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North Kent Marshes ESA

Aims and objectives

1. The North Kent Marshes ESA aims to maintain and enhance the distinctive landscape, wildlife and historic resources of the area by encouraging beneficial farming and management practices.

2. Specific objectives are:

    Related tier(s)
1. To maintain and enhance the nature conservation interest of the grazing marshes by sustaining and extending the area under extensive management, and by managing associated wetland habitats and ditch water levels and rough grassland habitats. 1
2. To increase the area of land attractive to waders and wildfowl. 1B
3. To increase the area of grazing marsh by reverting arable land to extensively managed grassland. 2
4. To maintain and enhance landscape quality and to protect features of historic and archaeological interest by sustaining and extending the area of grazing marsh. All
5. To protect the nature conservation interest of the ditches and water courses by establishing grass buffer strips on arable fields. Buffer Strips

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Background to the ESA

1. The ESA extends over 13,715 hectares and forms an almost continuous coastal marshland fringe extending from Whitstable in the east to Gravesend on the Thames estuary in the west, including the Medway estuary and the Isle of Sheppey. Agricultural land predominates, with over half being in grassland. The arable cropping consists mainly of winter-sown cereals and oilseed rape.

2. The marshes are a distinctive, exposed, flat landscape of pasture and arable land. Most have been enclosed by sea walls ('inned') since medieval times to prevent flooding. Beyond the sea wall, mudflats and saltings are common. In combination, these habitats are of international importance for over-wintering and breeding birds. Part of the ESA has been designated as a Special Protection Area under the EC Directive on Conservation of Wild Birds (79/409) and as a Wetland of International Importance under the 1971 Ramsar Convention. Furthermore, the marshes and associated ditches contain important aquatic flora and fauna and over one third are designated as National Nature Reserves or Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The ESA is bounded by a belt of higher 'upland' which forms a pronounced landscape feature defining the southern boundary. There is considerable archaeological interest in the ESA, ranging from prehistoric sites to medieval salt-working mounds and more recent armament production and defensive sites. Much of the archaeological interest is believed to be buried under the alluvium.

3. After the improvements to the sea defences, following the 1953 floods, underdrainage and field amalgamation occurred, leading to increased agricultural intensification on much of the former grazing marsh. In the 1970s this threat also extended to the higher marshland.

4. The continuing threat of further intensification was one of the major reasons for the designation of the North Kent Marshes as an ESA in 1993. It is a 'part-farm' scheme which was revised in 1998. Overall uptake at the end of 1998 was c. 4,168 hectares.

5. A priority objective is to enhance the marshes by raising water levels in the surrounding ditches to encourage wet field conditions, for birds, in the winter and spring (Tier 1B). The replacement of Tier 1A with this tier aims to achieve this, by manipulating the water environment at a site-specific level. The recent decision to allow English Nature Management Agreement land with appropriate potential into this tier will also bring about further environmental benefits. The introduction of Grazing Marsh Management Plans (GMMP) is aimed at addressing more site-specific conservation objectives. Tier 1B is the main mechanism for delivering the Biodiversity Action Plan targets for the marshes in the area.

6. A further objective is to protect the traditional landscape character, together with field boundary and historic features, by encouraging sensitive management (all tiers). To help achieve this, Tier 1 has recently been modified to strengthen the need for sensitive, rotational ditch management. Enhancement of features, such as ditches, gates/wing fences and historic artefacts, is encouraged through the Conservation Plan element of the scheme.

7. Objectives for arable land include the extension of the area of grassland by arable reversion (Tier 2) to protect the wildlife, landscape and historic interest. The flexibility now exists to apply GMMPs and, ultimately, Tier 1B water level management to reseeded land. The grass buffer strip option has been introduced to reduce the run-off from agricultural inputs into the ditches and to create new rough grassland wildlife habitat.

8. A further addition to the scheme is the Woodland Tier which aims to maintain and enhance the wildlife and landscape interest of small native woodlands.

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Tier 1A - Grassland

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Maintain grassland and do not plough, level or reseed the land. Cultivate only with a chain harrow or roller but do not use a chain harrow or roller during the period 1 April to 30 June.
  2. Graze with cattle or sheep or both but avoid poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Horses may be grazed but only in association with cattle or sheep or both. During the period 1 April to 31 May do not exceed a stocking density of 0.75 Livestock Units (LU) per hectare.
  3. Do not top or cut the grass for hay or silage before 1 July.
  4. Wilt and turn grass cut for silage before removal and graze the aftermath.
  5. Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.
  6. Do not apply inorganic or organic fertiliser except for farmyard manure (FYM) produced on your farm. Do not apply slurry.
  7. Do not apply more than your existing application rate of farmyard manure and, in any event, do not apply more than 12.5 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare (5 tons per acre) per year.
  8. Do not apply farmyard manure during the period 1 April to 31 May and, outside this period, apply it only in a single dressing.
  9. Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil.
  10. Do not use insecticides or fungicides.
  11. Do not apply herbicides except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort. Injurious weeds, particularly creeping thistle, must be controlled. Herbicides may only be applied using a weed wiper or by spot treatment with a knapsack sprayer. Whenever possible, control weed growth by mechanical means such as topping.
  12. Do not fill in any ditches, dykes, rills or hollows.
  13. Maintain existing water levels in ditches and dykes.
  14. A written rotational ditch management programme must be agreed with the Project Officer within 6 months of the start of an agreement. The programme must be implemented over the life of the agreement. Ditches must be maintained by mechanical means not herbicides. After drying, spoil must be spread adjacent to the ditch. Ditch restoration and reprofiling may be included in your conservation plan.
  15. Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system to bring about improved drainage.
  16. Retain and manage ponds and reedbeds.
  17. Maintain gates, gateways and wing fences.
  18. Retain and manage any hedges. Maintain stockproof hedges in a stockproof condition using traditional methods. Do not plant any hedges without the Ministry's prior written approval.
  19. Maintain any weatherproof traditional farm buildings which you own, or for which you are responsible, in a weatherproof condition using traditional methods.
  20. Do not damage, destroy or remove any feature of archaeological or historic value or interest.
  21. Obtain written advice on siting and materials before constructing buildings or roads or carrying out any other engineering or construction works which do not require planning permission or prior notification determination by the Local Planning Authority.
  22. You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (see Annex IVIVII) for the Protection of Soil, Air and Water, published by the Ministry (references PB 0617, PB 0618 and PB 0587) as amended from time to time.
  23. As an alternative to following the prescriptions 2, 6 and 13 above you may agree in writing with the Project Officer a Grazing Marsh Management Plan (GMMP) which will require different practices on areas marked as "extensive" areas and "balance" areas, as set out on the attached agreement map.
On "extensive" areas you must:
  1. Graze with cattle and/or sheep through the year but avoid poaching, overgrazing and undergrazing.
  2. During the months of April, May and June, reduce stocking density to a level between zero and 0.6 LU per hectare agreed in writing with the Project Officer.
  3. Stocking at higher densities (in the range between 0.6 and 1.5 LU per hectare) is permissible during the rest of the year
  4. A specification for water management requirements for the "extensive" area shall be agreed in writing with the Project Officer and shall form part of your agreement.
  5. Comply with all other Tier 1 guidelines (1-23 above except 2, and 13).
On the balance of the agreement area (marked "balance" on the map) you must:
  1. Graze with cattle and/or sheep but avoid poaching, undergrazing or overgrazing.
  2. During the months of April and May, limit stocking density to 1.2 LU per hectare
  3. Stocking at higher densities may be permissible during the rest of the year providing the land is not overgrazed.
  4. You may make limited application of artificial fertiliser to areas specified by the Project Officer in the GMMP, subject to a maximum rate of 50kg N, 12.5kg P2O5 and 12.5kg K2O, per hectare. FYM application will not be allowed in addition to these nutrient levels.
  5. A specification for water management requirements for the "balance" area shall be agreed in writing with the Project Officer and shall form part of your agreement.
  6. Follow all other Tier 1 prescriptions (1-23 above except 2, 6 and 13).
Agronomic Impact
  1. Hand application of herbicides
  2. Maintenance of ditches
  3. Management of hedges
  4. Maintenance of gates and wing fences
  5. Management of water features
  6. Maintenance of traditional buildings.
Income Forgone Calculation -Tier 1A Grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock gross margin @ 0.5 GLU's/ha   85.4
Livestock quota leasing   21.7
Extensification Premium   7.0
Costs saved
Forage costs   33.6
Interest on working capital (stock)   55.1
Interest on working capital (forage)   5.3
Labour costs   67.8
Income lost
Livestock gross margin @ 1.4 GLU's/ha 398.7  
Sub total 398.7  
Extra costs
Hand application of herbicides 10.4  
Maintenance of ditches 6.5  
Gates maintenance 2.2  
Total 417.7 275.9
Income forgone 141.8  
Uptake targets to January 2002
3,000 hectares
Income forgone
£141/ha
Current payment rate
£120/ha
Level of incentive
12%
Justification for Incentive
This is the most important Tier in this ESA. Traditional coastal grazing marsh is identified as a Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitat and the North Kent Marshes ESA is seen as a high profile delivery mechanism in support of this National BAP objective. Uptake to date has been good, with over 70% of eligible and available land having been brought into agreement.

An incentive element is justified was justified at the most recent payment review as an acknowledgement of the importance of this tier to the success of the ESA and to avoid the risk of existing agreement holders leaving the scheme.

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Tier 1B - Water management tier

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Observe all Tier 1 prescriptions 1-23 with the exception of 2 and 13 plus additional prescriptions set out below:-
  2. Agree in writing with the Project Officer a GMMP which will apply to both "enhancement" and "balance" areas, as set out on the attached agreement map. The plan shall form part of your agreement.
  3. Within the enhancement area do not graze during the months of April, May and June. During July, introduce stock at a density no greater that 0.5 LU per hectare. Stock more heavily in the summer, autumn and early winter, subject to ground conditions, to create an agreed sward condition for the following year.
  4. The GMMP will specify the sward conditions to be achieved. It will also specify the levels to which water must be raised.
  5. On the balance area which will be treated and paid as Tier 1, follow the prescriptions set out at (1-23) above, with the exception of 2,6 and 13 with written agreement from the Project Officer.
Agronomic Impact
  1. Hand application of herbicides
  2. Maintenance of ditches
  3. Management of hedges
  4. Maintenance of gates and wing fences
  5. Management of water features
  6. Maintenance of traditional buildings
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1b Water Management
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock gross margin @ 0.15 GLU's/ha   42.7
Surplus quota leased out   24.8
Extensification Premium   3
Costs saved
Forage costs   67.8
Interest on working capital (stock)   38.4
Interest on working capital (forage)   5.3
Employed labour   62.6
Income lost
Livestock gross margin @ 1.4 GLU's/ha 398.7  
Extra costs
Water management 77.8  
Hand application of herbicides 10.4  
Maintenance of ditches 6.5  
Gate maintenance 2.2  
Total 495.4 244.7
Income forgone 250.8  
Uptake targets to January 2002
500 hectares
Income forgone
£250/ha
Current payment rate
£290/ha
Level of incentive
15.5%

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Tier 2 (Arable reversion to permanent grassland)

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Cease arable production or ley grassland production. Within 12 months of the start of your agreement establish a permanent grass sward using suitable species chosen from an approved list. Agree in writing with the Project Officer before purchase the seed mix to be used. Seed of native origin and local provenance should be used wherever the Ministry considers it appropriate.
  2. During the First 12 months of the start of your agreement do not apply any of the following without obtaining the Ministry's prior written approval:
    1. inorganic or organic fertiliser;
    2. lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce the acidity of the soil;
    3. fungicides, insecticides or herbicides.
  3. Cut the grass and remove as hay, but not silage, during the First 3 years following grassland establishment and graze the aftermath. Do not cut the grass before 1 July.
  4. From the start of your agreement you must follow all the Tier 1 guidelines from 'Do not fill in any ditches, etc.' onwards.
  5. After the 12 month period you must also follow the remaining guidelines in Tier 1.
  6. Following satisfactory grassland establishment, and at the discretion of the Project Officer, both GMMP and Tier 1B options may be available on arable reversion areas.
  7. On grassland reverted from arable, do not exceed an annual average stocking level of 1.4 LU per hectare.
Agronomic Impact
  1. Hand application of herbicides
  2. Maintenance of ditches
  3. Management of hedges
  4. Maintenance of gates and wing fences
  5. Management of water features
  6. Maintenance of traditional buildings
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 Arable Reversion to Permanent Grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock gross margin @ 0.5 GLU's/ha   142.6
Extensification Premium   11
Costs saved
Fixed costs   119.2
Interest on working capital   12.9
Income lost
Arable gross margin 687  
Extra costs
Leasing in livestock quota 17.1  
Interest on working capital: restocking 15.2  
Fencing 22.7  
Employed labour 24.8  
Establishment of grassland 33.3  
Hand application of herbicides 10.4  
Maintenance of ditches 6.5  
Gate maintenance 2.2  
Total 750.4 285.7
Income forgone 464.7  
Uptake targets to January 2002
900 hectares
Income forgone
£464/ha
Current payment rate
£275/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Buffer strips

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Buffer strips may be established on arable field margins that are adjacent to ditches or dykes.
  2. Establish a grass cover crop over a width of between 6 and 10m using a grass seed mixture agreed in writing with the Project Officer.
  3. Do not apply inorganic fertiliser or pesticides on this strip.
  4. A 1m sterile strip may be incorporated between the cropped edge and the strip to prevent migration of weeds.
  5. Agree in writing appropriate management of buffer strips with the Project Officer. This will involve either taking a hay crop or topping, both after July 1. In the first years of establishment, topping in advance of July 1 to control weed growth may be permitted with written agreement from the Project Officer.
  6. You must abide by the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice (see Annex IVII) for the Protection of Soil, Air and Water, published by the Ministry (references PB 0617, PB 0618 and PB 0587) as amended from time to time.
Agronomic Impact
  1. Hand application of herbicides
  2. Maintenance of ditches
  3. Management of hedges
  4. Maintenance of gates and wing fences
  5. Management of water features
  6. Maintenance of traditional buildings
Income Forgone Calculation - Buffer Strips
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Hay sales   0
Costs saved
Fixed costs   119.2
Interest on working capital   12.9
Income lost
Arable gross margin 564.3  
Extra costs
Establishment of grassland 33.3  
Hand application of herbicides 10.4  
Maintenance of ditches 6.5  
Gate maintenance 2.2  
Total 616.6 132.1
Income forgone 484.6  
Uptake targets to January 2002
120 hectares
Income forgone
£484/ha
Current payment rate
£400/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Woodland tier

Scheme Prescriptions

Retain any woodland, copses or groups of trees. Agree in writing with the Project Officer and implement a programme to maintain and enhance the conservation and landscape value of non net-income generating woodland. All farm woodland on or adjacent to your agreement land must be entered into this woodland tier. Other woodland not on or adjacent to your agreement land may be entered at the discretion of MAFF.

Agronomic Impact

The prescriptions for this tier have the following implications with a significant economic consequence.

1. Positive management actions of varying descriptions will need to be undertaken over the life of the agreement.

Income Forgone Calculation -Woodland Tier
£/ha Losses Gains
Income lost
Costs saved
Extra costs 23.0  
Sub-total 23.0  
Extra income
Total 23.0  
Income forgone 23.0  
Uptake targets to January 2002
5 hectares
Income forgone
£23/ha.
Current payment rate
£17/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Page last modified: 17 August, 2005
Page published: 10 December, 2002

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs