, fertiliser applications and supplementaryfeeding, will be tailored to the site and fruit varieties.

HC21 Creation of traditional orchards This option aims to enhance the historic landscape character by establishing small orchards on sites that are knownto have been orchard in the past, or are now remnant features with fewer than one-third of the original stationsoccupied by trees. New traditional orchards that have been recently planted may also be eligible. The option can

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Traditional apple and plum orchard, Cambridgeshire.

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also be used to extend the area of orchard habitat adjacent to sites known to support threatened species, such asthe noble chafer beetle. Suitable sites will normally be smaller than 1 ha and will either contain remnant trees ortree stations or appear as an orchard on old map records. The use of this option is highly targeted and will requirethe recommendation of a specialist.

To create an orchard, you will need to plant fruit trees of traditional varieties grown on vigorous rootstocks. A circle with a diameter of 1 m around the base of all newly planted trees must be kept free of all vegetation for the first 3 years after planting by mulching, the use of mulch mats, or the careful use of an approved herbicide.Watering will be necessary initially and during dry periods. Formative pruning will also be required, and oncegrazing is introduced the trees will need to be protected from livestock damage.

Once the trees are established, the management should be the same as that for option HC18.

Capital items, such as trees and protective guards, can be funded by a CWP.

2.4 Historic environment

Archaeological features such as hill forts, burial chambers, hollow ways, ridge and furrow, sheep washes, traditionalfarm buildings and Second World War defensive structures all contribute to our rich historical heritage andlandscape. They are often of ecological value, enriching landscape diversity and providing wildlife habitat. Thesefeatures are an important record of our cultural development and where they occur on agricultural land it isimportant to protect and preserve them. Many features of archaeological interest are protected and preserved inwetlands with high water levels.

The historic environment options will protect the features from further damage or erosion. Provision ofinterpretation, permissive access and/or educational visits are encouraged on suitable sites.

Where they are considered appropriate by Natural England, the ELS/OELS historic options can also be used toprotect or enhance features of historic environment interest within an HLS agreement. The use of options HD/OHD1to HD/OHD5 will be restricted to situations where the prescribed management meets a primary objective of HLS asidentified in the relevant target statement and where they provide good value for money.

HD6 Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) This option allows annual crops to be direct-drilled, in order to protect archaeological features just below thesurface from damage by ploughing or other deep cultivation. Due to the damage caused by the deep root systemsof some crops and from harvesting operations, certain crops may not be grown under this option. It is targeted atsites where the field cannot be removed from arable cropping.


� no growing of root crops, maize or energy crops;

� direct drilling all crops at a depth no greater than 30 mm; and

� no cultivation, sub-soiling, deep ploughing or mole-ploughing.

Care must be taken to direct-drill only in dry soil conditions, in order to avoid compaction or rutting.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option G1 without reducing your HLS payment.

Historic environment options Code Page

Crop establishment by direct drilling (non-rotational) HD6 13

Arable reversion by natural regeneration HD7 14

Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology HD8 14

Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodies HD9 14

Maintenance of traditional water meadows HD10 15

Restoration of traditional water meadows HD11 15

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HD7 Arable reversion by natural regenerationThis option is targeted at the most vulnerable features within arable or grass ley situations. The purpose is to protectsub-surface features by ceasing cultivation and establishing permanent grassland by natural regeneration.

Other reversion options, such as HD2/OHD2 (Taking archaeological features out of cultivation), may be moreappropriate on less sensitive sites; your Natural England adviser will be able to provide further advice. This optionmay also help to protect soils from erosion and to reduce diffuse pollution.


� allowing the sward to establish by natural regeneration; and

� managing the sward by grazing or topping during the first year or so to encourage tillering of the grasses.

Once established, the sward should be managed by grazing, or cutting for hay. Any activities that would damagethe sward must be avoided.

HD8 Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeologyFeatures of archaeological interest that are protected and preserved in wetlands are vulnerable to drainage andagricultural improvement. This option is used to maintain current high water levels to protect underlyingarchaeological features from desiccation. The option may also help to protect vulnerable soils from erosion, reducediffuse pollution and maintain the landscape character of the area.


� maintaining water levels at no more than 30 cm below the ground level at all times of the year;

� avoiding field operations and stocking when the land is wet, as this can cause compaction and damage to sub-surface features;

� no ploughing, sub-surface cultivation, re-seeding, chain harrowing or rolling; and

� preventing the development of reeds, large sedges or scrub.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, K5, L2, L3, L4 and L5 without reducingyour HLS payment.

HD9 Maintenance of designed/engineered water bodiesDesigned or engineered water bodies such asmillponds and formal water features enhancedistinctive historic and landscape character and canprovide valuable habitats for wildlife. This optionmaintains both the designed or engineered water bodyand the associated features such as dams, retainingwalls and sluices. In some cases a management planwill be required, and this should be discussed with yourNatural England adviser.

Management will be tailored to the individual featurebut will include:

� annual maintenance inspections of masonry,brickwork, pointing or engineering structures;

� regular maintenance to avoid decay or deterioration of the fabric; and

� use of traditional materials, techniques andcraftsmanship.

Flooded water meadow south of Salisbury.

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Arable options Code Page

Floristically enhanced grass margin (non-rotational) HE10 16

Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational) HF12 16

Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (rotational or non-rotational) HF13 16

Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headland HF14 16

Reduced herbicide cereal crop preceding overwintered stubble HF15 17

Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable plants (rotational or non-rotational) HF20 17

Brassica fodder crops followed by overwintered stubble HG5 17

Fodder crop management to retain or recreate an arable mosaic HG6 17

Low-input spring cereal to retain or recreate an arable mosaic HG7 18

HD10 Maintenance of traditional water meadows HD11 Restoration of traditional water meadowsWater meadows are an important component of the distinctive historic and landscape character in parts ofEngland. They also provide valuable habitats for wildlife and, in certain circumstances, may provide an area offlood containment. Water levels in traditionally managed water meadows, including catch meadows, arecontrolled using sluices and hatches, a process known as floating or drowning the meadow.

These options are used to maintain or restore the demanding traditional management required on water meadows.Management will include:

� floating or drowning the water meadow for an agreed period of time each year; and

� maintaining gutters, carriers or channels to encourage an even film of water approximately 25 mm deep to flowover the sward.

Once the land has dried out, the meadow must be managed by grazing and/or by hay-cutting. Particular care mustbe taken to ensure that field operations and stocking do not damage the soil structure or cause heavy poaching –especially when the land is waterlogged.

To restore water meadows, you are likely to need a management plan before any capital work to restore items canbe started. You may need to restore water control structures and associated gutters, carriers and other channels.Scrub clearance and coppicing of bank-side trees may also be required. These works can be funded by a CWP orcan form a capital special project.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options K2, K3 and K4 but this will reduce your HLS payment.

2.5 Arable

Arable farming creates the characteristic open-ploughed land of areas such as East Anglia and the Vale of York. It isalso an important part of the mixed farming tradition of areas such as the Midlands and the south-west. However,modern crop management can limit the variety of insects, plants, birds and mammals traditionally associated withsuch land. For example, arable species such as the corn bunting, grey partridge, pheasant’s-eye and cornflowerhave declined in numbers. Many field boundaries have been removed. In some circumstances, crop managementmay also cause soil compaction that can lead to increased run-off and erosion which may, in turn, cause pollutionof water courses or increased local flooding.

Arable options are normally available only on land that has been in arable production, including set-aside, for atleast 5 years. An exception to this are options involving the recreation of an arable mosaic (HG6 and HG7), whereyou can include land that has been in arable cultivation at any time in the last 10 years.

Arable options should only be considered where you can provide evidence that your proposals will benefit speciesmentioned in your target statements and recorded in your FEP.

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Rotational arable options can be moved from field to field to fit in with your crop rotation, or within a field to helpreduce pest and disease build-up. They can also be kept in the same location within a field if this delivers therequired HLS benefits.

If you choose any rotational arable options, you will need to keep a record to confirm the location of these optionseach year.

Non-rotational arable options will normally be fixed in an agreed location for the duration of the agreement.

HE10 Floristically enhanced grass margin (non-rotational)This option is used to provide habitat and foraging areas for insects and birds by maintaining field margins thatcontain a mixture of grass and wildflower species. The margins can be located along field boundaries or as a bufferstrip around in-field features such as ponds or archaeological features

Management must include establishing the margin by natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mixture agreedwith your Natural England adviser, and onceestablished, cutting or grazing the margin to deliverthe desired outcomes for your situation.

HF12 Enhanced wild bird seed mix plots (rotational or non-rotational)This option is used to provide a valuable winterfood source for declining farmland birds in arablelandscapes. The plots or margins should provide ayear-round supply of small seeds tailored to meetthe needs of the target bird species. The size,location and number of plots will also be tailoredfor the target bird species identified in your FEP.

Management must include establishing an agreedseed mixture every year or every other year, andfollowing an agreed pesticide and fertiliserprogramme.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option D3 without reducing your HLSpayment.

HF13 Fallow plots for ground-nesting birds (rotational or non-rotational)This option is aimed at providing breeding and foraging sites for ground-nesting farmland birds such as lapwingand stone-curlews. The uncropped plots should be at least 2 ha in size and located in suitable arable fields.Locating the plots within 2 km of extensively grazed grassland will provide additional foraging habitat. The plotscan be kept in a fixed location or rotated around agreed locations. Fields should be chosen carefully, avoidingthose with pernicious weeds and those which are prone to waterlogging.

Management includes cultivating the plot in the spring to produce a rough fallow. This fallow should be retainedwithout the use of pesticides or fertilisers for an agreed period.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option D3 without reducing your HLS payment.

HF14 Unharvested, fertiliser-free conservation headlandThis option is applied to the headland of a cereal crop. The aim is to provide a year-round food source for declining populations of farmland birds. The restricted pesticide programme in the cereal headland will allow insects to flourish, providing food for chicks in summer.Over winter the unharvested headland will provide a food source for farmland birds by providing grain and seeding arable plants. The headland also has significant additional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with HE10 (Floristically enhanced grass margin) or with ELS or OELS buffer strip options on cultivatedland (E1/OE1, E2/OE2 or E3/OE3).

Many farmland birds will benefit when crops such as quinoa are allowed to set seed.

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Management includes cultivating and sowing a 6 m to24 m cereal headland, which can surround a range ofcrop types including cereals. The headland will bemanaged by following a restricted herbicide andinsecticide programme, without the use of fertilisersand left unharvested until the following spring, whennormal land management can be resumed.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS orOELS option D3 without reducing your HLS payment.

HF15 Reduced herbicide, cereal crop managementpreceding overwintered stubble This option is used to provide a valuable food sourcefor farmland birds, especially during the winter. Therestricted herbicide programme will allow arable plantsto flourish and set seed in the crop. Overwintering thestubble will provide winter food for farmland birds.

Management includes cultivating and sowing a cerealcrop, following a restricted herbicide programme andharvesting without using a pre-harvest desiccant. Anysoil compaction should be remedied following harvestto prevent increased run-off and erosion. The stubbleshould be maintained without the use of pesticides,fertilisers, manures or lime until the following spring,when normal land management can be resumed.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS orOELS option D3 without reducing your HLS payment.

HF20 Cultivated fallow plots or margins for arable plants (rotational or non-rotational)This option is used to create opportunities for rare arable plants to germinate, flower and set seed.

Management must include cultivation to establish a firm, fine tilth, either in the autumn or spring – depending onthe rare arable flora being targeted. The fallow plot or margin should be retained for an agreed period without theuse of pesticides and fertilisers.


HG5 Brassica fodder crops followed by overwintered stubblesThe management of fodder brassicas grazed in situ, such as rape, kale and fodder turnips, where weeds can persistin the crop and set seed, provide an important habitat for small-seed eating birds. You must not locate these cropsin any fields identified on your FEP as being at a high risk of soil erosion.


� careful grazing to minimise poaching and soil erosion;

� following a restricted pesticide programme; and

� maintaining the stubble until the following spring.

HG6 Fodder crop management to retain or recreate an arable mosaicWhere arable farming has declined in traditionally mixed farming areas, this option is used to return fields or partsof fields to arable cultivation, in order to provide valuable foraging sites for seed-eating birds. Fodder crops(brassica or root), grazed in situ, allow arable plants to persist and set seed within the crop.

Conservation edge to an arable field.

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Resource protection options Code Page

Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off HJ3 18

Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-off HJ4 18

In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off HJ5 19

Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed, improved grassland HJ6 20

Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with no input restriction HJ7 20

Nil fertiliser supplement HJ8 20


� establishing a whole field of fodder brassica/fodder root crop before 1 July;

� following a restricted pesticide programme;

� grazing over the autumn and winter; and

� maintaining the stubble until the following spring.

HG7 Low-input spring cereal to retain or recreate an arable mosaicThis option is used to provide an important habitat for declining and localised farmland birds such as the greypartridge and the corn bunting, and mammals such as the brown hare. The open spring cereal crop will providebreeding sites for ground-nesting birds and will encourage rare arable plants. This option has particular value inareas where spring crops were traditionally grown but have now declined, and will also deliver significantadditional wildlife benefits when managed in conjunction with grass margins. It also provides an opportunity forley establishment by undersowing with a grass/legume mixture.


� establishing a spring cereal crop at a specified seed rate of not more than 100 kg/ha;

� following a restricted herbicide and fertiliser programme; and

� not harvesting the crop before 31 July.


2.6 Resource protection

These options are designed to protect watercourses by reducing diffuse pollution. They buffer sensitive habitatsand protect areas that replenish groundwater by reducing the risk of soil erosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorustransport. They also contribute to flood management by reducing surface run-off.

Diffuse pollution is the contamination of watercourses by run-off laden with eroded soils and nutrients (nitrate andphosphate) from large areas of land. Increased run-off leading to soil erosion, nitrate leaching and phosphorustransport is often caused by the capping and/or compaction of soils in arable cultivation or intensively managedgrassland systems.

Careful management of grass cover will improve soil structure and water infiltration, reduce run-off and provideprotection from soil erosion. The resource protection options HJ3 to HJ8 are only available on land at a high risk ofsoil erosion as defined at section 2.3.5, Step 3 of your ELS handbook. The options will be targeted at this high-riskland within priority catchments identified in your target statement, and may be applied to part-fields or wholefields. These options can also help protect archaeological features.

HJ3 Arable reversion to unfertilised grassland to prevent erosion or run-off HJ4 Arable reversion to grassland with low fertiliser input to prevent erosion or run-offIn fields identified in the FEP as being at high risk, using these options will stabilise soils and reduce nutrient losses

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by the establishment and maintenance of either an unfertilised or a nutrient-restricted, fertilised grass cover.Maintaining a grass cover will help to improve soil structure and water infiltration, reduce surface run-off andprotect against wind erosion. Zero or restricted inputs of nitrogen fertilisers and organic manures will reduce therisk of nitrate leaching.


� alleviating any areas of soil compaction before sowing and establishing a specified grass mix (before 1 October);

� cutting the sward at least twice in the first year to encourage the tillering of grasses; and

� from the second year onwards, cutting once after mid-July or grazing.

There must be no overgrazing or poaching, and supplementary feeding will be restricted to mineral supplements.

Option HJ3 does not allow the use of fertilisers or organic manures.

Option HJ4 permits up to 100 kg/ha per year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or no more than 50 kg/ha peryear of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser, which can only be applied between 1 February and 14 August.

HJ5 In-field grass areas to prevent erosion or run-off This option is used to reduce the movement of sediment, nutrients and pesticides by wind and water erosion – bothwithin fields and from field to field – through the careful location of permanent grass areas.

This option can be used to achieve a number of different objectives, depending on the type of pollution and thepollutant pathway. For example:

� a grass strip adjacent to a watercourse can filter surface run-off to reduce the amount of eroded soil, organicmaterial, nutrients and pesticides reaching the watercourse;

� grassing natural drainage pathways (eg valleybottoms) will help to reduce the channelling of run-off water that can produce rills and gullies;

� a grass strip angled against the prevailing wind canreduce wind borne soil erosion; and

� a grass strip placed on the contour within the fieldcan provide a break on long, steep slopes tointercept and slow surface run-off water before itbuilds into damaging flow.

This option applies to part fields only, up to a maximumpermissible area of 30 per cent of each field. Part- orwhole-field arable reversion (HJ3 or HJ4) should beconsidered for larger areas.


� removing any areas of soil compaction before establishing a specified grass mix (before 1 October); and

� cutting the sward at least twice in the first year to encourage the tillering of grasses.

You must not use the area for regular access, vehicleturning or storage. Other management, includinggrazing and/or mowing regimes and supplementaryfeeding, will be tailored to site objectives.

Soil erosion can result in diffuse pollution as well as reduced profitability.

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HJ6 Preventing erosion or run-off from intensively managed improved grassland This option aims to reduce soil compaction and surface run-off on improved grassland through extensive grazing.Extensive grazing will help to improve soil structure and water infiltration and reduce run-off. Restricting inputs offertiliser and organic manures will reduce nitrate leaching.

This option is suitable for use on improved grassland that receives in excess of 200 kg nitrogen/ha and where thereis evidence of soil erosion or run-off, or where a soil risk assessment indicates that a target feature is undersignificant threat from erosion or run-off. It may also be used to buffer sensitive habitats if used in combinationwith the Nil fertiliser supplement (HJ8 – see below). This option applies to the whole field.


� alleviation of severe soil compaction;

� application of up to 100 kg/ha per year of total nitrogen from livestock manures or no more than 50 kg/ha peryear from inorganic nitrogen fertiliser; and

� restricting supplementary feeding to mineral blocks or licks.

Other management, including grazing and/or mowing regimes, will be tailored to site objectives.

HJ7 Seasonal livestock removal on grassland with noinput restrictionThis option supports the removal of livestock atspecific times of the year in order to reducecompaction and run-off. This option is suitable foruse on soils that are prone to waterlogging,compaction or poaching, and it applies to the wholefield. Removing livestock from fields receiving thissupplement must not cause soil damage on otherfields.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS orOELS options D2, D5, K2, K3, K4, K5, L3, L4 and L5without reducing your HLS payment.

HJ8 Nil fertiliser supplement This supplement is designed to extensify further themanagement of land under option HJ6 (Preventingerosion or run-off from intensively managed, improvedgrassland) without the use of fertilisers. The aim is toreduce nitrate leaching into ground and surface waterand to help buffer valuable habitats. It may be appliedto whole fields or part fields greater than 1 ha.

Cattle grazing riverside land and causing some erosion.

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2.7 Grassland

2.7.1 Species-rich, semi-natural grassland Unimproved hay meadows and pastures are importantto the character of locally distinctive pastoral or mixedfarming landscapes. They support distinctive mixes ofgrasses and wildflowers that reflect acidic, neutral orcalcareous soil conditions, often contain uncommonspecies such as orchids, and are also valuable forbutterflies and other invertebrates.

These grasslands are a precious but threatened habitat.Fragments survive in areas that have not been re-seeded,drained or heavily fertilised and therefore often containsome of our best preserved archaeology. Activemanagement of these habitats will maintain their value forwildlife, contribute to the protection of valued landscapesand archaeology and promote good soil conditions.

You will need to submit evidence of current soil pH andnutrient status with your application when proposingthe creation or restoration of species-rich grassland.Results that are up to 3 years old are acceptable.

Grassland options Code Page

Species-rich, semi-natural grassland

Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK6 22

Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK7 22

Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grassland HK8 22

Management of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl

Maintenance of wet grassland for breeding waders HK9 23

Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK10 23

Restoration of wet grassland for breeding waders HK11 24

Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK12 24

Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders HK13 24

Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl HK14 24

Management of grassland for target features

Maintenance of grassland for target features HK15 25

Restoration of grassland for target features HK16 25

Creation of grassland for target features HK17 25

Buffer strips

Enhanced strips for target species on intensive grassland HE11 26

Supplements

Hay-making supplement HK18 26

Raised water levels supplement HK19 27

Inundation grassland supplement HQ13 27

Cattle grazing supplement HR1 27

Native breeds at risk grazing supplement HR2 27

Species-rich hay meadow with great burnet, lady’s bedstraw and

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HK6 Maintenance of species-rich, semi-natural grasslandThis option is aimed at maintaining grasslands that are already species-rich and in good condition by continuing, ormaking adjustments to, the current management.


� grazing and/or cutting for hay;

� no ploughing, re-seeding, or installation of new drainage; and

� no heavy poaching.

Other management, including use of organic manures and supplementary feeding, will be tailored to each sitebased on the type of grassland and the farming system.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment, and onELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HK7 Restoration of species-rich, semi-natural grasslandThis option is used for restoring grasslands that were species-rich in the past, but have suffered from managementneglect or have been agriculturally improved. Grasslands that are suitable for this option may still have somediversity of grasses and flowers. Potential for this option will also depend on soil type, pH and soil nutrient status(particularly the amount of available phosphorus).

This option will be managed as option HK6, but restoration may include scrub clearance, invasive weed controland/or seed introduction by an agreed method – such as spreading species-rich green hay from a suitable nearby site.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment,and on ELS or OELS options K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HK8 Creation of species-rich, semi-natural grasslandThis option is aimed at creating species-rich grassland on former arable land, ley grassland or set-aside. Thecreation of species-rich grassland is very demanding and will be feasible only in a few situations. Potential for thisoption will depend on soil type, pH, soil nutrient status (particularly the amount of available phosphorus). Thisoption will normally be targeted at sites close to existing species-rich grassland.

Creation of a species-rich grassland will include establishing the sward by natural regeneration or using a seedsource or mixture recommended by your Natural England adviser. The sward will need to be cut or grazed in thefirst year to encourage the grasses to tiller and to control annual weeds. Once established, management will be thesame as for HK6.


2.7.2 Management of wet grassland for waders and wildfowl Wet grasslands are important and distinctive components of the coastal and river flood plain landscape. Well-managed wet grasslands provide wintering and/or breeding habitat for wading birds and wildfowl. Winter floodingthat creates islands of damp grassland surrounded by shallow surface water (up to knee-deep) provides securefeeding and roosting sites for wildfowl and waders. In addition, it will enhance the grassland habitat for wetlandplants and may, in the right situation, provide an area of flood containment. The shallow flooding concentratesseeds and invertebrates that can attract large numbers of ducks, geese, swans and lapwing and other wading birds.Breeding waders such as snipe, redshank, curlew and lapwing need damp soil conditions, with some areas of veryshallow standing water in the spring and early summer, to provide an abundant supply of insect food for theirchicks. Larger, open areas are generally preferred by waders and wildfowl, so scrub control may be necessary.

These options can help to protect the many features of archaeological interest that are preserved in wetlands withhigh water levels – see also Historic environment option HD8 (Maintaining high water levels to protect archaeology).For the management of other wetland habitats including ponds, reedbeds, fens and bogs please see Wetlandoptions HQ1 to HQ10.

These options will be almost entirely located in thelowland river valleys, in areas where surface water can be controlled. In most situations, EnvironmentAgency consent and/or a management plan will also be required.

A range of capital items such as sluices, bunds, scrapesand ditch restoration can be funded by a CWP.

HK9 Maintenance of wet grassland for breedingwadersThis option is used for maintaining wet spring andsummer grasslands that already provide suitablehabitat for breeding waders. In some instances it maybe necessary to change the water management regimeto continue to attract these birds. In addition, thesegrasslands may, in the right situation, provide an area of flood containment and some benefits to flood riskmanagement.


� controlling in-field and ditch water levels in the spring and early summer;

� maintaining ditches and existing field drainage systems;

� creating a varied sward structure by the end of the growing season by grazing and/or taking a late hay cut;

� restricting the stocking density in the bird-nesting season;

� avoiding heavy poaching (although small areas of bare ground are acceptable); and

� avoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or non-essential activities.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment,and ELS or OELS options B6, B7, K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HK10 Maintenance of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowl This option is used for maintaining wet grasslands that already provide suitable habitat for wintering populations ofwildfowl and waders. In some instances, it may be necessary to change the water management regime to continueto attract these birds. In addition, these grasslands may, in the right situation, provide an area of flood containmentand some benefits to flood risk management.


� controlling in-field and ditch water levels over the winter months;

� maintaining ditches and existing field drainage systems;

� creating a varied sward structure by the end of the growing season through grazing and/or cutting for hay;

� no grazing over the winter months;

� no heavy poaching (although small areas of bare ground are acceptable); and

� avoiding disturbance of birds by recreational or non-essential activities.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLS payment,and ELS or OELS options B6, B7, K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

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Curlew chick.

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HK11 Restoration of wet grassland for breeding wadersHK12 Restoration of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowlThese options aim to provide suitable habitat for waders and wildfowl and/or breeding habitat for wading birds byre-wetting permanent grassland and by managing the grazing to create a mosaic of grass structure. These fields willhave been wetter in the past but have since been drained or improved for agriculture. The potential for this optionwill depend on both the availability of surface water and the ability to control it. In addition, these grasslands may,in the right situation, provide an area of flood containment and some benefits to flood risk management.

Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but for restoration of wet grassland you may need to:

� alleviate any areas of soil compaction (except on archaeological features);

� implement a water management regime; and

� excavate scrapes and re-profile ditches.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLSpayment, and ELS or OELS options B6, B7, K2, K3, K4, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HK13 Creation of wet grassland for breeding waders HK14 Creation of wet grassland for wintering waders and wildfowlThese options are used to create wet grassland habitat for breeding waders in the spring and summer and wadersand wildfowl in the winter months. Fields suitable for these options are current arable land or temporary grassland.

Shallow flooding provides good conditions for over-wintering wildfowl.

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These fields will have been wetter in the past but have since been drained and improved for agriculture. Thepotential for this option will depend on both the availability of surface water and the ability to control it. Inaddition, these grasslands may, in the right situation, provide an area of flood containment and some benefits toflood risk management.

Fields under this option will be managed as HK9 or HK10, but additional management for the creation of the wetgrassland habitat includes:

� establishing a grass sward by natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mixture recommended by your NaturalEngland adviser;

� alleviating areas of soil compaction;

� implementing water-level management;

� restoring the ditch network; and

� excavating scrapes and ponds.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment, andELS or OELS options B6 and B7 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

2.7.3 Management of grassland for target features These options are used to manage grassland for target features such as great crested newt, chough, cirl bunting orburied archaeology, as well as particular groups of species such as scarce bumblebees and ground-nestingfarmland birds. The FEP will contain records of target features that would benefit from management underoptions HK15–HK17. These options may also be used to link, buffer and extend existing sites of high wildlife value,where the management will be specifically tailored to the features found on the high-value site.

They may also be used, at the discretion of your Natural England adviser, to protect other grassland types identified through local targeting, such as enclosed upland grassland priority habitats; local variants of priorityhabitats; habitat mosaics or good quality semi-improved grassland where there is low potential for restoration tospecies-rich grassland.

Within the LFA, the upland options HL7 and HL8 (Maintenance/Restoration of rough grazing for birds) may bemore appropriate for ground-nesting birds.

HK15 Maintenance of grassland for target features HK16 Restoration of grassland for target featuresThese options will maintain or restore semi-improved or rough grassland, which is known to provide goodconditions for target species and other features. These options can also be used to maintain moderately species-rich semi-improved and enclosed unimproved grassland, but only where this is a local target and where thegrassland lacks the potential to be restored to species-rich, semi-natural grassland (option HK7).

Management must include grazing and/or cutting for hay. Other management, including fertiliser andsupplementary feeding, will be tailored to each site based on the target species present.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D5 and K5 without reducing your HLSpayment, and ELS or OELS options K2, L2, L3, L4 and L5 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HK17 Creation of grassland for target featuresThis option is used to create semi-improved or rough grassland on former arable, set-aside or temporary grassland.

Fields under this option will be managed in the same way as for option HK15, but creation of the grassland willinclude establishing a grassy sward through natural regeneration or by sowing a seed mixture recommended byyour Natural England adviser.


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2.7.4 Buffer stripsHE11 Enhanced strips for target species on intensive grasslandThis option is used to provide additional habitat for invertebrates, birds and small mammals by managing bufferstrips in intensive grass leys. These strips of wildflowers and grasses provide nesting habitat and shelter, as well as afood source for a variety of species including farmland birds, bats and insects such as bumblebees and butterflies.The location of the strip may be rotated within the same field.

Management will include sowing and establishing a specified seed mixture of wildflowers and grasses. The stripwill need to be protected from grazing and will need to be re-established when the cover of wildflowers decreases.Other management, such as cutting and fertiliser, will be tailored to each site based on the species targeted.


2.7.5 SupplementsHK18 Haymaking supplementThis supplement is not intended for all fields that are cut for hay. It is available, at the discretion of your NaturalEngland adviser, on meadows of high existing or potential value. These sites will typically be in pastoral areaswhere the ready availability of livestock and/or the climatic difficulty of haymaking mean they would otherwise begrazed and not cut.

This supplement is suitable for use with options HK6 to HK8, HK15 to HK17 and HD10 and HD11. Providing one ofthese main land management options is in place, and all eligibility criteria are met, it may also be used on the samesites as other supplements, such as the HR6 supplement for small fields.

Haymaking encourages botanical diversity by allowing flowers to set seed.

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HK19 Raised water levels supplementThis supplement supports the raising of water levels in ditches and adjacent land, where exceptional and time-consuming management is needed at key periods of the year. This supplement may be used to provide feedingand nesting habitats for wetland birds. In addition, it will enhance the grassland habitat for wetland plants andmay, in the right situation, provide an area of flood containment. This supplement can also be used to managespecialised wet grassland communities or to maintain the diversity of fauna and flora in important ditches.

The supplement is available on options HK6 to HK18. HK9 to HK14 are eligible for this supplement, but only inexceptional circumstances where specific management is required to raise water levels. The payments for HK9 toHK14 include an element for raised water-level management, so applicants will need to provide evidence to showthat extra effort is needed to raise levels.

HQ13 Inundation grassland supplementThis supplement is designed to allow the inundation of areas of the river flood plain that are currently protected byflood defence banks. Grassland that is made available for additional inundation by floodwater can develop as avaluable habitat, complement adjacent habitats and, in appropriate locations, contribute to flood management.The supplement is used in designated washlands subject to prolonged and random flooding. It should be used insites identified through local Environment Agency flood management strategies.

This supplement is only available on options HK10, HK12 and HK14 to HK17 where there are not significant numbersof breeding waders using the site. The site, either alone or as part of a group application, should form a naturalhydrological unit, and there should be no significant negative impact on other valuable features.

HR1 Cattle grazing supplement This supplement promotes grazing by cattle where this is likely to be beneficial in meeting environmental objectives.Cattle grazing produces a more varied sward structure than sheep grazing and is often better for diversity of plants,invertebrates and birds. In addition, mature cattle are often more suitable for grazing fibrous herbage of lowdigestibility, trampling bracken, controlling scrub and grazing wet habitats. Cattle treading creates patches of baresoil where new plants can establish themselves, but it can also damage the soil unless it is well managed.

You can use this supplement with options HC12 to HC21, HD7 to HD8, HD10 to HD11, HJ3 to HJ8, HK6 to HK17, HL7 toHL11, HO1 to HO5, HP1 to HP10, HQ6 to HQ10, HQ13, HR2 to HR8, HD4 to HD5 and OHD4 to OHD5. The number andbreed of cattle and the way in which they are managed must be suitable for meeting the objectives of the option(s)to which the supplement is added. Cattle must normally be the main grazing animal in any parcel or part-parcel forthe period during which cattle grazing is required under this supplement. If the cattle also meet the eligibilityrequirements for HR2, the two supplements can be used on the same parcel providing their combined payment ratedoes not exceed the maximum payment rate for HR2.

HR2 Native breeds at risk grazing supplementThis supplement encourages the use of appropriate native breeds of livestock (from the list below) for grazing tohelp achieve the aims of relevant options. Evidence suggests that some native livestock breeds have attributes thatare particularly well suited to harsh climatic conditions, to difficult terrain, to grazing semi-natural vegetation and toachieving conservation objectives. This supplement is also designed to contribute towards the geneticconservation of native breeds at risk.

The use of this supplement can be considered withoptions HC12 to HC21, HD7 to HD8, HD10 to HD11, HK6 toHK17, HL7 to HL11, HO1 to HO5, HP1 to HP10, HQ6 to HQ10,HQ13, HD4 to HD5 and OHD4 to OHD5. The number andbreed of livestock and the way in which they aremanaged must be suitable for meeting the objectives ofthe option(s) to which the supplement is added. Onlypedigree-registered animals and/or their geneticallytraceable, purebred offspring are eligible because of theneed for independent verification by the relevantrecognised-breed society. You are advised to seek theview of your Natural England adviser about which nativebreeds may be considered suitable for grazing your landearly in the application process. HR2 can also be locatedon the same parcel as HR1 – providing their combinedpayment rate does not exceed the maximum rate for HR2.

Longhorn cow, Cumbria.

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Approved list of native breeds at risk

Sheep Cattle Equines GoatsBadger face Welsh Aberdeen Angus1 Cleveland bay BagotBalwen Ayrshire Clydesdale Golden GuernseyBlack Welsh mountain Beef shorthorn DalesBorder Leicester Belted Galloway DartmoorBoreray British white EriskayBritish milksheep Chillingham ExmoorCambridge Dairy shorthorn1 FellCastlemilk moorit Devon HighlandClun Forest Galloway New ForestCotswold Gloucester ShetlandDerbyshire gritstone Guernsey ShireDevon and Cornwall longwool Guernsey2 SuffolkDevon closewool Hereford Welsh mountain3

Dorset down Hereford1

Dorset horn HighlandGreyface Dartmoor Irish moiledHampshire down Jersey2

Hebridean Lincoln redHill Radnor LonghornJacob LuingKerry hill Northern dairy shorthornLeicester longwool Red pollLincoln longwool ShetlandLlanwenog SussexLonk VaynolManx loghtan White parkMeatlinc Whitebred shorthornNorfolk hornNorth RonaldsayOxford downPortlandRyelandShetland1

ShropshireSoaySouth Wales mountainSouthdownTeeswaterWensleydaleWhiteface DartmoorWhitefaced woodlandWiltshire horn

1 Pedigree-registered animals listed as being part of an ‘original population’ of that breed, usually in a separate, ‘closed’ sub-register of the breed society’s herdbook.

2 Pedigree-registered animals listed as being part of the ‘island’ population of that breed, usually in a separate, ‘closed’ sub-register of the breed society’s herdbook.

3 A particular and separately identified sub-population of pedigree-registered animals within that breed’s studbook. Section A ofthe Welsh Pony and Cob Society’s studbook lists Welsh mountain ponies whose core registration documents, passports andentries in the National Equine Database are likely to be identified as ‘s’ to indicate that they are semi-feral and are within thePony Improvement Scheme for this breed.

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2.8 Moorland and upland rough grazing

Past management of moorland and upland rough grassland has created diverse upland landscapes and habitats.These habitats, typically above 250 m, include open heather moorland, blanket bog and a variety of grasslands. It is important to establish or maintain appropriate grazing and/or burning regimes to conserve these habitats andassociated wildlife, and to protect the soil (especially peat). Moorland and upland rough grassland containimportant archaeology and some of our most extensive historical landscapes. Use of these options can help toprotect these moorland features and landscapes.

The moorland options aim to maintain and restore habitats contained within moorland grazing units. They mayalso be used in the management of large enclosures such as allotments, intakes and newtakes. The options aretargeted at grazing units in the LFA that are predominantly in the SDA, above the Moorland Line and characterisedby the presence of upland habitats and species.

Capital items, such as fencing and grip blocking, can be funded by a CWP.

Moorland and upland rough grazing options Code Page

Maintenance of moorland HL9 30

Restoration of moorland HL10 30

Creation of upland heathland HL11 30

Maintenance of rough grazing for birds HL7 30

Restoration of rough grazing for birds HL8 30

Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swiping HL12 31

Moorland re-wetting supplement HL13 31

Seasonal livestock exclusion supplement HL15 31

Views across Grisedale, Mallerstang.

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HL9 Maintenance of moorlandHL10 Restoration of moorlandThese options are used to maintain or restore moorland habitats to benefit upland wildlife, retain historic featuresand strengthen the landscape character. In addition, they may, in the right situation, provide an area of floodcontainment and some benefits to flood risk management.

Management will include grazing the moorland following an agreed stocking calendar. This calendar will reflectthe different habitats within the moorland unit, and their present condition. It will indicate how many and whattype of livestock will be allowed to graze the moorland in each month of the year.

Restoration may also include grip blocking or temporary fencing, in order to reduce or exclude grazing.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS and OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment, andon ELS and OELS option L6 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HL11 Creation of upland heathland This option aims to creates dwarf-shrub communities in upland moorland areas where heathland plants are rareor absent and their seedbanks are depleted. It will enhance the diverse vegetation mosaic characteristic ofupland landscapes and will be targeted at areas adjacent or close to existing dwarf-shrub heath.


� site preparation using a combination of topping, scarification, ploughing, burning and/or herbicide treatment;

� establishment of heathland vegetation by sowing or spreading heather or heathland seed or cuttings; and

� control of grass and weed species by an agreed method.

The methodology will be influenced by existing environmental values such as the presence of archaeology orlandscape considerations.

Once established, the heathland would be managed in the same way as option HL9 or HL10.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS and OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment,and on ELS and OELS option L6 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

HL7 Maintenance of rough grazing for birdsHL8 Restoration of rough grazing for birdsThese options are used to provide rough grassland habitat for upland birds (particularly breeding waders) andother target species. They are targeted at allotments, intakes and newtakes and semi-improved fields in the LFA

that either support populations of upland birdscurrently, or have the potential to do so.

Management will normally include grazing with cattleand/or sheep at an agreed stocking density (between0.4 and 1.0 Livestock Units/ha depending on siteconditions and objective) between 31 March and 20June. At other times, stocking densities should bemanaged to achieve the desired sward height.

Restoration will be individually tailored to the site, butmay include blocking existing surface drains, ditchesand grips to create or extend areas of wet, marshygrassland vegetation.

These options can be located on the same land as ELSand OELS options K5 without reducing your HLSpayment, and on ELS and OELS options L2, L3, L4, L5 andELS option L6 but with a reduction of your HLS payment.

Shallow pools encourage breeding waders.

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HL12 Supplement for management of heather, gorse and grass by burning, cutting or swipingThis supplement supports the establishment of an appropriate programme of rotational vegetation management, inorder to maintain or restore the wildlife value of moorland habitats. It applies to land where a significant change inmanagement activity is required.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10.

HL13 Moorland re-wetting supplementThis supplement supports the re-wetting of moorland to maintain wetland habitats and their associated wildlife.Grip-blocking and re-wetting may also help to reduce diffuse pollution by reducing surface run-off from the re-wetted area. This may, in certain locations, help to reduce flooding downstream. In addition, the supplementcan help to protect archaeological features and peat exposures.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9, HL10 and HL11.

HL15 Seasonal livestock exclusion supplementThis supplement supports the removal of livestock from moorland and other rough grassland land for periods oftime, in order to allow moorland restoration or to achieve additional environmental benefits on moorland that is ingood condition. Examples of these benefits include increasing the rate of heather regeneration and allowing rareplants such as spring gentian to flower, or shrubs such as juniper to regenerate. The supplement may also be usedto help protect archaeological and other historic features.

The supplement is available on options HL7, HL8, HL9 and HL10.

Heather burning on moorland above Nidderdale.

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Providing access is an important way of enhancing public enjoyment of the countryside. The open access andlinear access options complement the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network by providing areas of open access orcreating new footpaths, cycle and/or bridleways to allow people (including the less mobile) to enjoy more of thecountryside. The educational access option encourages visits both by schools and by a wide range of other interest groups, and provides an opportunity to illustrate the links between farming, conservation and foodproduction. It also allows people to see and enjoy the environmental improvements being made as a result ofEnvironmental Stewardship.

Under these options, you will be allowing the public onto your land on a concessionary basis and no newpermanent rights of way will be created. Access options may also be considered where the public have, in the past,been allowed informal access or the landowner has tolerated their presence. Defra will promote your access site onthe Defra website at http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk. Site maps and waymarks will be provided and kissing gatesor other access furniture can be funded by a CWP.

There will be occasions when increased access conflicts with other Environmental Stewardship objectives. Accesswill not be appropriate where it may cause potential damage to a feature – such as erosion of an archaeologicalfeature or of a vulnerable habitat – or where it may cause disturbance to wildlife. However, in many cases it ispossible to locate the access to run alongside these areas.

It will be your responsibility to ensure that your public liability insurance is sufficient to cover additional access bymembers of the public. This is particularly important if you are organising school visits under the Educationalaccess option (HN9), so please discuss this with your insurance company.

Access payments are classified as ‘de minimis state aid’. Under European rules, individual businesses are notallowed to receive more than £140,000 (€200,000) from this type of aid over a 3-year rolling period. You will needto keep a record of all such payments that your business has received, including those from other governmentdepartments or agencies, for the duration of your agreement.

Access provided under HLS must conform to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, which came into force on 1 October 2004. Under this Act, providers of services to the public have to make reasonable adjustments to theirphysical premises where this is needed to provide reasonable access for disabled people. The extent to which thisrequirement might apply to you will depend on the nature of your particular access site. You can find moreinformation at www.equalityhumanrights.com.

In addition to the payments related to the length or area of access provided, or the number of visits for educationalaccess (as described below), you will also receive an annual base payment to cover the costs associated with settingup linear, open or educational access, and managing visitors.

2.9 Access

Access options Code Page

Linear and open access – base payment HN1 33

Permissive open access HN2 33

Permissive linear access

Permissive footpath access HN3 33

Permissive bridleway/cycle path access HN4 33

Access for people with reduced mobility HN5 34

Upgrading Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act access for people with reduced mobility HN7 34

Upgrading CRoW Act access for cyclists/horses HN6 34

Educational Access

Educational access – base payment HN8 34

Educational access – payment per visit HN9 34

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HN1 Linear and open access – base payment HN2 Permissive open accessThis option allows the public to have access to wholefields or other open areas to enjoy a viewpoint, historicfeature, riverbank or other feature of interest. It can belocated on any land that can be reached by the PRoWnetwork, permissive paths or other open land.

This option is not available on land that has beendesignated as open country under the CRoW Act 2000.

Management will include:

� installing site maps and waymarks;

� erecting any additional access furniture andmaintaining all existing access furniture in a good,useable condition;

� keeping the area safe for users and free from litter;and

� excluding from the area animals that are known tobe, or are likely to be, dangerous (eg dairy bulls,aggressive suckler cows or beef bulls).

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3,K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 and ELS Option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

2.9.1 Permissive linear access These options are used to create new linear routes to link or extend the PRoW footpath and bridleway network,create circular routes or provide access to features such as riverbanks, historic features and areas of wildlife orlandscape interest. These options can also provide links to, and between, landlocked open country designatedunder the CRoW Act. Options can be located on any land that can be reached by road, on the PRoW network orother open land.

HN3 Permissive footpath accessThis option is used to create new linear footpaths for the public to walk on in order to enjoy the countryside.


� maintaining a safe and even grassed surface of at least 2 m in width;

� installing site maps and waymarks;

� erecting any additional access furniture and maintaining all existing access furniture in a good, useablecondition;

� keeping the area safe for users and free from litter; and

� excluding from land crossed by a permissive path animals that are known to be, or are likely to be, dangerous(eg dairy bulls, aggressive suckler cows or beef bulls).

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3,K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

HN4 Permissive bridleway/cycle path accessThis option provides a new linear route for the public to ride horses or bicycles in the countryside. This option canalso be used to provide an alternative safe off-road route.

The start of a permissive footpath with a site map describing the route.

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Management will be the same as for option HN3 (see above) but will also require you to maintain a 3 m wide safeand even, grassed or other firm surface.

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3,K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5 and ELS option L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

HN5 Access for people with reduced mobility HN7 Upgrading Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act access for people with reduced mobilityThese options are used to create new permissive routes for people with restricted or reduced mobility, such aswheelchair users or those with pushchairs. The intended route should be across flat or gently sloping ground, andthere should be parking close to the start of the route.

The management will be the same as for option HN3 (see above), but will also require you to:

� maintain a hard surface, 1.2 m wide, withoccasional passing places along the route;

� install access furniture such as gates, benchesand perches; and

� ensure that there are no barriers along the routeother than fully accessible gates.

These options can be located on the same land asELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6,E7, F1, K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and ELSoption L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

HN6 Upgrading CRoW Act access for cyclists/horsesThis option is used to provide new permissive paths for horses and/or cyclists across open country (asdesignated under the CRoW Act), provided that the land will not be damaged by such use.

Management will be the same as for option HN4 (see above).

This option can be located on the same land as ELS or OELS options D2, D4, D5, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, F1, K1, K2, K3,K4, K5, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5 and L6 without reducing your HLS payment.

2.9.2 Educational accessHN8 Educational access – base payment HN9 Educational access – payment per visitThe Educational access option is aimed at encouraging site visits by schools and colleges for curriculum studies atall levels, and by a wide range of other interest groups. It provides the opportunity to explain the links betweenfarming, conservation and food production. It is suitable for any farm where the farmer or other person is keen,willing and able to take groups around and where there is likely to be a demand for such a service. With yourapplication, you will be expected to provide evidence of this demand in the form of letters of support from schools,colleges or other groups. There is scope for interpretation of sensitive features, and this option may be used whereother forms of permissive access might not be appropriate.

You will need to provide basic information about your farm for inclusion in a ‘farm facts’ leaflet, which will be producedby Natural England. In addition, where you plan to encourage visits by local schools, you will be required to prepare ateachers’ information pack (using a Natural England template). Both documents will be made available to visitors.

You will be required to arrange between 4 and 25 free visits per year, and you will be paid for each visit up to themaximum of 25. You must submit a signed, educational access, evaluation form from each group for each visitclaimed. If you do not achieve four visits, we cannot pay you for this option.

Improving access for those with restricted mobility.

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Formed and maintained by traditional agricultural practices, lowland heathlands are ancient wild landscapes onnutrient-poor acidic, sandy and peaty soils, typically below 250 m in altitude. They are often found on commonland with a tradition of public access. The vegetation of lowland heathland is a mixture of dwarf shrubs(particularly heathers and gorses), providing a refuge for rare species such as the marsh gentian, Dartford warblerand sand lizard. In the past, heathlands were managed by burning, grazing and/or cutting. Many heathlands havebeen lost or become fragmented due to ploughing, development or forestry planting. Those that remain are oftenneglected and are dominated by scrub and bracken or have returned to woodland.

Management of lowland heathland under these options will protect and enhance the valuable plant communities andassociated wildlife, the vegetation mosaics characteristic of lowland landscapes, and protect archaeological features.

The management of lowland mires within the heathland should be considered under these options. In the FEPthese mires should be recorded as fen or lowland raised bog.

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You will also be required to undertake a health and safety check and to prepare a risk assessment. You will agree toDefra promoting your site on the Defra website (http://countrywalks.defra.gov.uk) and the Growing Schools website(www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools) run by the Department for Education and Skills. You will be encouragedto undertake an accreditation course in the first year of your agreement.

2.10 Lowland heathland

Lowland heathland options Code Page

Maintenance of lowland heathland HO1 35

Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sites HO2 36

Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathland HO3 36

Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grassland HO4 36

Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites HO5 37

Soil type, management history and location in relationto existing heathland sites will be significant factors indetermining the suitability of a site for restoration orheathland creation. You will need to submit evidenceof current soil analysis, (results that are up to 3 years oldare acceptable), with your application when applyingfor the restoration or creation options. Heathlands varyin character and complexity and therefore a anagementplan may be required.

A range of capital works, including fencing, bunds,sluices and ditch restoration, can be funded by a CWP.

HO1 Maintenance of lowland heathlandThis option is used to maintain the valuable plantcommunities and associated wildlife of lowlandheathland by appropriate, active management.

Management will require you to:

� burn, or cut and remove, small patches of heathlandeach year to sustain a varied and balanced agerange and structure of dwarf shrubs;

� maintain fire breaks; and

� graze to control scrub, grasses, bracken and tree cover.

No supplementary feeding is allowed.

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HO2 Restoration of lowland heathland on neglected sitesThis option is used to restore lowland heathland on sites that have become degraded by scrub, bracken orwoodland encroachment. Fragments of heathland vegetation will still be evident.

In addition to the management required for option HO1, you will need to:

� exclude winter grazing;

� remove areas of scrub, trees and bracken;

� burn, or cut and remove, small areas of heathland to restore a varied and balanced age range and structure ofdwarf shrubs; and

� restore the original drainage system to areas of wet heathland and mire.

HO3 Restoration of forestry areas to lowland heathlandThis option is used to restore lowland heathland by clear-felling and re-introducing traditional grazing on sites thatwere heathland in the past, but have since been forested. Evidence of heathland vegetation will often still remain.


� clear-fell trees;

� remove accumulated organic litter where it is deeper than 5 cm; and

� restore the original drainage system to areas that historically were wet heathland.

HO4 Creation of lowland heathland from arable or improved grasslandThis option is used to create lowland heathland on arable or improved grassland sites that were historically heathlandbut have been improved for agricultural production. It will usually only be possible to restore heathland on sites thathave been in intensive agricultural production for just a few years and on which the soil nutrient status is low.

Lowland heath, North Yorkshire.

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� spread dwarf-shrub cuttings or seed sourced from a local site;

� exclude livestock over the first winter to allow germination; and

� graze from late spring to control competing weeds and grasses.

The methodology will be influenced by existing environmental values, such as the presence of archaeology orlandscape considerations.

HO5 Creation of lowland heathland on worked mineral sites This option is used to create lowland heathland on worked mineral-extraction (quarry) sites. These sites are likely tohave good potential for heathland creation, as they will be very low in nutrients. However, former chalk or limestonequarries are not suitable for this option.


� prepare the mineral substrate by light surface cultivation;

� spread dwarf-shrub cuttings or seeds sourced from a local site;

� exclude livestock in the first winter following seeding; and

� graze from late spring following seeding.


� prepare the mineral substrate by light surface cultivation;

� spread dwarf-shrub cuttings or seeds sourced from a local site;

� exclude livestock in the first winter following seeding; and

� graze from late spring following seeding.

2.11 Inter-tidal and coastal

Inter-tidal and coastal options Code Page

Sand dunes and vegetated gravel systems

Maintenance of sand dunes HP1 38

Restoration of sand dunes HP2 38

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land HP3 38

Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland HP4 38

Salt marsh, mudflats and saline lagoons

Maintenance of coastal salt marsh HP5 39

Restoration of coastal salt marsh HP6 39

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable land HP7 40

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grassland HP8 40

Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitats by non-intervention HP9 40

Supplements

Supplement for extensive grazing on salt marsh HP10 40

Salt marsh livestock exclusion supplement HP11 40

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Our coastline is valued for its wild, varied and dynamic landscapes, its wildlife, historical features and amenityvalue, and the vital role that many habitats play in forming natural coastal defences. These options are targeted atmanaged sand dunes, vegetated shingle ridges and inter-tidal habitats such as salt marsh. Many of these habitatsare nationally and internationally important for their plant, bird and other wildlife interest. Coastal land that iscurrently behind sea walls, or lies behind sand dunes or shingle ridges, may be suitable for creating new inter-tidaland coastal habitats by allowing managed re-alignment of these systems.

For management of cliff tops see the grassland (page 21), moorland (page 29) or lowland heathland (page 35)options. For management of coastal grazing marshes see the grassland options (page 21) and for management ofdune heaths see the lowland heathland options (page 35).

2.11.1 Sand dune and vegetated gravel systems Sand dunes and grazed shingle systems support many unusual plants and animals. Flowers such as wild thyme,dog violet and restharrow grow in grassy areas on sand dunes, while yellow horned poppy and sea pea grow on thevegetated areas of shingle. These habitats are also very important for unusual animals and often contain valuablewetlands.

Arable land, set-aside or grassland that lies behind a sanddune or shingle ridge may be suitable to allow the roll-back of these systems inland. Each site is unique and willrequire detailed feasibility and planning studies. Pleasecontact your Natural England adviser for further advice.

HP1 Maintenance of sand dunes HP2 Restoration of sand dunesThese options are used to maintain or restore areas ofgrazed or mown sand dune and shingle systems.


� extensive grazing with no fertiliser or supplementaryfeeding, in order to protect these rare and oftenfragile coastal habitats;

� scrub management;

� maintaining the existing drainage and seasonal flooding pattern; and

� retaining accumulations of seaweed and wood debris.

Restorative management may be informed by a management plan, but may involve introducing or changing thegrazing regime or undertaking erosion control activities such as replacing worn paths with boardwalks.

These options can be located on the same land as ELS and OELS option K5 without reducing your HLS payment.

HP3 Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on arable land HP4 Creation of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dunes on grassland These options allow the migration or development inland of coastal vegetated shingle and sand dune systems. Verysandy or shingle soils may indicate where this habitat has occurred further inland in the past. Each site is unique andwill require detailed feasibility and planning studies. Please contact your Natural England adviser for further advice.


� flexible grazing or cutting to control excessive growth of vegetation;

� retaining wood debris and accumulations of seaweed; and

� no cultivation, re-seeding, rolling, chain harrowing, fertiliser or supplementary feeding.


Sand dunes and fen at Bamburgh, Northumbria.

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2.11.2 Salt marsh, mudflats and saline lagoons These habitats support many plants and insects that are specially adapted to survive high salinities and/or regularflooding by the tide. Salt marshes are inter-tidal areas vegetated with plants such as salt marsh grasses, sea asterand sea lavenders. They may attract grazing ducks and geese over the winter and breeding waders such asredshank in the spring, and provide high-water roosting sites for both wildfowl and waders. Mudflats exposed atlow tide provide vital feeding areas for large numbers of wading birds. Saline lagoons are an uncommon habitatthat support some of our rarest plants and animals and are particularly important for birds such as the avocet.

Coastal land that is currently protected from flooding by the sea may be suitable for creating new salt marsh,mudflat or saline lagoon habitat by breaching the sea wall or constructing a water inlet and outlet system. The most suitable sites will be located close to existing inter-tidal habitat and will naturally rise to higher land.

HP5 Maintenance of coastal salt marsh HP6 Restoration of coastal salt marsh These options are used to maintain or restore coastal salt marsh. A site suitable for restoration may be one that iscurrently being grazed in a traditionally un-grazed area, or it may be overgrazed or grazed at an inappropriate time ofyear. Alternatively, it may be a site that is difficult to graze and has become dominated by a few coarse plant species.

The extensive grazing supplement (HP10) may be used with the maintenance option (HP5) and the restorationoption (HP6). The livestock exclusion supplement (HP11) may be used with the restoration option (HP6).


� extensive grazing with no supplementary feeding or fertiliser inputs; and

� retaining wood debris and accumulations of seaweed.

Salt marsh at Morecambe Bay.

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Restorative management will be based on the existing and traditional practices in the area, and may involveintroducing or removing grazing in order to produce a mixture of sward structures that supports a high number ofsalt marsh species.


HP7 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on arable landHP8 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat on grasslandThese options are used to create inter-tidal and saline habitats such as salt marsh, mudflats and saline lagoons onformer arable land, set-aside or improved grassland by way of a managed breach in the sea defences or, for a salinelagoon, constructing a water inlet and outlet system.

Each site is unique and will require detailed feasibility, design and planning studies. A 1-year inter-tidal habitat-creation management plan will be required in order to apply for this option. Please contact your Natural Englandadviser for further advice.

Once the management plan is accepted, the creation of salt marsh and mudflat habitat must include:

� site preparation and management of the existing vegetation;

� excavation of creeks;

� breaching the sea wall; and

� allowing the site to flood regularly with the tide.

Saline lagoon creation may involve the excavation of the lagoon; constructing a water inlet and outlet system; and implementing a water-flow regime.


HP9 Creation of inter-tidal and saline habitat by non-intervention This option is used to maintain inter-tidal and transitional habitats on former arable land, set-aside or improvedgrassland where an unmanaged breach in the sea defences has already occurred.

A management plan for the site will be required. This will require you to continue to allow tidal flooding and limitany field operations or treatments, and may only allow grazing with prior agreement.


2.11.3 SupplementsHP10 Supplement for extensive grazing on salt marshThis supplement supports the management of grazing on salt marshes where grazing is traditional, or on newlycreated salt marsh where grazing is appropriate. It is available on options HP5, HP6, HP7, HP8 and HP9.

HP11 Salt marsh livestock exclusion supplementThis supplement supports the removal of livestock from salt marshes where grazing is either not traditional, or isdamaging the environmental value of the site. This may be where the site is overgrazed. It is available on optionsHP6 and HP9.

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2.12 Wetland

Wetlands come in many different forms and are one our greatest natural assets. Wetland habitats include ponds,reedbeds, fens, bogs and coastal and flood plain grazing marsh. For wetland coastal and flood plain grazing marshplease see the wet grassland options (page 21), and coastal salt marsh options (page 37). They are home to a widediversity of wildlife and are often important and distinctive features of the local landscape. In addition they may, inthe right situation, provide an area of flood containment and benefits to flood risk management.

When restoring or creating wetlands you must have the ability to control water levels and in most situations youwill also need a management plan.

A range of capital items, such as sluices, bunds, pond creation, pond restoration and ditch restoration, can befunded through a CWP.

2.12.1 PondsHQ1 Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (less than 100 m2) HQ2 Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (more than 100 m2)These options are targeted at ponds that are of particular value to wildlife – either because they support rare orthreatened species or because of the diversity of wildlife that is present.

Management will be tailored to the individual pond, but you will have to:

� retain the present pond profile;

� retain submerged or partially submerged dead wood; and

� allow natural draw-down to occur.

You must not:

� top up the water level;

� alter the drainage of the pond or adjoining land in any way;

Wetland options Code Page

Ponds

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (less than 100 m2) HQ1 41

Maintenance of ponds of high wildlife value (more than 100 m2) HQ2 41

Reedbeds

Maintenance of reedbeds HQ3 42

Restoration of reedbeds HQ4 42

Creation of reedbeds HQ5 42

Fens

Maintenance of fen HQ6 43

Restoration of fen HQ7 43

Creation of fen HQ8 43

Lowland raised bogs

Maintenance of lowland raised bog HQ9 43

Restoration of lowland raised bog HQ10 43

Supplements

Wetland cutting supplement HQ11 44

Wetland grazing supplement HQ12 44

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� use any pesticides or fertilisers within 6 m of the pond;

� introduce any plants, animals or waterfowl; or

� feed any waterfowl.

Option HQ1 is used for the management of the first 100 m2 of a pond and option HQ2 is used for the managementof any area larger than this.

2.12.2 Reedbeds Reedbeds are an important part of the wetlandlandscape mosaic. They provide a valuable habitat forplants, insects and birds, including the rare andsecretive bittern. Many sites are small and neglected,while some of the larger sites are threatened bydrainage and other land improvements. Reedbedscan also be harvested to provide traditional materialfor purposes such as thatching.

HQ3 Maintenance of reedbedsHQ4 Restoration of reedbedsThese options are used to maintain or restorereedbeds, in order to provide a valuable habitat forbirds, insects and mammals such as otter andwatervole. Sites suitable for these options shouldusually be more than 0.5 ha, with a good cover ofreeds.


� reed cutting;

� maintaining water control structures in good working order;

� controlling scrub cover and retaining some open water;

� cleaning ditches and foot-drains no more than once in every 5 years;

� cutting ditch banks in rotation; and

� no fertiliser.

You must not use poor-quality water to top up the water levels.

Restoration can include:

� clearing scrub;

� cutting reeds at the appropriate time;

� implementing a water management regime; and

� restoring the ditch network.

Restoration or installation of water control structures and restoration of ditches can be funded under a CWP.

Where mowing/grazing is appropriate, supplements HQ11 and HQ12 are available.

HQ5 Creation of reedbedsThis option is used to create new reedbeds on land of low conservation interest. It is suitable for use on arable, leygrassland or permanent improved grassland. The site should be flat and have a reliable summer water supply. It

Transplanting reeds.

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will be necessary to maintain standing water over a significant part of the site in summer. Reedbed creation will notbe allowed where it could cause damage to archaeological features.

Reedbed creation and establishment will be informed by a management plan. This plan will detail the design andconstruction of the reedbed and will include:

� creating a variety of land forms with areas of higher ground and areas of shallow open water;

� excavating ditches, installing bunds and sluices; and

� establishing reeds.

Once established, the reedbed will be managed in the same way as option HQ3.

2.12.3 Fens Fens range from wetlands that are typically dominated by rushes, sedges, wetland grasses and characteristicflowering plants, to others that are moss covered. Fens can be easily damaged by inputs of nutrients or by scrubencroachment. In addition to high botanical diversity, many of these sites will support a variety of birds andinsects. These options can also help to protect archaeological features, particularly organic remains.

HQ6 Maintenance of fen HQ7 Restoration of fen These options are used to maintain or restore fens to provide a valuable habitat for birds, insects and smallmammals.


� maintaining water control structures in good working order; and

� maintaining fens in an open condition with just a few scattered trees or shrubs.

You must not allow water containing high levels of nutrients to empty into fens, or use poor-quality water to top upwater levels.

Restoration will include scrub clearance and the implementation of a water management regime. Restoration orinstallation of water control structures and restoration of ditches may be funded by a CWP.

Where mowing and/or grazing is appropriate, supplements HQ11 and HQ12 are available.

HQ8 Creation of fen This option is used to create new fens on land of low conservation interest, especially around existing wetlands.Suitable sites will be arable, ley grassland or permanent improved grassland on peaty soils that are over 0.5 ha (orless if part of a wider wetland mosaic). The potential for this option will depend on the availability of a reliable andadequate water supply. Fen creation will not be allowed where it could cause damage to archaeological features.

2.12.4 Lowland raised bogs These rare and fragile ecosystems occur on acid peat deposits and only survive in waterlogged conditions.Historically, they often formed part of a larger wetland mosaic. Management of adjacent areas is likely to influencethe condition of the bog, and they are easily damaged by drainage, peat digging, scrub encroachment and nutrientenrichment from surrounding land.

HQ9 Maintenance of lowland raised bog HQ10 Restoration of lowland raised bogThese options are used to maintain or restore lowland raised bog to provide habitat for the specialist plants andwildlife that are associated with them. Both options will require the preparation of a management plan. Sitessuitable for restoration will usually occur on acid peat deposits, be part of a wider wetland habitat and have sometypical bog plants.


� retaining rainfall to maintain a high water table throughout the year;

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Round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) growing on the edge of a bog pool.

� maintaining water control structures in good working order;

� not digging or turning over peat; and

� no fertilisers.

Restoration will include removing scrub and tree cover to below 10 per cent of the site area and/or filling orblocking ditches.

Where mowing and/or grazing is appropriate, supplements HQ11 and HQ12 are available.

2.12.5 SupplementsHQ11 Wetland cutting supplementThis supplement supports a cutting regime where this is the most appropriate form of management for the habitat.In addition, this option may help to maintain local techniques and traditions that may otherwise disappear.

The supplement is only available on the fen, reedbed or lowland raised bog maintenance, restoration and creationoptions (HQ3 to HQ10).

HQ12 Wetland grazing supplementThis supplement is used only with the fen, reedbed or lowland raised bog maintenance, restoration and creationoptions (HQ3 to HQ10). The aim is to support a grazing regime where this is the most appropriate form ofmanagement for the habitat.

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These HLS supplements may be available on the same land as certain HLS options (but not with ELS or OELS options).Their use will be discussed with you, and is at the discretion of Natural England. Where appropriate and agreed,however, the use of more than one supplement on a single parcel is possible.

HL16 Shepherding supplementThis supplement aims to support a grazing regime that will prevent damage to archaeological features, vulnerablesoils or vegetation by overgrazing or undergrazing and poaching. The supplement requires the shepherd toidentify the most vulnerable areas within the grazing unit and to manage livestock in order to ensure that differenthabitats are grazed appropriately. This supplement can also help to maintain or restore the vegetation mosaicscharacteristic of upland landscapes.

HR4 Supplement for control of invasive plant speciesThis supplement supports the regular management of particularly severe infestations of invasive species, such asrhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed, which are damaging a feature of interest.

It is eligible on all habitat management options except the arable options. This supplement cannot be used forcontrolling weeds listed in the Weeds Act 1959, for the control of bracken or gorse (for which there are other specificoptions) or for complying with the cross compliance conditions of the Single Payment Scheme.

The HR4 supplement is not available for control of rushes, since rush management is costed into relevant baseoption payments. The only exception to this is option HL8, where this supplement may be available for a limitedperiod.

HR5 Bracken control supplementBracken control may be necessary to maintain or restore wildlife value or protect archaeological features. It canalso help to maintain and conserve the vegetation mosaics characteristic of upland and heathland landscapes. Thissupplement supports control of the spread, or removal, of existing stands of bracken where it is desirable to do so.It is paid in addition to the capital payments for bracken control to cover the costs of follow-up management. Caremust be taken not to cause areas of bare soil in areas vulnerable to soil erosion.

This supplement is mainly intended for use with lowland heathland and upland options, but could also be usedwhere bracken control is necessary on dry grassland, in woodland and on sand dunes. Wherever possible, theprimary method of control should be by mechanical means.

HR6 Supplement for small fieldsSmall fields, their boundaries and their margins are important features of the local landscape and the historicenvironment, and they also have wildlife value. Some examples represent the earliest enclosed land used foragriculture, dating back to prehistoric times. Small fields are often proportionately more expensive to manage dueto – for example – the higher ratio of headland, reduced yields, increased unproductive fieldwork and the higherlabour cost per unit of land area and per head of stock.

Fields of less than 2 ha are eligible for this supplement at the discretion of Natural England.

HR7 Supplement for difficult sites Some sites are very difficult to access or may contain hazards to livestock that require a higher level ofmanagement. This supplement aims to compensate for the increased costs of managing particularly difficult sites,where there is a risk of abandonment. Examples may include very steep slopes, cliffs, islands or bogs, as well asgrazing sites that are isolated from the rest of the land.

Additional supplement Code Page

Shepherding supplement HL16 45

Supplement for control of invasive species HR4 45

Bracken control supplement HR5 45

Supplement for small fields HR6 45

Supplement for difficult sites HR7 45

Supplement for group applications HR8 46

2.13 Additional supplements

The use of this supplement may be considered on all relevant options (not arable options nor HE11, HC5 and HC6), but isat Natural England’s discretion. You will be required to justify the need for this supplement (for example associatedextra costs) in discussion with your Natural England adviser. This option is not available in addition to supplement HR6.

HR8 Supplement for group applications This supplement contributes towards the costs of facilitating linked agreements which together manage a targetfeature. It is particularly targeted at common land and areas of shared grazing that have two or more activegraziers. It may also be applied to applications for agreements covering areas under more than one ownership,which are to be managed for resource protection, inter-tidal habitat management and/or wetland management.

2.14 Adding extra Entry Level Stewardship and Organic Entry Level Stewardship options toyour Higher Level Stewardship applicationWithin HLS it is possible to apply for some ELS and OELS options over and above those required to meet your pointstarget. When these options are used in HLS, the payment rate is equivalent to the points value of the option inpounds sterling, and they will contribute to your HLS payment.

ELS or OELS options in HLS should only be used where the HLS target statement suggests it is appropriate, or where afeature is best managed with an ELS or OELS option. ELS or OELS options should not be used where an HLS option ismore appropriate. Further information is provided in section 1.5 of this handbook.

When choosing additional ELS or OELS options as part of your HLS application, the relevant codes need to use theprefix ‘H’.

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ELS/HLS code ELS/OELS options OELS/HLS code

HC1 Protection of in-field trees on arable land (conventional) or rotational land (organic) OHC1

HC2 Protection of in-field trees on grassland OHC2

HC4 Management of woodland edges OHC4

HD1 Maintenance of weatherproof traditional farm buildings OHD1

HD2 Take out of cultivation archaeological features that are currently on cultivated land OHD2

HD3 Reduced-depth, non-inversion cultivation on land where there are archaeological features OHD3

HD4 Management of scrub on archaeological features OHD4

HD5 Management of archaeological features on grassland OHD5

HE1 2 m buffer strips on cultivated land (conventional) or rotational land (organic) OHE1



HE4 2 m buffer strips on intensive grassland (conventional) or organic grassland (organic OHE4

HE5 4 m buffer strips on intensive grassland (conventional) or organic grassland (organic) OHE5

HE6 6 m buffer strips on intensive grassland (conventional) or organic grassland (organic) OHE6

HE7 Buffering in-field ponds in improved permanent grassland (conventional) or organic grassland (organic) OHE7

HE8 Buffering in-field ponds in arable land (conventional) or rotational land (organic) OHE8

HF1 Management of field corners OHF1

HF2 Wild bird seed mixture OHF2

HF4 Nectar flower mixture OHF4

HF6 Overwintered stubbles OHF6

HF7 Beetle banks OHF7

HF8 Skylark plots OHF8

HF9 Unfertilised cereal headlands within arable fields –

HF10 Unharvested cereal headlands within arable fields –

HF11 Uncropped, cultivated margins for rare plants on arable land –

HG1 Undersown spring cereals OHG1

HG2 Wild bird seed mixture in grassland areas OHG2

HG3 Nectar flower mixtures in grassland areas OHG3

HG4 Cereals for whole-crop silage followed by overwintered stubbles OHG4

HJ2 Management of maize crops to reduce soil erosion OHJ2

HK1 Take field corners out of management outside the SDA (of the LFA) and the Moorland Line OHK1

HK2 Permanent grassland with low inputs outside the SDA (of the LFA) and the Moorland Line OHK2

HK3 Permanent grassland with very low inputs outside the SDA (of the LFA) and the Moorland Line OHK3

HK4 Management of rush pastures outside the SDA (of the LFA) and the Moorland Line OHK4

HK5 Mixed stocking OHK5

HL1 Take field corners out of management (SDA land within the LFA – excluding parcels within the Moorland Line) OHL1

HL2 Permanent grassland with low inputs (SDA land within the LFA – excluding parcels within the Moorland Line) OHL2

HL3 Permanent grassland with very low inputs (SDA land within the LFA – excluding parcels within the Moorland Line) OHL3

HL4 Management of rush pastures (SDA land within the LFA and Moorland Line parcels under 15 ha) OHL4

HL5 Enclosed rough grazing (SDA land within the LFA and Moorland Line parcels under 15 ha) OHL5

HL6 Unenclosed moorland rough grazing (Moorland Line land only) –

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3.1 Do I need to carry out any capital works? Not necessarily, but in addition to your annual management payments, HLS can contribute to the cost of a widerange of capital works, in order to help you to deliver the environmental objectives on your land. These works willbe agreed with your Natural England adviser and set out in a CWP. You will not be able to have a CWP without alsohaving one or more HLS land management options. The potential for capital works may be identified as part of theFEP or become apparent later, during the life of the agreement. Works upon which management options willdepend (such as fencing and access gates) will have to be completed in year 1, but other works may be completed ata later stage.

3.2 Is funding available? Yes, if the proposed work is appropriate and supports the delivery of environmental benefits. There is a wide rangeof environmental works that can be considered for funding as part of your agreement. Please note that any workyou propose to undertake, and for which you wish to seek grant aid, must be approved before you start work.

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Section 3 Choosing your capital works

Hedge laying, Cumbria.

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3.3 How do I apply for capital works? When you make your initial application, you should aim to include in it the most important capital worksthat could be carried out during the first 3 years of your agreement. You must list these works in Annex 4 ofyour application form and mark them on your HLS Options Map. When your Natural England adviser visitsthe land, they will agree with you, using the guidance in your FEP, the works to be included in your first CWP.You should prioritise works that benefit a target on the targeting statement, or which are essential for thedelivery of a management option. It is important to be realistic when agreeing the works to be completedduring each year of the CWP. Your CWP will indicate the value of work expected to be completed in eachyear. You should try to follow this yearly work profile, as there is no guarantee that items not completed bythe end of the plan will be funded in the future.

An individual CWP can run for 1, 2 or 3 years. Amendments to a CWP during this period are allowed onlyunder exceptional circumstances, such as force majeure or land transfers. In subsequent years you will beable to apply for a completely new CWP to run for another 1-, 2- or 3-year period. Contact your NaturalEngland adviser for the relevant application form and map.

You will usually be expected to manage only one CWP at a time. However, in some specific situations, forexample where a management plan is required before further work can be undertaken, a second or thirdCWP may be added before the first plan has expired. Your Natural England adviser will be able to providemore information on when this approach will be taken.

3.4 Do I need to provide estimates of the cost of works? Not usually. The majority of capital works have a standard specification and a standard payment rate for the work. These will be included in your agreement. However, where it has not been possible to identify a standard payment, a percentage grant based on the actual costs can be offered. In these cases you will need to provide written estimates at the time of your application and an invoice at the time of your claim. If you are registered for VAT, the VAT element will not be eligible for grant.

3.5 When can I start work? You can only start work, subject to the requirements below, when your relevant CWP has been agreed andsigned. Some works might be seasonal, and in such cases you will be advised as to the most appropriatetime to carry out the work.

Some works will require consent from a statutory body, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you obtainpermission before starting work. Health and safety requirements, codes of practice and any other relevantlegislation must also be observed.

3.6 What standard of work is required? Specifications will be provided, if applicable, for the minimum standard of work for items in your CWP. If youdo not follow these specifications, we cannot pay you for the work. All capital works must be completed andmaintained to the standard required to perform their intended function for the duration of your agreement.

3.7 When will I receive payment? Your CWP will set out the work that you need to do over the whole period of the plan. It will also set out thevalue of the work you should aim to complete by the end of each intermediate year. All the work must becompleted by the end of the plan period, but the exact order in which you do the work is up to you. The oneexception is those works that are critical to the success of other management options that are requiredunder your agreement. These ‘mandatory works’ will be shown in a separate CWP for the year in which theymust be completed and claimed for.

You will be sent a pre-filled claim form at the start of each plan year, and this can be used to claim at anytime during the year, as soon as the work is completed, provided the value of each individual claim is at least£250. Once the payment has been authorised, a further form will be sent to you showing any outstandingCWP items.

A number of claims can be submitted during the year. If the cost of items claimed exceeds that scheduledfor that year, any excess may not be paid until the start of the following year.

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3.8 Special projects Exceptionally, your proposals may need work outside the scope of the standard payments, or your particularfeature will require a unique, tailored specification. Examples (which can be for both capital works and landmanagement projects) include:

� interpretation boards to increase understanding of an area of countryside or historic feature and explain thework being undertaken;

� management plans, for example to identify and cost the work required for creating vegetated shingle or sanddunes; and

� provision of hides for viewing wildlife.

This type of work may be funded as a special project, either as a one-off capital work or for a continuingprogramme of up to 10 years. Mobile equipment can be funded provided the item is essential to the delivery of ascheme objective and it is the most suitable option available.

For simple work items, such as interpretation boards or leaflets, you will need to submit an initial description of theproposed works, together with an estimate of the costs, and then discuss these with your Natural England adviser atan early stage. For any more complex works, including management plans, you will need guidance on what thespecial project should cover. In all cases you should consult your Natural England adviser before you start detailedplanning or seeking quotes, so that you can be clear that your proposed work is eligible.

Flint walled barn in Hampshire.

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3.9 Capital items for historic features The range of non-standard payment capital items includes two options intended for dealing with historicfeatures, or landscapes requiring management that falls outside the scope of the annual land managementpayments.

3.9.1 Historic and archaeological feature protection (Code: HAP) This option may be used where proposals directly contribute to the protection and conservation of the historicenvironment. Its uses are diverse but include:

� parkland plans or other management plans for historic environment features or landscapes, where research,survey and tailored specifications are required to guide future management, conservation or restoration;

� work to conserve or consolidate historic structures and features that are not considered to be ‘historicbuildings’;

� scrub clearance on archaeological features where the standard methodology and payment rates are unableto meet the requirements of the feature; and

� works such as moving access routes or gateways designed to prevent damage to historic environmentfeatures.

In some cases, for example a management plan for parklands where the park forms the majority of the holding, and where the results of the plan would significantly affect the choice of options in the HLS agreement, a 1-yearstand-alone HLS agreement should be considered. This should be discussed with your Natural England adviserat an early stage.

3.9.2 Restoration of historic buildings (Code: HTB)The restoration of historic buildings under HLS aims to conserve and lengthen the life of buildings thatcontribute to the character of the landscape and are of historic interest.

To assist applicants, we have produced a guide for applicants on the repair and restoration of historic buildings in Higher Level Stewardship. The guide includes details on what we are looking for in a building restoration project, eligible buildings and the materials and techniques that need to be used. It is available from yourNatural England adviser.

Any application for a building restoration will be measured against how it meets the wider EnvironmentalStewardship scheme objectives, including its historic or architectural interest, its contribution to the landscapecharacter of the area, its existing or potential value for wildlife (for example barn owls and bats) and itsaccessibility to the public. Priority will be given to buildings that demonstrably meet an objective in thetargeting statement for your area. In some cases, specific building types may have been identified where theyare considered to be at risk. A building at risk from further significant decay in the near future will have priorityover one whose state is more stable.

Historic building restoration will normally require a management plan as a first stage. The management planwill be included in your first CWP and will provide a full assessment of the building, a specification for the workrequired and tendered costs for carrying it out. Once the management plan has been completed and the claimpaid, you will be able to apply in a subsequent CWP for a restoration payment for undertaking the work.

We will not normally grant aid for the restoration of any building after 5 years of an agreement. Funding will not be given to assist with the conversion of buildings or where changes would be made that affect the character or interest of the building; for grants enabling this type of work you should contact your RegionalDevelopment Agency.

In all cases you should consult your Natural England adviser at an early stage, and before you start detailedplanning or seeking quotes. You will be asked to complete an Historic Buildings Information Form, availablefrom your Natural England office, and return it to your Natural England adviser. This information is needed sothat Natural England can do an initial ‘desk-based’ sift to assess a building’s eligibility, historic value and theurgency of work.

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Capital items Code Unit

Boundaries

Hedgerow restoration including laying, coppicing and gapping up HR m

Hedgerow planting – new hedges PH m

Hedgerow supplement – removal of old fence lines HF m

Hedgerow supplement – substantial pre-work HSC m

Hedgerow supplement – top binding and staking HSL m

Stone wall restoration WR m

Stone wall supplement – stone from holding WRS m

Stone wall supplement – stone from quarry WRQ m

Stone wall supplement – difficult sites WRD m

Stone wall supplement – top wiring TW m

Stone-faced hedge bank repair BR m

Stone-faced hedge bank restoration BS m

Earthbank restoration ER m

Casting up supplement hedge bank options ERC m (per side)

Ditch, dyke and rhine restoration DR m

Fencing in association with conservation work

Sheep fencing FSB/H m

Post and wire FW/B m

Deer fencing FD m

Rabbit fencing supplement FR/B m

Permanent electric fencing FPE m

Fencing supplement – difficult sites FDS m

High-tensile fencing FHT m

Items associated with tree planting and management

Spiral rabbit guards TR each

Tree and shrub/whips and transplants plus planting TSP each

Tree tube and stake TT each

Standard parkland tree/hedgerow tree and planting STT each

Parkland tree guard – post and wire (wood) TP each

Welded steel tree guard TGS each

Planting fruit trees MT/SF each

Orchard tree guard – tube and mesh TO each

Orchard tree guard – post and rail TOF each

Orchard tree pruning FP each

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Section 4Capital items

53

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4


Coppicing bankside trees CBT each

Tree surgery, minor – to include minor pollarding TS1 each

Tree surgery, major – to include major pollarding TS2 each

Tree removal TRE m3

Upland management

Grip-blocking drainage channels GBC block

Items associated with wetlands

Creation of ditches – rhines and dykes WDC m2

Creation of gutters WGC m2

Soil bund S1 each

Culvert C each

Timber sluice S2 each

Brick, stone or concrete sluice S3 each

Scrape creation – first 100 m2 SCR m2

Scrape creation – over 100 m2 SCP m2

Silt trap provision STP

Wind pumps for water-level measures WWP

Drove improvement WDI

Ligger and bridge provision WLB each

Construction of water-penning structures WPS

Ponds

Pond creation – first 100 m2 PC m2

Pond creation – over 100 m2 PCP m2

Pond restoration – first 100 m2 PR m2

Pond restoration – over 100 m2 PRP m2

Reversion – heathland, grass, meadow

Native seed mix GS

Major preparatory work for heathland recreation LHX

Re-introduction of livestock

Cattle drinking bay CDB each

Cattle grids CCG each

Water supply WS m

Water trough WT each

Livestock-handling facilities CLH

Scrub and bracken control

Scrub management – base payment SS agreement

Scrub management – less than 25% cover SA ha

Scrub management – 25–75% cover SB ha

Scrub management – over 75% cover SC ha

Mechanical bracken control – base payment BMB agreement

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Mechanical bracken control – area payment BMA ha

Chemical bracken control – base payment BCB agreement

Chemical bracken control – area payment BCA ha

Difficult site supplement for bracken and scrub control BDS ha

Landscape items

Wooden field/river gate GF each

Stone gate post LSP each

Removal of eyesore E each

Wooden wings for gates LWW each

Species

Otter holt – log construction OH1 each

Otter holt – concrete pipe and chamber construction OH2 each

Bat/bird box SBB each

Bird strike markers SBS each

Small mammal boxes SSM each

Badger gates SBG each

Resource protection

Cross-drains under farm tracks RPD each

Relocation of gates RPG each

Historic features

Historical and archaeological feature protection HAP

Restoration of historic buildings HTB

Other environmental issues

Special projects OES

Payment for advice

Professional help with management plan PAH each

Access

Hard standing for car parking CP m2

Hard standing for disabled paths ADC m2

Bridle gate GB each

Kissing gate GK each

Kissing gate for disabled access GD each

Dog gate ADG each

Timber stile ST each

Ladder stile LS each

Step over stile in a stone wall WSS each

Step through stile in stone wall WST each

Wooden footbridge FB each

Bench B each

Helping prepare teachers’ information pack TN each

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CRoW Act Countryside and Rights of Way Act

CWP Capital Works Plan

Defra Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

ELS Entry Level Stewardship

FEP Farm Environment Plan

HLS Higher Level Stewardship

JCA Joint Character Area

LFA Less Favoured Area

OELS Organic Entry Level Stewardship

PRoW Public Rights of Way

SDA Severely Disadvantaged Area

Section 5List of acronyms

Natural England is here to conserve and enhancethe natural environment, for its intrinsic value,the wellbeing and enjoyment of people and theeconomic prosperity that it brings.

© Natural England 2008

ISBN 978-1-84754-083-X

Catalogue code NE109

www.naturalengland.org.uk

Natural England publications are available as accessible pdfs from:www.naturalengland.co.uk/publications

Should an alternative format of thispublication be required, please contact our enquiries line for more information: 0845 600 3078 or [email protected]

Printed on Evolution Satin comprising 75% recycled fibre.

Front cover photograph: Swaledale Barns. © Natural England/Dave Key

Higher Level Stewardship Part Cadlib.everysite.co.uk/resources/000/251/202/HLS... · 3.8 Special...

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