Essex Coast ESA
- Aims and objectives
- Tier 1 Permanent grassland
- Grazing marsh supplement
- Wildfowl pasture supplement
- Tier 2A - Wet grassland
- Tier 2B - Marshland
- Tier 3 - Reversion of arable to permanent grassland
Aims and objectives
1.The Essex Coast ESA aims to protect and enhance the distinctive landscape character, wildlife and historic resources of the area by encouraging beneficial agricultural management
2.Specific objectives are:
| Related tier(s) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1. | To enhance the nature conservation interest of the grazing marshes by maintaining and increasing the area under extensive management, by managing ditch water levels, and by creating surface conditions attractive to waders and wildfowl. | 2A, 2B, inc. Wildfowl Pasture Supplement |
| 2. | To maintain the traditional landscape character and nature conservation interest of the Essex Coast ESA, and to protect features of archaeological and historic importance. | All, inc. Grazing Marsh Supplement |
| 3 | To strengthen the landscape character and to protect archaeological and historic features by reverting arable land to permanent grassland. | 3, inc. Grazing Marsh Supplement |
Background to the ESA
1.The ESA extends over 28,600 hectares of coastal grassland and associated arable areas bordering the estuaries and creek systems of Hamford Water and the Rivers Stour, Colne, Blackwater, Crouch and Thames. Arable land predominates and cereals form the main crop. Grassland areas have been traditionally used for summer grazing and are now fragmented due to their conversion to arable uses.
2.The extent of the marshes ranges from a narrow fringe beside the estuaries to broad tracts and extensive areas such as Foulness Island. The Essex Coast is one of the top five coastal wetlands in Britain in terms of its value to bird, invertebrate and plant communities, some of which are nationally rare or scarce. The main ecological interest comprises the grazing marshes, associated borrow dykes and ditches, as well as the sea wall grassland.
3. The ESA includes four National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and borders several Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Ramsar sites and proposed Marine Special Areas for Conservation (SACs). In addition, there is a wealth of archaeological interest, ranging from evidence of Mesolithic activity to post medieval and modern period sites/structures. The earlier activity includes the largest concentration of salt production sites in the country, whilst the more modern include armament production and defensive sites such as Martello Towers.
4. With past improvements in the sea defences and the availability of grants to install under-drainage many areas of grassland were converted to arable. Elsewhere, poor grassland management in marginal areas has threatened its nature conservation value. These changes and continuing threats were the main reason for the designation of the ESA.
5. This is a 'part-farm' scheme which started in 1994 with the revised scheme introduced in 1999. Overall uptake at the end of 1998 was approximately 4,020 hectares.
6. A priority objective is to manage the marshes by increasing in-field wetness and the water levels in the surrounding ditches (Tiers 2A & 2B). Recent modifications to tThese tiers should ensure better water level management to benefit birds and will slightly relax the limitations on mechanical operations, topping, cutting and the application of FYM.
7. A new Wildfowl Pasture Supplement (Tiers 1, 2A and 3) has been introduced to encourages wildfowl such as Brent geese, Wigeon and Golden Plover to feed undisturbed in targeted areas. For Tiers 1 and 3 a Grazing Marsh Supplement is now available to encourage extensive grazing to create suitable conditions for ground nesting birds.
8. These prescriptions and supplements are the main mechanism for achieving the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets for the grazing marsh areas.
9. Overall the ESA seeks to maintain the wildlife, landscape and historic value of the area by encouraging sensitive grassland management (Tier 1). To help achieve this, the tier has recently been modified to ensures that all opportunities to manage water levels are identified, scrub is properly controlled, ditch spoil is managed appropriately and the historic features are afforded greater protection. All tiers aim to protect the wildlife interest, landscape and its characteristic elements and historic features. Throughout the ESA, the opportunity to enhance the landscape elements such as ditches, hedgerows and historic features, is encouraged through the Conservation Plans.
10. There is a continued priority to revert arable areas to permanent grassland (Tier 3), with increased emphasis on using native seed mixtures. When a grass sward has been established the Grazing Marsh and Wildfowl Pasture Supplements are also available to further enhance the environmental benefits.
Tier 1 Permanent Grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
- Maintain permanent grassland. Do not plough, level or reseed. Cultivate only with a chain harrow or a roller.
- Graze with cattle, sheep or horses or cut the grass and remove the cuttings. Where the grassland is grazed, avoid poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Wilt and turn any grass cut for silage before removal.
- Do not increase your existing application rates of inorganic fertiliser and do not apply more than 90 kg nitrogen per hectare in any one application.
- Do not increase your existing application rates of organic fertiliser and, in any event, do not apply more than 30 tonnes per hectare per year. Do not apply slurry, pig or poultry manure or sewage sludge.
- Do not apply organic fertiliser within 50 metres of a spring, well or borehole that supplies water for human consumption or within 10 metres of any watercourse.
- Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity.
- Do not apply fungicides or insecticides.
- Control infestations of stinging nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broadleaved dock or ragwort.
- Do not apply herbicides except to control the weeds named above.
- Apply herbicides only by means of a wick applicator or by spot treatment.
- Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system so as to bring about improved drainage.
- Maintain ditches and dykes for which you are responsible (including margins and banks) in rotation and carry out any necessary management by mechanical means, not pesticides. Spread spoil thinly away from the ditch edge.
- Agree in writing with the Project Officer measures to exploit any opportunities for retaining water in ditches and low areas.
- Do not infill existing natural depressions or low areas.
- Retain and manage hedges. Retain and, where necessary, manage individual and small groups of trees.
- Obtain written advice on the management of woodland and scrub and on any proposals to plant new woodland Do not apply pesticides or fertiliser on land within 1 metre of any hedge.
- Do not apply pesticides or fertiliser on land within 1 metre of any hedge. Retain and where necessary manage ponds and reedbeds.
- Obtain the Ministry's prior written approval if you wish to construct any new ponds. Retain and where necessary manage ponds and reedbeds.
- Obtain written advice on the management of woodland and scrub and on any proposals to plant new woodland. Obtain the Ministry's prior written approval if you wish to construct any new ponds.
- Dispose of sheep dip safely. Do not spread sheep dip where it may affect areas of nature conservation value.
- Do not damage, destroy or remove any feature of archaeological or historic value or interest.
- At the start of your agreement obtain written advice on the management of known archaeological and historic features on your land. Where standard advice on agricultural management is provided this should be implemented within 12 months. Where more specific advice is required this should be obtained within the first 12 months of your agreement and appropriate advice implemented within two years.
- Obtain written advice on siting, design and materials before constructing buildings or roads or carrying out any other engineering or construction works that do not require planning permission or prior notification determination by the Local Planning Authority.
- You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (Annex IVII) for the Protection of Soil, Air and Water, published by the Ministry (references PB 0617, PB 0618 and PB 0585) as amended from time to time.
Agronomic Impact
1. The production of grassland will be reduced due to the restrictions on nitrogen, lime, organic fertiliser usage . This will be reflected in a small reduction in stocking rate (5%) and therefore in livestock gross margin. Many of the prescriptions reflect Good Farm Practice which is assumed to be carried out both outside and within ESA agreements and is therefore income neutral.
The livestock system assumed for the tier will be based on :
- 26% Suckler cows
- 4% Dairy Heifers
- 28% Beef stores
- 42% Ewes
This shows marginal reductions in suckler cow and ewe numbers of 0.01hd/ha with a small increase in beef stores. The change in numbers will be too small to reflect any additional income from quota leasing. The non grazing option assumes no previous livestock grazing or cutting for conservation. 12% of the land is assumed to be managed by non grazing. The dry conditions in the area will influence stocking rates and hay yields. There will be a need to re-seed grassland more frequently due to the wetter conditions causing sward deterioration.
2. As for prescription 1.
3. As for prescription 1.
4. As for prescription 1.
5. As for prescription 1.
6. As for prescription 1.
7. Extra costs will be associated with the control of specific weeds by spot treatment. Due to the nature of the area much of the land is rough and therefore impassable for normal tractors. This will increase the cost per hectare for wick applicator spraying. The levels of competency required by spot sprayer operators has also increased over the last few years due to Health and Safety Regulations.
8. As for prescription 7.
9. As for prescription 7.
10. As for prescription 7.
11. As for prescription 1.
12. Extra cost of ditch maintenance by mechanical means including the spreading of the spoil resulting from the requirement for more frequent maintenance.
13. All tiers are now recommended to encourage water retention due to the scarcity and unpredictability of supplies. In Tier 1 it is assumed that fairly simple measures will be used such as the installation of soil bunds. The cost of these is around £250 each. There is, however, Conservation Plan funding available at 80% of the cost (£200) and therefore the economic implications are minimal.
14. As for prescription 1.
In addition, all tiers are now recommended to encourage water retention due to the scarcity and unpredictability of supplies. In Tier 1 it is assumed that fairly simple measures will be used such as the installation of soil bunds. The cost of these is around £250 each. There is, however, Conservation Plan funding available at 80% of the cost (£200) and therefore the economic implications are minimal.
15. The cost of obtaining woodland advice.
16. No significant consequences for income forgoneThe cost of obtaining woodland advice.
17. Retaining and managing the ponds and reedbeds involves extra cost for periodic dredging.
18. Retaining and managing the ponds and reedbeds involves extra cost for periodic dredging.
19. The cost of obtaining woodland advice.
20. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
21. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
22. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
23. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
24. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra income | - | None |
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on Working Capital | 2 | |
| Labour - 25% of theoretical saving | 4 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Income lost | - | |
| Reduction in Livestock Gross Margin | 20 | |
| Sub-total | 20 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reseeding | 1 | |
| Ditch Management | 11 | |
| Weed Control | 28 | |
| Hedgerow Management | 2 | |
| Pond Maintenance | 1 | |
| Tree Management | 2 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Total | 65 | 6 |
| Income forgone | 59 |
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | - | |
| Hay sales | 158 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Costs Saved | - | None |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Reduction in Livestock Gross Margin | 20 | |
| Sub-total | 20 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reseeding | 1 | |
| Ditch Management | 11 | |
| Weed Control | 28 | |
| Hedgerow Management | 2 | |
| Pond Maintenance | 1 | |
| Tree Management | 2 | |
| Hay making and transport | 225 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Total | 290 | 158 |
| Income Forgone Change | 132 | |
| Weighted Income Forgone - Tier 1 It is estimated that approximately 12% of permanent grass is managed under a non-grazing regime. Consequently, the weighted average level of Income Forgone between grazing and non-grazing of permanent pasture is: (£59 x 88%) + (£132 x 12%) = £68/ha. |
||
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 3,400 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £68.00/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £70.00/ha
- Level of Incentive
- 3% (£2.00/ha.)
- Justification for Incentive
- The current target is set on the basis that in this ESA Tier 1 is an entry tier with the aim of attracting a high proportion of the eligible area into agreement. It protects the coastal grazing marsh from conversion to arable, which may be attractive even in the absence of AAPS payments, or alternatively from use for activities which are incompatible with ESA objectives. Tier 1 in the ESA also offers benefits in preserving the traditional marsh landscape and in protecting archaeological interests. For these reasons a small incentive element is justified.
Grazing marsh supplement (available on Tiers 1 and 3)
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions for either Tier 1 (1 - 24) or Tier 3 ( 51 - 55) plus prescriptions set out below:
25.Agree in writing with the Project Officer a programme of measures to maximise water retention on site in ditches and low areas.
26.During the period 1 April to 15 May do not exceed a stocking level of 0.75 LU per hectare. Alternatively agree a Marsh Management Plan (MMP) which will specify areas and periods where stocking rates will apply, water management requirements, restrictions on fertiliser use and cultivation and other management to enhance the overall environmental benefit .
27.Do not top or cut for hay or silage before 1 July, unless as part of an MMP and graze the re-growth.
28.Do not increase your existing application rates of inorganic nitrogen fertiliser and in any event, do not exceed an application of 50 kg nitrogen per hectare per year unless some variation is agreed within the overall total as part of an MMP or in conjunction with a Wildfowl Pasture Supplement.
Agronomic Impact
- Stocking reduced to 0.75LSU/ha or less during the period 1 April to 15 May. On average it is assumed that the overall stocking rate will be reduced by 0.7LU/ha to 1.0LU/ha.
- Other than a reduced stocking rate it is assumed there is no change to the type of livestock system.
- Forage cost is reduced through lower fertiliser usage.
- There are no overall savings in labour cost since the lower labour costs for managing lower livestock numbers will be offset by the additional labour required to implement a Marsh Management Plan.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra income | ||
| Lease of livestock quota | nil | |
| Costs saved | ||
| Interest on working capital | n/a* | |
| Fertiliser Costs | 54.80 | |
| Income lost | ||
| Reduction in livestock Gross Margin | 154.69 | |
| Extra Costs | nil | |
| Total | 154.69 | 54.80 |
| Additional Income Forgone Change | 99.89 | |
| Note* Interest on working capital included in reduction in gross margin calculation. | ||
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | ||
| Lease of livestock quota | nil | |
| Costs Saved | ||
| Interest on Working Capital | n/a* | |
| Fertiliser | 27.45 | |
| Income Lost | ||
| Reduction in Livestock Gross Margin | 116.45 | |
| Extra Costs | nil | |
| Total | 116.45 | 27.76 |
| Additional Income Forgone Change | 89 | |
| Note* Interest on working capital included in reduction in gross margin calculation. | ||
It is recommended that a single supplementary payment is made based upon the mean of the income forgone for Tiers 1 & 3.
| Lost Income | (£154.69 + £116.45)/2 = £135.58 |
| Extra Costs | 0 |
| Costs Saved | (£54.80 + £27.45)/2 = £41.13 |
| Extra Income | 0 |
| Income Forgone | £94.46 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 1,480 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £94.00/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £80.00/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A
Wildfowl pasture supplement (available on Tiers 1, 2A and 3)
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions for either Tiers 1 ( 1 - 24), 2A (33 - 42) or 3 (51 - 55) plus prescriptions set out below:
29.Maximise water levels on site through a plan agreed in writing with the Project Officer.
30.By grazing with livestock or cutting produce a short lush sward with a maximum height of 8 cm in early October. A proportion of the area should be cut or grazed to 5-6 cm. If you choose to cut, at least three cuts are recommended between July and October and the cuttings must be removed or be short enough to avoid forming a mulch on the surface.
31.Apply 50 kg/ha nitrogen in September each year. Do not apply any fertiliser within 10 metres of field boundaries.
32.Allow wildfowl to graze undisturbed.
Agronomic Impact
An average application of 40kg Nitrogen/ha in late September with sites cut x 2.
No change to existing livestock system or stocking rates.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Income | ||
| Lease of livestock quota | nil | |
| Costs Saved | ||
| Interest on Working Capital | nil | |
| Fertiliser Costs | nil | |
| Income Lost | ||
| Extra Costs | ||
| 40kgNitrogen/ha @ 29p/kg | 11.6 | |
| Fertiliser Application Cost- Nix £7.25/ha | 7.25 | |
| Cut x 2 - Nix £18/ha | 36.00 | |
| Total | 54.85 | nil |
| Additional Income Forgone Change | 54.85 | |
| Note: Nix* = Nix Farm Management Pocketbook 1998: Average Farmer Costs | ||
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 378 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £55.00/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £50.00/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A
Tier 2A - Wet grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions 1-24 (Tier 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:
33. Agree in writing with the Project Officer a programme to :
EITHER
Maintain water levels in ditches and dykes at not less than 45cm (18 in) below mean field level during the period 1 March to 30 April and for as long as possible thereafter before allowing natural drawdown to occur.
OR
Maximise water retention and create areas of surface water in ditches, dykes, creeks and low areas during the period 1 March to 30 April and for as long as possible thereafter before allowing natural drawdown to occur.
and
Retain as much water as possible in ditches and dykes during the period 1 September to 31 December. Water levels should begin to be raised by 1 January to meet the higher levels required by 1 March.
34.No mechanical operations to be carried out on the land between 1 April and 30 June.
35. Graze with cattle or sheep or both and avoid poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Horses may be grazed but only in association with cattle and/or sheep.
36. During the period 1 April-15 May do not exceed stocking rate of 0.75 Livestock Units/ha.
37. Do not top the grass or cut for hay or silage before 1 July.
38. Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance with the Project Officer.
39. Do not increase existing application rates of inorganic fertiliser and, in any event do not exceed 50 kg N/ha/yr.
40. Do not increase existing rate of FYM and, in any event, do not exceed 12.5 t/ha/yr.
41. Do not apply FYM during 1 April-30 June and outside this period, apply it only in a single dressing.
42. Within 2 years of start of the agreement, agree with the Project Officer a programme for the management of ditches and dykes for which you are responsible.
Agronomic Impact
33. Additional costs associated with controlling water levels.
Additional costs of weed control resulting from reduced herbage competition and wetter ground conditions.
34. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
35. Reduction in livestock density from 1.8 GLU/ha to 0.75 GLU/ha.
Livestock system based on : 22% Suckler cows; 3% Dairy heifers; 40% Beef stores and 35% Ewes.
Potential savings in working capital and labour apply to the above.
Additional costs associated with movement of livestock in order to avoid poaching, overgrazing etc.
36. Reduction in livestock density from 1.8 GLU/ha to 0.75 GLU/ha.
Livestock system based on : 22% Suckler cows; 3% Dairy heifers; 40% Beef stores and 35% Ewes.
Potential savings in working capital and labour apply to the above.
Decrease in suckler cow numbers by 0.29 head, with surplus quota leased out.
Decrease in ewe numbers by 3.05 head, with surplus premium quota leased out.
37. Reduction in livestock density from 1.8 GLU/ha to 0.75 GLU/ha.
Livestock system based on : 22% Suckler cows; 3% Dairy heifers; 40% Beef stores; 35% Ewes.
Potential savings in working capital and labour apply to the above.
38. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
39. Forage costs saved, with variable costs reduced from £78 to £24.
40. Forage costs saved, with variable costs reduced from £78 to £24.
41. Forage costs saved, with variable costs reduced from £78 to £24.
42. Forage costs saved, with variable costs reduced from £78 to £24.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Ewe Premium 3.05 @ £4.20 | 13 | |
| Leased Suckler Cow quota 0.29 @ £27 | 8 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on Working Capital re stock | 26 | |
| Fixed Costs - 40% saving on labour | 45 | |
| Forage Costs | 54 | |
| Interest on Working Capital re forage | 2 | |
| Sub-total | 127 | |
| Income Lost | - | |
| Reduction in Livestock Gross margin | 265 | |
| Sub-total | 265 | |
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reseeding | 3 | |
| Ditch management | 11 | |
| Weed control | 28 | |
| Hedgerow management | 2 | |
| Pond maintenance | 1 | |
| Tree management | 2 | |
| Water penning structures | 3 | |
| Management of water levels | 21 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Total | 336 | 148 |
| Income forgone | 188 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 700 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £188/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £190/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A 1%
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A An incentive is required to increase the attractiveness for undertaking this tier, which is pivotal to the delivery of environmental enhancement for the whole ESA. Water Level prescriptions are more restrictive to agricultural management and deliver greater environmental benefits.
Tier 2B - Marshland
Scheme Prescriptions
Observe prescriptions 1-24 (Tier 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:
43. Do not carry out any mechanical operations on the land during the period 1 January to 15 July.
44. Graze with cattle or sheep or both and avoid poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Remove all cattle during the period 1 November to 15 May.
45. Do not top the grass or cut it for hay or silage before 16 July.
46. Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance with the Project Officer.
47. Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser.
48. Within two years of the start of your agreement, agree with the Project Officer a programme for the management of ditches and dykes for which you are responsible.
49. Agree in writing with the Project Officer a programme to :
EITHER
Maintain water levels in ditches and dykes at not more than 45cm (18in) below mean field level throughout the year. In addition, create conditions of field wetness and surface splashing during the period 1 January to 30 April.
OR
Maintain areas of surface wetness and high ditch water levels throughout the year. In addition, create areas of surface water over the field in low areas, creeks and foot drains and maximise water in dykes and ditches during the period 1 January to 30 April before allowing natural drawdown to occur.
Agronomic Impact
43. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
44. Reduction in stocking rate with associated loss of gross margin and the additional cost of rented keep or purchased feed resulting from restrictions on grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
Reduction in stocking density from 1.8 GLU/ha to 0.4GLU/ha This is due to the above and also to the levels of water cover required for long periods over the fields.
Due to the wet conditions and the allowed grazing periods, the livestock system used will be an all beef system of suckler cows and forward stores with no ewes or dairy heifers.
Cost of additional fencing to control livestock grazing.
45. Reduction in stocking rate with associated loss of gross margin and the additional cost of rented keep or purchased feed resulting from restrictions on grazing access and reduction in grass production potential.
As for paras 1 and 2 of 44 above.
Reduction in stocking density from 1.8 GLU/ha to 0.4GLU/ha This is due to the above and also to the levels of water cover required for long periods over the fields.
Due to the wet conditions and the allowed grazing periods, the livestock system used will be an all beef system of suckler cows and forward stores with no ewes or dairy heifers.
There will be savings on forage costs, with variable costs reduced to nothing apart from necessary weed control.
46. As for prescription 44.
47. As for prescription 45.
48. Additional cost of extra water control measures and labour associated with water level maintenance. Additional cost of reseeding, resulting from an increased occurrence of flood damage, due to storm conditions and tidal surges.
49. As for prescription 48.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
| Extra Income | - | |
| Leased Ewe Premium 4.8 @ £4.20 | 20 | |
| Leased Suckler Cow quota 0.27 @ £27 | 7 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on Working Capital re stock | 34 | |
| Fixed Costs - 40% saving on labour | 64 | |
| Forage Costs | 78 | |
| Interest on Working Capital re forage | 3 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Income Lost | - | |
| Reduction in Livestock Gross Margin | 359 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Reseeding | 6 | |
| Ditch management | 11 | |
| Weed control | 28 | |
| Hedgerow management | 2 | |
| Pond maintenance | 1 | |
| Tree management | 2 | |
| Water penning structures | 4 | |
| Management of water levels | 43 | |
| Fencing costs | 3 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Total | 459 | 206 |
| Income forgone | 253 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 160 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £253/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £250/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A
Tier 3 - Reversion of arable to permanent grassland
Scheme Prescriptions
50. Cease arable production from the start of your agreement. Within 12 months of the start of your agreement establish a permanent grass sward. Agree in writing with the Project Officer the seed mix to be used before purchase. Seed of native origin and local provenance should be used wherever the Ministry considers it appropriate.
51. During the first 12 months of the agreement do not apply any of the following without the Ministry's prior written approval:-
- organic or inorganic fertiliser;
- lime, slag or any other substance to reduce the acidity of the soil;
- fungicides, insecticides or herbicides
52. From the start of your agreement you must follow Tier 1 prescriptions 2, and 11-24.
53. After the first 12 month period you must also follow all the remaining guidelines in Tier 1 except that, in any one year, apply no more than 125 kg nitrogen of inorganic fertiliser per hectare per year. Organic fertiliser levels remain as in Tier 1.
54. On grassland reverted from arable do not exceed an annual average stocking rate of 1.4 Livestock Units/hectare.
Agronomic Impact
50. 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.
51. No significant consequences for Income Forgone.
52. 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.
Livestock system stocking density 1.35 GLU/ha with 9 ewes/ha, managed according to Tier 1 prescriptions.
53. Prescriptions 1, and 11-24 from Tier 1 also apply from the start of agreement for this tier, with management associated costs.
In addition the remaining Tier 1 guidelines must be followed after the first 7 months except that no more than 125kg N/ha per year inorganic fertiliser may be applied thus restricting stocking rate to 1.35 GLU/ha.
54. As for prescription 52.
| £/ha | Loss | Gain |
| Extra income | - | |
| Livestock gross margin | 343 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Costs Saved | - | |
| Interest on Working Capital re arable | 10 | |
| Arable fixed costs saving | 120 | |
| Sub-total | 130 | |
| Income lost | - | |
| Arable gross margin | 483 | |
| Sub-total | ||
| Extra Costs | - | |
| Ewe premium leasing ( 9 ewes @ £7) | 63 | |
| Forage costs | 50 | |
| Grassland establishment | 37 | |
| Fencing | 29 | |
| Water supply | 3 | |
| Ditch management | 11 | |
| Weed control | 28 | |
| Hedgerow management | 2 | |
| Pond maintenance | 1 | |
| Tree management | 2 | |
| Interest on working capital re livestock | 29 | |
| Interest on working capital re forage | 2 | |
| Additional labour costs for livestock | 91 | |
| Sub-total | 348 | |
| Total | 831 | 473 |
| Income forgone | 358 |
- Uptake Targets to January 2003
- 800 hectares
- Income Forgone
- £358/ha
- Current Payment Rate
- £275/ha
- Level of Incentive
- N/A
- Justification for Incentive
- N/A
Page last modified:
17 August, 2005
Page published: 10 December, 2002