Broads ESA
- Aims and objectives
- Background to the ESA
- Tier 1 - Permanent grassland
- Tier 2 - Extensive grassland
- Tier 3 - Wet grassland
- Water level supplement (Available on Tiers 2 and 3)
- Fen tier
- Tier 4A - Arable reversion to permanent grassland
- Tier 4B - Grassland margins
Aims and objectives
1.The Broads ESA aims to maintain and enhance the distinctive pastoral landscape and associated wildlife and historic resources of the area by encouraging extensive grassland management.
2. Specific objectives are:
| Related tier(s) | |
|---|---|
| To maintain the traditional landscape character of the Broads grazing marshes, river valleys and fens and their associated elements such as dykes, hedges, wooden gates and trees. | All |
| To maintain and enhance the nature conservation interest of the grazing marshes and river valley grassland by sustaining and extending the area under extensive management, by managing dyke water levels and by increasing the area of land attractive to waders and wildfowl. | 2, 3 inc. Water Level Supplement |
| To promote sustainable management of fen vegetation. | Fen |
| To strengthen the landscape character by reverting arable land to permanent grassland. | 4A |
| To protect the nature conservation interest of dykes by encouraging appropriate management and by creating grassland margins around arable fields. | All |
| To protect archaeological and historic features. | All |
Background to the ESA
1.The ESA extends over 43,190 hectares of river valleys, grazing marshes and fen in Norfolk and north Suffolk. Grassland predominates and, traditionally, has been used for summer grazing. Arable areas are still common, with cereals forming the main crop.
2.The area is characterised by expansive lower valleys and grazing marshes and is reliant on an intricate network of dykes to control water levels. In contrast, the upper reaches of the valleys are narrow and form an enclosed small-scale landscape. The 'broads' are shallow lakes, created by medieval peat workings, and occur in the central and northern parts of the ESA. These are often fringed with fen, reedbeds and alder carr woodland. The whole ESA forms an inter-connecting wetland system that is unique in Europe in terms of both its ecology and landscape. In addition, there is a wealth of archaeological interest, ranging from prehistoric sites to buildings and structures, such as traditional windpumps, related to the post-medieval drainage of the marshes.
3.In many parts of the Broads, large areas of grassland were converted to arable in the 1970s and early 1980s as a result of drainage improvements. This threat has been countered by the designation of the area as an ESA.
4.This is a 'part-farm' scheme which started in 1987. In 1992 it was extended by 6,200 ha and by a further 7,015 ha when the revised scheme was introduced in 1997. Overall uptake at the end of 1998 was c.17,540 hectares.
5.A priority objective is to manage the marshes with high water levels in the surrounding dykes (Tiers 2 & 3). Recent modifications to these tiers should ensure better management of this land. A water level supplement option (requiring an in-field water management plan) is now available to increase the site wetness, particularly on clay soils. These prescriptions are the main mechanism for achieving the Biodiversity Action Plan targets in the area.
6.A further objective is to maintain the traditional landscape character, together with all of the field boundary and historic features by encouraging extensive grassland management (Tier 1). To help achieve this, this tier has recently been modified to tighten the requirement to carry out rotational dyke maintenance, including early weed control when appropriate. Enhancement of features, such as dykes, hedgerows, gates and historic artefacts, is encouraged through the Conservation Plans.
7.A new Fen Tier has been introduced which, through a site-specific fen management plan, aims to support the traditional management of the fens. Objectives for arable land include the extension of the area of grassland (Tier 4A) for wildlife, landscape and historic interest, and the creation of grass buffer strips adjacent to water courses (Tier 4B) to reduce the run-off of agricultural inputs into the dykes.
Tier 1 - Permanent Grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
1. Maintain grassland and do not plough, level or re-seed the land. You may use a chain harrow or roller but no other form of cultivation is allowed.
2. Graze with livestock other than pigs or poultry, but avoid poaching, under-grazing or over-grazing.
3. Take no more than one cut of hay or silage each year.
4. If you cut the grass for hay or silage, graze the aftermath.
5. Do not exceed your existing level of inorganic fertiliser and in any case do not exceed 125 kg of nitrogen, 75 kg of phosphate, and 75 kg of potash per hectare (100 units of nitrogen, 60 units of phosphate and 60 units of potash per acre) per year.
6. Use no more that 94 kg of nitrogen per hectare (75 units of nitrogen per acre) in any one application.
7. Do not apply pig slurry or poultry manure and do not in any case exceed your existing level of organic manure. Do not apply more than 30 tonnes per hectare (12 tons per acre) of home-produced manure in any year. Do not apply more than 30 cubic metres per hectare (2,600 gallons per acre) of home-produced cattle slurry at 10% dry matter in any year or the equivalent if dry matter is less than 10%.
8. Do not use fungicides or insecticides.
9. Do not apply herbicides except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort. Infestations of these weeds must be controlled by cutting or by herbicides. Herbicides used for these purposes shall be applied by weed wiper or spot treatment. Weed control should be carried out as soon as any problem starts to develop.
10. Do not install under-drainage or mole drain and do not subsoil or slit drain. Do not substantially modify your existing drainage system.
11. Maintain existing dykes in rotation over the period of your agreement and by mechanical means, not sprays. Spoil must be levelled following slubbing out, after allowing to dry. Slub out ditches and dykes once every 5-8 years.
12. You must maintain water at a suitable level for livestock to graze on your grazing marshes:
- ensure that there is at least 30cm (12") of water in the bottom of dykes between 31 October and 1 March;
- begin to increase dyke water levels to summer levels no later than 1 March to ensure adequate dyke water during the summer.
13. Maintain hedges, ponds and reedbeds.
14. Do not damage or destroy any feature of historic interest.
15. Obtain written advice on siting and materials before constructing buildings, roads or any other engineering operations which do not require planning permission or prior notification determination by the Local Planning Authority.
16. Obtain written advice on the management of woodland or scrub or proposals to plant any new woodland.
17. You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, published by the Ministry (references PB 0617, PB 0587 and PB 0618) as amended from time to time.
Agronomic Impact
1. Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 1.2 GLU/ha) as a result of reduced fertiliser application, or loss of alternative arable gross margin. This will result in a saving in forage costs, as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 1 livestock system: 25 % suckler cows, 5 % dairy heifers, 40 % beef store, 30 % ewes, 50% of beef stores considered eligible for Extensification Premium.
Although much of the permanent pasture Tier 1 land is suited to arable production it will not be eligible for Arable Area/Set-Aside payments, under the current CAP Scheme.
Most of the Tier 1 eligible land forms part of larger predominantly arable units, which retain the fixed cost infra structure to increase the area under cultivation. Arable Share or contract farming options are also readily available. A proportion of the existing ESA agreement land is utilised by dairy herds. In these cases the Income Forgone will be significantly higher than the average calculated. This assessment excludes the more restricted and specialist grass use option, apart from the rearing of dairy heifers.
2. No consequences for Income Forgone.
3. As for prescription 1
4. No consequences for Income Forgone.
5. As for prescription 1.
6. As for prescription 1.
7. As for prescription 1.
8. As for prescription 1.
9. Extra costs associated with control of specific weeds, using more selective and labour intensive techniques, which avoids the need for boom application of herbicides. Early action to prevent weed problems developing has always been advised.
10. As for prescription 1.
11. Extra costs of dyke maintenance by mechanical means, including cultivations to control weeds and the need to re-seed larger areas of bare soil (due to slubbings).
12. No consequences for Income Forgone.
13. Extra cost of hedge, pond and reed bed maintenance as a result of more frequent and traditional management.
14. No consequences for Income Forgone.
15. Cost of obtaining written advice on certain construction works.
16. Cost of obtaining written advice on woodland management.
17. It is assumed that the majority of farmers are already abiding by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) and that no additional costs associated with ESA management of water, soil and air will be incurred.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra income | ||
| Leased Livestock Premium | 6 | |
| Extensification Premium | 40 | |
| Sub-total | 46 | |
| Costs saved | ||
| Interest on working capital: | ||
| - Forage | 1 | |
| - Livestock | 14 | |
| Fixed Costs: | ||
| - Labour | 21 | |
| - Fertiliser spreading | 2 | |
| Forage costs | 97 | |
| Sub-total | 135 | |
| Income Lost | ||
| Gross Margin reduction in stocking rate | 170 | |
| Sub-total | 170 | |
| Extra costs | ||
| Grassland establishment | 2 | |
| Purchased feed | 28 | |
| Dyke management | 20 | |
| Hedgerow management | 11 | |
| Weed control | 18 | |
| Pond/tree maintenance | 1 | |
| Forage Costs | 63 | |
| Sub-total | 143 | |
| Total | 313 | 181 |
| Income forgone | 132 |
- Uptake targets to January 2001
- 9,250 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £132/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £130/ha
- Level of Incentive
- 0 N/A
Tier 2 - Extensive Grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions 1 - 17 plus additional prescriptions set out below :
18. Water levels on your grazing marshes must:-
- be maintained at not more than 45cm (18") below marsh level between 31 March and 1 November;
- provide at least 60cm (24") of water in the bottom of the dyke between 30 November and 1 March;
- begin to be raised no later than 1 March in order to achieve the maximum summer freeboard as early as possible.
19. Do not carry out any mechanical operations between 31 March and 16 July.
20. Do not graze with livestock between 31 December and 1 April.
21. Do not cut silage. Do not cut for hay before 16 July.
22. Do not exceed your existing level of nitrogen and in any case do not exceed 44 kg of nitrogen per hectare (35 units of nitrogen per acre) per year. Do not apply phosphate or potash.
23. Do not apply any organic manure.
24. Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance to reduce soil acidity.
25. The following shall apply when carrying out dyke maintenance on a 5-8 year rotation:- dyke management shall be carried between 31 August and 1 April; to protect aquatic and marginal vegetation, either leave one bank or other sections untouched as a refuge for wildlife and a resource for re-colonisation; when re-profiling dykes, leave sides no steeper than 45° or create a stepped profile; on SSSIs, agreement holders must contact the Project Officer or English Nature before commencing any maintenance work.
26. Maintain existing foot drains and grips and only dig new foot drains and grips with the prior agreement of the Project Officer.
Agronomic Impact
18. Extra costs associated with control of water levels. Additional costs of weed control resulting from restrictions on herbicide use, wet ground conditions and limitations on winter and early spring grazing, as well as mechanical topping. Also more vigorous weed growth and reduced herbage competition.
19. Additional costs of weed control resulting from restrictions on herbicide use, wet ground conditions and limitations on winter and early spring grazing, as well as mechanical topping. Also more vigorous weed growth and reduced herbage competition.
20. Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.6 GLU/ha) as a result of reduced fertiliser application. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 2 livestock system: 30% suckler cows, 45% beef stores, 25% ewes i.e. proportion of more productive livestock (that are more demanding of quality forage) reduced with decreasing use of fertiliser and reduced intensity of stocking.
Additional fixed equipment costs where grazing management has to be introduced onto previously ungrazed areas. Fencing may be an additional cost if dykes prove to be unreliable "wet fences", as will supply of drinking water in saline water areas.
Purchase of forage, to compensate for restrictions on grazing availability for part of the year and no silage. Deterioration in the quality of hay cut after 16 July and aftermath grazing.
Additional costs of weed control resulting from restrictions on herbicide use, wet ground conditions and limitations on winter and early spring grazing, as well as mechanical topping. Also more vigorous weed growth and reduced herbage competition.
21. Purchase of forage, to compensate for restrictions on grazing availability for part of the year and no silage. Deterioration in the quality of hay cut after 16 July and aftermath grazing.
Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.6 GLU/ha) as a result of reduced fertiliser application. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 2 livestock system: 30% suckler cows, 45% beef stores, 25% ewes i.e. proportion of more productive livestock (that are more demanding of quality forage) reduced with decreasing use of fertiliser and reduced intensity of stocking.
22. As a result of reduced fertiliser inputs savings in forage variable costs and working capital. Also potential savings in livestock, labour and machinery fixed costs, not all of which will be realised due to limited economies of scale and minimum opportunity for re-deployment of resources.
23. Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.6 GLU/ha) as a result of reduced fertiliser application. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 2 livestock system: 30% suckler cows, 45% beef stores, 25% ewes i.e. proportion of more productive livestock (that are more demanding of quality forage) reduced with decreasing use of fertiliser and reduced intensity of stocking.
As a result of reduced fertiliser inputs there are savings in forage variable costs and working capital. Also potential savings in livestock, labour and machinery fixed costs, not all of which will be realised due to limited economies of scale and minimum opportunity for re-deployment of resources.
24. As for 23 above.Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.6 GLU/ha) as a result of reduced fertiliser application. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 2 livestock system: 30% suckler cows, 45% beef stores, 25% ewes i.e. proportion of more productive livestock (that are more demanding of quality forage) reduced with decreasing use of fertiliser and reduced intensity of stocking.
As a result of reduced fertiliser inputs savings in forage variable costs and working capital. Also potential savings in livestock, labour and machinery fixed costs, not all of which will be realised due to limited economies of scale and minimum opportunity for re-deployment of resources.
25. Additional costs of dyke maintenance and management carried out to ESA specifications.
Broadland dykes are generally more substantial and numerous than in other permanent grassland areas, and more prone to silting up with soil and organic debris. Poaching by livestock into the watercourse also increases the maintenance need, with substantial quantities of slubbings often requiring levelling and aftercare, especially on wetter grassland.
26. No consequences for Income Forgone.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Livestock Premium | 16 | |
| Extensification Premium | 22 | |
| Sub-total | 38 | |
| Costs Saved | ||
| Interest on working capital: | ||
| - Forage | 3 | |
| - Livestock | 30 | |
| Fixed Costs: | ||
| - Labour | 39 | |
| - Fertiliser spreading | 4 | |
| Forage costs | 97 | |
| Sub-total | 173 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Gross Margin in stocking rate | 339 | |
| Sub-total | 339 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Grassland establishment | 3 | |
| Purchased feed | 8 | |
| Dyke management | 24 | |
| Water penning structures | 2 | |
| Management of water levels | 36 | |
| Maintenance of penning structures | 3 | |
| Water pumping | 5 | |
| Weed control | 23 | |
| Pond/tree maintenance | 1 | |
| Forage costs | 13 | |
| Sub-total | 118 | |
| Total | 457 | 211 |
| Income forgone | 246 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2001
- 7560 hectares
- Income forgone
- £246/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £225/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
Tier 3 - Wet Grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions 1-26 plus additional prescriptions set out below:
27. You must maintain the water table at marsh level so as to create field wetness or occasional shallow pools from 1 January until 30 April, and;
- maintain dyke levels at no more than 45cm (18") below marsh level from 1 June until 31 October; begin to raise your water level to winter level no later than 1 November.
28. Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser.
29. Do not graze with livestock between 1 November and 15 May.
30. Graze between 16 May and 31 October. Before 30 June, do not exceed a grazing density of one bovine animal per 0.75 hectares (one animal per 1.8 acres) and do not cause poaching, over-grazing or under-grazing.
Agronomic Impact
27. Additional costs of extra water control measures and increased maintenance need.
Additional costs of more labour intensive but ecologically appropriate weed control measures. Also greater re-seeding need resulting from greater intensity of dyke slubbings and higher risk of flood damage to sward.
Additional cost of purchased feed resulting from restrictions on grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.3 GLU/ha) as a result of no fertiliser application, stocking density restrictions and increased risk of flood damage. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 3 livestock system: 100% beef stores i.e. beef stores only on Tier 3 as more suited to poorer quality grazing, access difficulties and unfavourable ground conditions.
28. Additional cost of purchased feed resulting from restrictions grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.3 GLU/ha) as a result of no fertiliser application, stocking density restrictions and increased risk of flood damage. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 3 livestock system: 100% beef stores i.e. beef stores only on Tier 3 as more suited to poorer quality grazing, access difficulties and unfavourable ground conditions.
29. Additional cost of purchased feed resulting from restrictions on grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.3 GLU/ha) as a result of no fertiliser application, stocking density restrictions and increased risk of flood damage. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 3 livestock system: 100% beef stores i.e. beef stores only on Tier 3 as more suited to poorer quality grazing, access difficulties and unfavourable ground conditions.
30. Additional cost of purchased feed resulting from restrictions on grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
Reduction in average stocking rates (from 1.8 to 0.3 GLU/ha) as a result of no fertiliser application, stocking density restrictions and increased risk of flood damage. This will result in a saving in forage costs as well as a reduced income from grazing livestock.
Tier 3 livestock system: 100% beef stores i.e. beef stores only on Tier 3 as more suited to poorer quality grazing, access difficulties and unfavourable ground conditions.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Livestock Premium | 25 | |
| Extensification Premium | 25 | |
| Sub-total | 50 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on working capital: | ||
| - Forage | 3 | |
| - Livestock | 37 | |
| Fixed Costs: | ||
| - Labour | 52 | |
| - Fertiliser spreading | 4 | |
| Forage costs | 97 | |
| Sub-total | 193 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Gross Margin reduction in stocking rate | 411 | |
| Sub-total | 411 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Grassland establishment | 3 | |
| Purchased feed | 27 | |
| Dyke management | 44 | |
| Water penning structures | 4 | |
| Management of water levels | 43 | |
| Maintenance of penning structures | 5 | |
| Water pumping | 17 | |
| Weed control | 31 | |
| Pond/tree maintenance | 1 | |
| Sub-total | 175 | |
| Total | 586 | 243 |
| Income forgone | 343 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2001
- 545 hectares
- Income forgone
- £343/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £310/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification of Incentive
- N/A
Water Level Supplement (Available on Tiers 2 and 3)
Scheme Prescriptions
31. Agree an in-field water management plan with the Project Officer to include the creation, reinstatement and management of foot drains and grips.
32. Maintain dyke water levels at not more than 30cm (12") below marsh level from 15 March until 31 August.
33. Begin to raise dyke water levels to the maximum summer freeboard no later than 15 February.
34. Do not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser or manure.
35. From 1 April until 31 May, do not exceed a grazing density of one bovine animal per 0.75 hectares and do not cause poaching, over-grazing or under-grazing.
36. Do not graze with sheep until 1 June.
Agronomic Impact
31.Increased costs associated with installation, maintenance and management of water control structures, foot drains and grips.
32.Increased costs associated with installation, maintenance and management of water control structures, foot drains and grips.
Reduced stocking density of livestock system and associated changes in income and costs. Average stocking density reduced from 0.6 GLU/ha (for Tier 2) to 0.55 GLU/ha (for Tier 2 S) and from 0.3 GLU/ha (for Tier 3) to 0.25 GLU/ha (for Tier 3 S). This will result in a saving in forage costs for Tier 2 S but not Tier 3 S.
Potential for increased grass growth resulting in increased stocking density in late summer because of reduced drought stress, but decline in 'agricultural' species and fodder quality.
Restrictions in sheep grazing will result in under-grazing (especially on Tier 2) and reduced fodder quality, with resultant difficulties in effective operation of wick and spot herbicide applicators for weed control. Supplementary feeding of livestock is unlikely to replace grazing during the lambing season (when WLS grazing is not allowed), but will result in placement of flocks on alternative grazing. The reduced SD on Tier 3(S) will not result in any disposal of surplus ewe or suckler cow premium as only beef stores grazing Tier 3.
33. As for prescription 32.
34. Reduced stocking density of livestock system and associated changes in income and costs. Average stocking density reduced from 0.6 GLU/ha (for Tier 2) to 0.55 GLU/ha (for Tier 2 S) and from 0.3 GLU/ha (for Tier 3) to 0.25 GLU/ha (for Tier 3 S). This will result in a saving in forage costs for Tier 2 S but not Tier 3 S.
Potential for increased grass growth resulting in increased stocking density in late summer because of reduced drought stress, but decline in 'agricultural' species and fodder quality.
Restrictions in sheep grazing will result in under-grazing (especially on Tier 2) and reduced fodder quality, with resultant difficulties in effective operation of wick and spot herbicide applicators for weed control. Supplementary feeding of livestock is unlikely to replace grazing during the lambing season (when WLS grazing is not allowed), but will result in placement of flocks on alternative grazing.
The reduced SD on Tier 3(S) will not result in any disposal of surplus ewe or suckler cow premium as only beef stores grazing Tier 3.
35. As for prescription 34.
36. As for prescription 34.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Ewe Premium | 1 | |
| Sub-total | 1 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on working capital: | ||
| - Forage | 1 | |
| - Livestock | 1 | |
| Fixed Costs: Labour | 1 | |
| Forage costs | 13 | |
| Sub-total | 16 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Gross Margin reduction in stocking rate | 16 | |
| Extensification Premium | 2 | |
| Sub-total | 18 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reduced forage quality | 8 | |
| Water control: | ||
| - Capital | 10 | |
| - Maintenance | 11 | |
| - Labour | 39 | |
| Sub-total | 68 | |
| Total | 86 | 17 |
| Income forgone | 69 |
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Ewe Premium | 0 | |
| Sub-total | 0 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on working capital: | ||
| - Forage | 0 | |
| - Livestock | 2 | |
| Fixed Costs: Labour | 0 | |
| Forage costs | 0 | |
| Sub-total | 2 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Gross Margin reduction in stocking rate | 21 | |
| Extensification Premium | 5 | |
| Sub-total | 26 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reduced forage quality | 8 | |
| Water control: | ||
| - Capital | 20 | |
| - Maintenance | 23 | |
| - Labour | 39 | |
| Sub-total | 90 | |
| Total | 116 | 2 |
| Income forgone | 114 |
NB A weighted average Income Forgone between Tier 2 (80%) and Tier 3 (20%) is considered appropriate i.e.
| Tier 2 | £69 x 0.8 = | 55 |
| Tier 3 | £114 x 0.2 = | 23 |
| Total | £78/ha. |
- Uptake Target to January 2001
- 625 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £78/ha
- Payment Rate
- £70/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A
Fen Tier
Scheme Prescriptions
37. Agree a Fen Management Plan with the Project Officer. (This may need to be discussed with the Broads Authority and on SSSIs it will need to be agreed with English Nature.)
38. Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser.
39. Do not apply any lime, slag or any other substance to reduce soil acidity.
40. Do not use any pesticides, fungicides, insecticides or herbicides.
41. Do not damage or destroy any feature of historic interest.
42. You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, published by the Ministry as amended from time to time.
Agronomic Impact
37. The majority of Fen Management Plans will relate to the management of: commercial reed & sedge; tall herb rich vegetation; short vegetation; mown vegetation; scrub and watercourses, but with wide variability between individual fens.
[Although the majority of Broadland fens have some history of traditional management most are now not commercially viable and deteriorating ecologically. They are either neglected or only partially managed, mainly for commercial reed & sedge, plus some limited over-intensive grazing. The traditional market for many fenland products (especially fen hay and very poor quality grazing) is extremely limited and management is inhibited by difficult access and often dangerous ground conditions.
ESA management will result in reduced royalties (payable by the marshman) from reed and sedge cutting, additional costs (in cutting a disposing of long vegetation + scrub control) on 2 & 5 year rotation fen, changes in expenditure and income (i.e. variable and fixed costs, gross margin, working capital and livestock premiums and quota) resulting from more extensive and less intensive livestock grazing systems, and additional costs of dyke maintenance.]
Reduced stocking density of livestock system as a result of extensification and mixed beef and sheep system utilising a larger area of fen. Fewer beef cattle eligible for extensification premium. Potential cost savings from lower variable costs of forage production but increased costs of environmental management. Fewer permanent fences and drainage dykes and culverts with ESA management, resulting in savings in fixed costs and maintenance.
38. Reduced stocking density of livestock system as a result of extensification and mixed beef and sheep system utilising a larger area of fen. Fewer beef cattle eligible for extensification premium. Potential cost savings from lower variable costs of forage production but increased costs of environmental management. Fewer permanent fences and drainage dykes and culverts with ESA management, resulting in savings in fixed costs and maintenance.
39. As for prescription 38.
40. As for prescription 38.
41. No consequences for Income Forgone.
42. It is assumed that the majority of farmers are already abiding by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) and that no additional costs associated with ESA Management of Water, Soil & Air will be incurred on managed fens, although many are not positively managed at present.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Livestock Gross Margin | 5.1 | |
| Extensification Premium | 2.9 | |
| Sub-total | 8.0 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on working capital | 8.5 | |
| Fencing | 19.3 | |
| Dykes | 2.8 | |
| Forage variable costs | 9.3 | |
| Sub-total | 39.9 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Reed royalty | 11.1 | |
| Livestock Gross Margin | 72.5 | |
| Extensification Premium | 17.1 | |
| Sub-total | 100.7 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| 5-year rotation | 19.6 | |
| 2-year mow | 36.3 | |
| Interest on working capital | 0.4 | |
| Fencing | 12.6 | |
| Scrub management | 13.2 | |
| Dyke management | 12.1 | |
| Leased quota | 2.2 | |
| Electric fencing | 5.5 | |
| Labour | 60.9 | |
| Sub-total | 162.8 | |
| Total | 263.5 | 47.9 |
| Income ForgoneChange | 216 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2001
- 925 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £216/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £150/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification of Incentive
- N/A
Tier 4A - Arable Reversion to Permanent Grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
Once under permanent grass this land must be managed in accordance with prescriptions 1-17. If you wish you may also offer it for inclusion under Tier 2 or 3 in which case you should seek further guidance on its management from the project officer.
43. Cease arable production and establish a new grass sward within 12 months of the start of the agreement.
44. During the first 12 months of the agreement do not apply any of the following without obtaining prior approval:-
- organic or inorganic fertiliser;
- lime, slag or any other substance to reduce the acidity of the soil;
- pesticides.
45. From the start of your agreement you must follow all the Tier 1 guidelines from prescription 10 onwards.
46. On grassland reverted from arable do not exceed an annual average stocking level of 1.4 Livestock Units (LU) per hectare.
Agronomic Impact
43. Loss of arable rotation income. Previous low output combinable crop rotation:
- 18% 1st Winter Wheat
- 18% 2nd Winter Wheat
- 18% Winter Beans
- 18% 1st Winter Wheat
- 10% Set Aside
- 18% Winter Oil Seed Rape
Alternative arable crops being grown include dry peas, vining peas, linseed, sugar beet, potatoes, carrots and other vegetables i.e. factory freezing capacity available over much of the area. This would probably improve the Arable System Gross Margin over that shown.
Additional costs of grass sward establishment, investment in grazing livestock, livestock fixed equipment (including fencing, water supply and feed troughs), forage variable costs, livestock enterprise working capital and possibly specialist livestock labour, machinery and buildings.
Saving in arable rotation working capital and potential savings in specialist arable labour and machinery fixed costs, not all of which are likely to be realised.
Additional livestock gross margin or alternative of grazing rental if agreement holder decides not to invest in his own livestock and/or has difficulty in obtaining any beef or sheep premium "quota". In practice this remains a serious constraint on any increase in grassland area.
The stocking density and fertiliser limits will restrict the potential livestock system gross margin.
44. No consequences for Income Forgone.
45. Cost implications of all Tier 1 implications apply.
46. 1.4 GLU/ha stocking rate will restrict potential level of productivity.
Tier 4A livestock system:
- 25% suckler cows
- 5% dairy heifers
- 40% beef stores
- 30% ewes
- Cost implications of all Tier 1 implications apply.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Livestock Gross Margin | 346 | |
| Extensification Premium | 40 | |
| Sub-total | 386 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on working capital: arable | 11 | |
| Fixed costs | 107 | |
| Sub-total | 118 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Arable Gross Margin | 587 | |
| Sub-total | 587 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Leased Ewe Premium | 30 | |
| Forage costs | 63 | |
| Grassland establishment | 30 | |
| Grassland re-establishment | 2 | |
| Grazing equipment | 41 | |
| Dyke maintenance | 20 | |
| Hedgerow management | 11 | |
| Weed control | 33 | |
| Pond/tree maintenance | 1 | |
| Working capital interest : | ||
| - Livestock | 14 | |
| - Forage | 2 | |
| Fixed costs: labour | 38 | |
| Sub-total | 285 | |
| Total | 872 | 504 |
| Income forgone | 368 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2001
- 775 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £368
- Current Payment Rate
- £260/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification of Incentive
- N/A
Tier 4B - Grassland Margins
Scheme Prescriptions
47. Cease production on a strip of land at least 6m wide at the edge of a field used for arable cropping. This margin must be taken from the existing arable land and must adjoin an open drainage channel, e.g. a ditch or watercourse.
48. Cultivate the margin so as to create a seed bed and establish a grass sward within 12 months of ceasing arable cropping.
49. Maintain the grass sward on the field margin by cutting at least once a year. Do not cut before 30 June and do not allow any cut material to enter the dykes.
50. Do not apply to the margin without obtaining prior approval:-
- organic or inorganic fertiliser;
- lime, slag or any substance to reduce the acidity of the soil;
- fungicides and insecticides;
- herbicides (except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort). Apply herbicides by weed wiper or spot treatment.
51. You may regularly cultivate and apply herbicides to a one metre edge of the margin adjacent to the cropped area.
52. You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) for the Protection of Water, Soil and Air, published by the Ministry as amended from time to time
Agronomic Impact
47. Loss of arable gross margin from the margin area, which is unlikely to be less than the average for a low output combinable (tier 4A) rotation, adjacent to an open drainage channel.
48. Additional costs of grassland establishment.
49. Additional costs of grassland management.
Potential income from grass cuttings. In practice because of the limitations on harvesting and selling this material grass cuttings have no practical value.
50. Fertiliser and pesticide inputs and dates of cutting, it is unlikely that most farmers could derive any income from the cut grass, which no longer has to be removed and need only be cut once (twice annually prior to 1997 with cuttings removed.
51. Additional costs of sterile strip management are optional and therefore not included in the calculation of Income Forgone.
52. No consequences for Income Forgone.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Grass cuttings - no resale value | 0 | |
| Sub-total | 0 | |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Working capital interest | 11 | |
| Fixed costs | 107 | |
| Sub-total | 118 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Arable Gross Margin (combinable rotation) | 587 | |
| Sub-total | 587 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Grassland establishment | 25 | |
| Grass margin management | 114 | |
| Sub-total | 139 | |
| Total | 726 | 118 |
| Income forgone | 608 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2001
- 80 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £608/ ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £500/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification of Incentive
- N/A
Page last modified:
17 August, 2005
Page published: 10 December, 2002