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South Wessex Downs ESA

Aims and objectives

1.The South Wessex Downs ESA aims to protect and restore the special landscape character of the area and its associated wildlife and historical interests. This will be achieved by maintaining and reintroducing a mixture of environmentally beneficial livestock and arable systems.

2.Specific objectives are:

  Related tier(s)
1. To maintain and enhance the nature conservation interest of the chalk downland turf by encouraging appropriate grazing management. 1 pt 3, inc. Extensive Grazing Supplement
2. To maintain and enhance the nature conservation interest of permanent grassland. 1 pt 2B, 2 opt. 4, inc. Extensive Grazing Supplement
3. To strengthen the landscape character and enhance the nature conservation interest by increasing the area of downland turf and other grassland. 2 opt. 1, opt. 2, inc. Extensive Grazing Supplement
4. To enhance the nature conservation interest of arable land through Conservation Headlands. 2 opt. 3
5. To maintain and enhance the traditional landscape character through the management of elements such as hedges and traditional farm buildings. All
6. To protect archaeological and historic features. All
7. To maintain and enhance the nature conservation and landscape interest of small-scale native woodland. Woodland

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Background to the ESA

1.The ESA comprises two separate areas of land totalling just more than 50,714 hectares, situated on a broad band of chalk rocks extending northwards through Dorset and Wiltshire. Current farming in the area is predominantly large scale, comprising dairy, arable and mixed-farm units and a number of very large sheep flocks. Most farms are over 200 ha, although there are some smaller, usually single-enterprise units.

2.The area is characterised by its open rolling chalk grassland landscape interspersed with sheltered valleys containing compact villages. The ESA is noted for its surviving areas of internationally important species-rich chalk grassland, which support a great diversity of wild flowers, insects, farmland birds and other wildlife, including some which are rare and declining. There is a wealth of archaeological interest, including round barrows, ancient field systems, prehistoric hillforts and enclosures. Medieval and more recent settlements and isolated barns also add to the unique richness of this area. The environmental significance of the area is indicated by the large number of statutory designations, including many SSSIs (four of which are National Nature Reserves), many Scheduled Ancient Monuments, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and five proposed Special Areas of Conservation.

3.The main threat in the area has been agricultural intensification, with ploughing or improvement of grassland, together with undergrazing in some areas resulting in scrub encroachment. Without continued farming of the area much of the landscape and the wildlife would not survive. For this reason the area was designated as an ESA.

4.This is a 'whole-farm' scheme which started in 1993. The revised scheme was introduced in 1998 and included extensions to the area totalling approximately 5,840 ha. Overall uptake at the end of 1998 was c. 20,142 hectares.

5.A priority objective is to secure the favourable management of the calcareous grassland, this ESA being the main mechanism for achieving the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets for this habitat in the area. The previously broad Tier 1 has been subdivided to enable better targeting and enhancement of species-rich swards whilst continuing to prevent intensification on the less botanically interesting grassland. A site-specific grazing management plan is now required for new agreements on downland turf, specifying the desired sward conditions and stocking practices. Such plans are also encouraged on land already under agreement.

6.A supplement for extensive grazing with cattle has been added for BAP-species sites, or suitable land adjoining such sites. It is important to manage scrub to prevent loss of calcareous grassland and to enable abandoned areas to be brought under grazing management. This can be done through Conservation Plans. A further aim is to extend the area of grassland and downland turf (for wildlife, landscape and historic interest), with increased emphasis (through Conservation Plans) on the use of seed of British native origin.

7.The scheme seeks to increase the wildlife value of cereal fields through conservation headlands and, through an addition to the scheme, to protect and enhance the wildlife value of small broadleaved woodlands.

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Tier 1 (Part 1) - All land

Scheme Prescriptions

Maintain field boundaries and do not remove any walls or hedges or any part thereof. Maintain stockproof hedges and walls in a stockproof condition using traditional methods and materials.

Where necessary, keep fence lines free from brambles, thorn and other overgrowth in accordance with a programme agreed in writing with the Project Officer within one year of the start of your agreement.

Do not erect any permanent fences without the Ministry's prior written approval.

Retain and manage trees, including pollarded willows, in accordance with local custom.

Do not plant any additional trees, hedges, woodland or allow any scrub to become established without the Ministry's prior written approval.

Maintain ditches and streams by mechanical means not sprays.

Retain and manage ponds and dewponds.

Do not damage, destroy or remove any feature of archaeological or historic value or interest.

Maintain any weatherproof traditional farm buildings which you own, or for which you are responsible, in a weatherproof condition using traditional methods and materials.

Sheep dip must be disposed of safely. In particular, it must not be spread where it may affect areas of nature conservation value.

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.

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 0587) as amended from time to time.

Agronomic Impact
  1. Maintenance of fields boundaries and stockproof hedges
  2. Removal of Scrub
  3. Maintain ditches and streams by mechanical means
  4. Retain and mange ponds and dew ponds
  5. Maintain weatherproof traditional farm buildings
Income forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 1) All land
£/ha Income Forgone
Hedgerow maintenance 8.6
Ditch maintenance 1.1
Traditional building maintenance 2.2
Total 11.9
Uptake targets to January 2002
18,500 hectares
Income forgone
£11.9/ha
Current payment rate
£8/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 1 (Part 2A) - Improved permanent grassland

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:-

Maintain improved permanent grassland. Do not plough or level except with the Ministry's prior written approval. You may reseed by direct drilling, slot seeding and oversowing only.

Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.

Do not graze any land with livestock so as to cause poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing.

Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system so as to bring about improved drainage.

Do not use fungicides or pesticides within 2 metres of any field boundary.

Do not apply herbicides within 2 metres of any field boundary, other than by means of a weed wiper or by spot treatment except as agreed in writing with the Project Officer.

Do not exceed your existing application rates of inorganic and organic fertiliser.

Agronomic Impact
  1. A small reduction in the productivity of the grassland by a decrease in stocking rate of 0.1 GLU/ha. Small reductions in interest on working capital, forage cost and labour.
  2. Offers protection to archaeological sites and acts as a buffer to important wildlife sites. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 2A) Improved permanent grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Tier 1 Part 2A Livestock Gross Margin   324.0
Livestock quota leasing   3.1
Costs saved
Forage Costs   17.0
Interest on Working Capital   3.2
Labour 0.5 hr @ £6.3/hr   3.2
Income lost
Pasture Livestock Gross Margin 350.2  
Extra costs
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 372
Income forgone 11.6  
Uptake targets to January 2002
2,050 hectares (including former Tier 1 Part 2)
Income forgone
£11.6/ha.
Current payment rate
£11/ha per ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 1 (Part 2B) - Low input permanent grassland

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:-

Maintain low input permanent grassland. Do not plough, level or reseed.

Wilt and turn any grass cut for silage and graze the aftermath.

Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.

Do not graze any land with livestock so as to cause poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Within 18 months of the start of your agreement agree in writing with the Project Officer a grassland management plan which you must implement.

Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system so as to bring about improved drainage.

Do not use fungicides or insecticides.

Do not apply herbicides except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort. Apply herbicides by means of a weed wiper or by spot treatment.

Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity.

Do not exceed your existing application rates of inorganic fertiliser and in any case do not exceed 50 kg nitrogen, 25 kg phosphate and 25 kg potash per ha per year. Do not exceed your existing application rates of well rotted home produced organic fertiliser and in any case do not exceed 12.5 tonnes per ha per year.

Agronomic Impact
  1. Reduction in stocking rates by 0.5 GLU/ha. Typical stock displaced are suckler cows, dairy heifers and sheep.
  2. Savings be produced by reduced forage costs, interest on working capital and labour.
  3. Extra revenue would arise from the leasing out of surplus livestock quota.
  4. Offers protection to archaeological sites and acts as a buffer to important wildlife sites such as species-rich downland turf or streams and rivers. This grassland also provides a valuable habitat for many farmland species.
  5. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 2B) Low input permanent grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Tier 1 Part 2B Livestock Gross Margin   219.2
Lowland Suckler Cow & Lowland Ewe Leasing   18.6
Costs saved
Forage Costs   49.8
Interest on Working Capital   11.2
Labour   24.8
Income lost
Pasture Livestock Gross Margin 350.2  
Extra costs
Weed Control 6.9  
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 369.0 325.8
Income forgone 43.2  
Uptake targets to January 2002
1,100 hectares
Income forgone
£43.2/ha.
Current payment rate
£42/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 1 (Part 3) - Downland turf

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:-

Maintain downland turf. Do not plough, level, reseed, chain harrow, roll or otherwise cultivate.

Do not cut any grass for hay or silage without the Ministry's prior written approval.

Restrict supplementary feeding of livestock to areas agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.

Do not graze any land so as to cause poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Graze with cattle or sheep or both. Exceptionally horses may be grazed with written agreement from the Project Officer. Within 18 months of the start of your agreement agree in writing with the Project Officer a grassland management plan which you must implement.

Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system so as to bring about improved drainage.

Do not use fungicides or insecticides.

Do not apply herbicides except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort. Apply herbicides by means of a weed wiper or by spot treatment.

Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity.

Do not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser.

Agronomic Impact
  1. No fertiliser applications are permitted.
  2. Reduction in stocking rates to 0.5 GLU/ha. Typical stock displaced are suckler cows, dairy heifers and sheep.
  3. Savings be produced by reduced forage costs, interest on working capital and labour.
  4. Extra revenue would arise from the leasing out of surplus livestock quota.
  5. Offers protection to archaeological sites and acts as a buffer to important wildlife sites such as species-rich downland turf or streams and rivers. This grassland also provides a valuable habitat for many farmland species.
  6. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 3) Downland Turf
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Tier 1 Part 3 Downland Gross Margin   134.8
Lowland Suckler Cow & Lowland Ewe Leasing   21.7
Costs saved
Forage Costs   47.7
Interest on Working Capital   2.1
Labour 3.6 hr @ £6.3/hr   28.1
Income lost
Pasture Livestock Gross Margin 295.9  
Extra costs
Weed Control 6.9  
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 314.6 249.6
Income forgone 65.0  
Uptake targets to January 2002
4,000 hectares
Income forgone
£65/ha.
Current payment rate
£65/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 2 (Option 1) - Downland turf creation

Scheme Prescriptions

Cease arable or ley grassland production. Within 12 months of the start of your agreement establish a permanent grass sward using suitable native species chosen from an approved list. Agree in writing by 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.

During the first twelve months of your agreement do not apply any of the following without obtaining the Ministry's prior written approval:

  1. organic or inorganic fertiliser;
  2. lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity;
  3. fungicides, insecticides or herbicides.

Following establishment of the permanent grass sward you must cut the grass and remove as hay after 15 July at least once during the first 2 years and graze the aftermath. Cultivate only with a chain harrow or roller but not between 1 April and 15 July. Topping of weeds between 1 April and 15 July must be agreed in writing with the Project Officer.

You must observe all the Tier 1 Part 1 prescriptions from the start of your agreement except that you need not graze the land during the first 12 months of your agreement. After the first twelve months of your agreement, you must also follow the guidelines set out below.

Graze with cattle or sheep or both but do not cause poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing. Agree in writing with the Project Officer a grassland management plan which you must implement.

Do not install any new land drainage system or modify any existing land drainage system so as to bring about improved drainage.

Do not use fungicides or insecticides.

Do not apply herbicides except to control nettles, spear thistle, creeping or field thistle, curled dock, broad-leaved dock or ragwort. Apply herbicides by means of a weed wiper or by spot treatment.

Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity.

Do not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser.

From the start of year five of your agreement you must not plough, level, reseed, chain harrow, roll or otherwise cultivate and you must not cut any grass for hay or silage without the Ministry's prior written approval.

On grassland reverted from arable, do not exceed an annual average stocking level of 1.4 Livestock Units (LU) per hectare.

Agronomic Impact
  1. The productivity of the created Downland swards is inherently low, a very modest hay crop may only be taken for the first 3 years after reversion
  2. Loss of the arable gross margin.
  3. Fixed cost savings arise by not growing an arable crop and interest saved on arable working capital.
  4. Extra costs include grass mixtures, establishment of the Downland turf, interest on capital as a result of the introduction of livestock, extra labour, fencing costs and quota leasing.
  5. Some extra income will be generated as a result of introducing a livestock enterprise. Experience to date suggests that the productivity of the grassland is low.
  6. Reverting arable land back to species-rich grassland will help to re-establish the characteristic wildlife found on the chalk grassland. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 1) Downland Turf Creation
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock Gross Margin   66.0
Hay 1t/ha @ £25/t on 50% of area   12
Costs saved
Interest on working Capital   11.0
Savings in Fixed Costs   119.2
Income lost
Loss of Arable Gross Margin 460.8  
Extra costs
Downland Turf Establishment 37.4  
Interest on Working Capital 9.5  
Quota leasing 12.4  
Extra Labour 1.7 hrs 11.9  
Fencing Costs 20.5  
Weed Control 6.9  
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 571 208.2
Income Forgone 363.1  
Uptake targets to January 2002
1,000 hectares
Income forgone
£363/ha
Current payment rate
£330/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 2 (Option 2) - Reversion of arable land to permanent grassland

Scheme Prescriptions

Cease arable or ley grassland production and establish a permanent grass sward within twelve months of the start of the agreement using suitable species chosen from an approved list. Agree in writing by 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.

During the first 12 months of the 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 soil acidity;
  3. fungicides, insecticides or herbicides.

From the start of your agreement you must follow all the Tier 1 Part 1 guidelines except that you need not graze the land during the first 12 months of your agreement.

After the first 12 months of your agreement you must also follow all the Tier 1 Part 2(B) guidelines.

On grassland reverted from arable, do not exceed an annual average stocking level of 1.4 Livestock Units (LU) per hectare.

Agronomic Impact
  1. Loss of the arable gross margin.
  2. Fixed cost savings arise by not growing an arable crop and interest saved on arable working capital.
  3. Extra costs include grass mixtures, establishment of the permanent grassland, interest on capital as a result of the introduction of livestock, extra labour, fencing costs and quota leasing.
  4. Some extra income will be generated as a result of introducing a livestock enterprise.
  5. Reverting arable land back to species-rich grassland will help to re-establish the characteristic wildlife found on the chalk grassland. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 2) Reversion of Arable Land to Permanent Grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Extra Gross Margin @ 0.8 GLU/ha   219.2
Costs saved
Interest on working Capital   11.0
Savings in Fixed Costs   119.2
Income lost
Loss of Arable Gross Margin 460.8  
Extra costs
Permanent Grassland Establishment 59.6  
Interest on Working Capital 31.8  
Quota leasing 24.8  
Extra Labour 32.4  
Fencing Costs 20.5  
Weed Control 6.9  
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 648.7 349.4
Income Forgone Change 299.3  
Uptake targets to January 2002
300 hectares
Income forgone
£299.3/ha
Current payment rate
£230/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

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Tier 2 (Option 3) - Conservation headlands

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) plus additional prescriptions set out below:

Do not apply any insecticides to a strip at least 6m wide at the edge of any cereal field except during the period 1 September to 31 December. The strip may continue to be cropped.

Do not apply herbicides to the strip other than:

  1. Tri-allate, diclofop-methyl, difenzoquat, flamprop-M-isopropyl, fenoxaprop-ethyl, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl, tralkoxydim, fenoxaprop-P-ethyl + diclofop methyl or clodinafop-propargyl;
  2. Glyphosate provided it is applied in the pre-harvest period by spot treatment and solely for the control of couch, black bent or onion couch;
  3. Amidosulfuron provided it is applied by spot treatment and solely for the control of cleavers.
  4. Fluroxypyr for the control of cleavers but only with the approval of the Project Officer.

You may regularly cultivate and apply herbicides to a one metre strip on the edge of the conservation headland alongside a field boundary.

Do not roll the conservation headland from 10 April until after the cereal crop has been harvested.

Do not use surface cultivation methods of weed control within the conservation headland.

Agronomic Impact
  1. Loss of yield due to aphid damage and other insect damage and gross margin.
  2. Cost savings arise by not applying agrochemicals and drying.
  3. Weed infestation and the associated slower combining plus the requirement for more grain cleaning are the main extra costs.
  4. Conservation headlands can perform a useful role both as a refuge for flora, including rare arable weeds and fauna
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 3) Conservation Headlands
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Costs saved
Spraying and drying costs   16.2
Spray materials   12.0
Income lost
Arable Gross Margin 72.9  
Extra costs
Slower Combining 8.1  
Grain Cleaning 11.1  
All land Tier 11.9  
Total 104.0 28.2
Income forgone 75.8  
Uptake targets to January 2002
70 hectares
Income forgone
£76/ha
Current payment rate
£80/ha
Level of incentive
6%
Justification for incentive
The aim of the tier is to reverse the decline of arable weeds and field margin birds. Conservation headlands can perform a useful role both as a refuge for flora, including rare arable weeds and fauna. However, the siting of Conservation Headlands requires future planning for each crop year and it appeared (at the time of the most recent payment review), that some farmers were not readily entering this Tier because of the associated planning, management and administrative costs.

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Tier 2 (Option 4) - Permanent grassland enhancement

Scheme Prescriptions

Do not use a chain harrow or roller during the period 1 April to 30 June.

Exclude stock from permanent grassland at least seven weeks before the First cut for hay or silage.

Do not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser.

Do not top or cut the grass for hay or silage before 1 July or after 31 August.

In the case of any permanent grassland which has not been cut for hay or silage you must either top one half of the grassland each year or top all of the grassland one year in two.

From the start of your agreement you must also observe all the Tier 1 Part 1 guidelines plus all the Tier 1 Part 2(B) guidelines with one exception: you must not apply any inorganic or organic fertiliser.

Agronomic Impact
  1. No fertiliser applications are permitted.
  2. Reduction in stocking rates to 0.5 GLU/ha. Typical stock displaced are suckler cows, dairy heifers and sheep.
  3. Savings be produced by reduced forage costs, interest on working capital and labour.
  4. Extra revenue would arise from the leasing out of surplus livestock quota.
  5. Offers additional protection to archaeological sites and acts as a buffer to important wildlife sites. This grassland usually adjoins areas of downland turf or other important habitats that can benefit from the "buffering" effect such as species-rich downland turf or streams and rivers. This grassland also provides a valuable habitat for many farmland species.
  6. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 4) Permanent Grassland Enhancement
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock Gross Margin   134.8
Livestock quota Leasing   21.7
Hay @ 2t/ha @ £25/t on 50% of area   25
Costs saved
Fixed costs   116.2
Interest on Working Capital   30.4
Labour   35.6
Income lost
Livestock Gross Margin 350.2  
Extra costs
Extra Purchased Feed 65  
Weed Control 6.9  
All land costs 11.9  
Total 434.0 363.7
Income forgone 70.9  
Uptake targets to January 2002
450 hectares
Income forgone
£70.3/ha
Current payment rate
£80/ha
Level of incentive
14%
Justification for incentive
The main objective of this Tier is to increase the floristic value of permanent grassland These areas can perform a useful role in acting as buffer areas to Downland turf. In such locations ingressing of Downland species will be encouraged as nutrient levels are reduced. The application of fertiliser into field boundaries will have a degenerative effect upon the field boundary and sensitive adjacent sites such as Downland. This Tier option therefore performs an important function as a buffer to the adjacent Downland and field margins. It is likely that the influence of this Tier could in many cases produce benefits associated with fertiliser misplacement and herbicide applications that may be up to 20% greater than the area occupied by this option.

Species that would benefit Marsh Fritillary and Duke of Bugundy butterflies, Brown Hare, Skylark, Greater Horseshoe and Pipistrelle bats.

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Extensive grazing supplement

Available on tiers 1 Part 2B, Part 3, Tier 2 Part 1, Part 2, Permanent Grassland Enhancement

Scheme Prescriptions

Graze with cattle at a stocking rate not to exceed 0.25 livestock units per hectare per annum. Exceptionally sheep may be grazed with written agreement from the Project Officer. Within 18 months of the start of your agreement agree in writing with the Project Officer a grassland management plan which you must implement.

Do not apply any organic or inorganic fertiliser, otherwise follow the guidelines applicable to the Tier or part thereof on which you are receiving this supplement.

Agronomic Impact
  1. Reduction in stocking rates to 0.25 GLU/ha. Typical stock displaced would be sheep and dairy heifers.
  2. Savings will result from interest on working capital and labour.
  3. Extra revenue would arise from the leasing out of surplus livestock quota.
  4. Reverting arable land back to permanent grassland will enhance the downland and chalk stream valley landscapes and avoid damaging or destroying historical features by ploughing to re-establish the characteristic wildlife found on the chalk grassland.
  5. Extra costs will be incurred by the use of weedwipers and knapsack sprayers for weed control.
Income Forgone Calculation - Extensive Grazing Supplement
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income
Livestock Gross Margin   66.0
Livestock quota Leasing   3.1
Costs saved
Interest on working Capital   6.4
Labour   9.7
Income lost
Livestock Gross Margin 134.8  
Extra costs
Total 134.8 85.2
Income forgone 49.6  
Uptake targets to January 2002
20 hectares
Income forgone
£50/ha
Current payment rate
£60/ha
Level of incentive
20%
Justification for incentive
A large incentive is necessary to encourage uptake in this supplement. The requirements in terms of site selection and subsequent management are quite exacting. Extensive grazing with cattle has seen the colonisation of a significant number of Marsh fritillary butterflies – a BAP priority species. It is hoped that this success can be built on by maintaining this supplement.

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Small woodland management and regeneration 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 the Ministry.

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 - Small Woodland Management and Regeneration 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
50 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