Rural Affairs

England Rural Development Programme logo

South West Peak ESA


Aims and objectives

1.The South West Peak ESA aims to maintain and enhance the landscape, wildlife and historic interest of the area by encouraging beneficial agricultural and land management practices.

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, habitat mosaics and field parcels. 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

[Back to top]


Background to the ESA

1.The South West Peak ESA covers an area of 33,800 hectares and is situated mainly on gritstone rocks at the south-western end of the Pennines. It comprises a moorland plateau, flanked by lower hills and indented by valleys, and includes parts of north Staffordshire, Cheshire and Derbyshire. The farming is based on sheep in the upland plateau and on dairying, with some beef and sheep on grassland in the surrounding hills and valleys. The whole ESA lies in the Less Favoured Area.

2.The environmental value of the area lies in the mosaic of core moorland, moorland fringe and farmed upland. There are intricate patterns of dwarf shrub heath, acid grassland and blanket bog within the moorland. Adjoining semi-improved and unimproved grasslands include diverse plant communities and the ESA supports an outstanding assemblage of declining upland breeding birds. The mosaic of vegetation, small fields, traditional farm buildings, historical features, individual trees and woodlands combine to create an area rich in landscape, ecological and historic interest. This environment has been threatened by both overgrazing and under-management of the moorland, and agricultural improvement on the inbye, particularly as a result of farmers changing from hay to silage production. Walls, hedges and traditional buildings have also deteriorated through lack of maintenance.

3.The SW Peak ESA is a 'whole-farm' scheme which started in 1993. The scheme was revised in 1998 and the uptake by the end of 1998 was c. 21,206 ha.

4.One of the primary objectives is to promote traditional management of the moorland, which covers about 20% of the ESA. The Moorland Tier (Tier 1 Part 4) places limits on stocking levels and requires agreement holders to implement a moorland management plan covering heather management, bracken control, supplementary feeding and stock management. Tier 2 Option 2 seeks moorland enhancement by imposing even stricter grazing management requirements. There is a new voluntary moorland regeneration supplement available for both of the moorland tiers, requiring total removal of stock from agreed areas of degraded moorland. These moorland tiers and the regeneration supplement are the main mechanisms for achieving the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) targets for upland heath and blanket bog in the area.

5.The SW Peak is mainly a grassland ESA and includes wide ranging measures to improve the environmental management of permanent inbye grassland (Tier 1 part 2) and enclosed rough grazing (Tier 1 part 3). The promotion of beneficial management of traditional hay meadows and pastures is also very important (Tier 2 option 1) and there is a new prohibition on manuring of pastures. A new option, ( Tier 1 part 1 option1 RP) encourages regeneration of improved grassland to extensively managed pasture, with a grazing management plan and reduced stocking rates. Another new option (Tier 2 option 1 RM) has been added to Tier 2 part 1 encourage the recreation of traditional hay meadows, which also requires a site-specific management plan.

6.A Wet Area supplement has been introduced for all grassland in Tier 1 and in Tier 2 option 1 RP, designed to wet-up land to provide feeding and nesting habitat for upland breeding birds. The above measures are all important for the delivery of BAP habitat and species plans in the area.

7.There is a new woodland tier to encourage positive management and natural regeneration of small native woodlands, which include upland oakwood, which is a BAP priority habitat. The maintenance and enhancement of the landscape and historic interest is promoted through a drystone walling supplement and various Conservation Plan items, such as hedge planting and laying, and the renovation of traditional farm buildings.

[Back to top]


Tier 1 (Part 1) - All land

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Do not remove all or part of any hedges, walls or banks.
  2. Maintain all your stockproof walls and hedges in a stockproof condition using traditional methods and materials.
  3. The Ministry will make a supplementary payment if you agree in writing with the Project Officer a programme for the renovation of drystone walls. This will involve the rebuilding of gaps to make non-stockproof walls stockproof or the dismantling and rebuilding of stockproof walls that are in poor condition. Payment will be calculated on the basis of every metre of wall restored in each year.
  4. Retain any woodland, copses or groups of trees. Agree in writing with the Project Officer and implement a programme to conserve and protect areas of non net-income generating woodland. These will be identified on the agreement map and will receive payment at the Tier 1 Part 1 (All land) rate. Seek written consent from the Project Officer before planting any woodland. Retain and manage any hedgerow or streamside trees.
  5. Any bracken control must be carried out in accordance with a written programme agreed in advance with the Project Officer and any other necessary consents obtained. This must include adequate follow-up treatment. Where bracken cannot be controlled by mechanical means and a herbicide is necessary then only asulam may be used where application is by means of a boom sprayer (including aerial application). Other herbicides and application methods may be used only in agreement with the Project Officer.
  6. Sheep dip must be disposed of safely. In particular, it must not be spread where it may affect areas of nature conservation value.
  7. Do not damage, destroy or remove any feature of historic value or interest.
  8. Any weatherproof traditional farm buildings which you own, or for which you are responsible, must be maintained in a weatherproof condition using traditional materials.
  9. 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.
  10. Do not deposit builder's rubble, scrap or any other imported material onto the land covered by this agreement.
  11. You may maintain existing field drains, including ditches, but should not install any new land drainage systems without written consent from the Project Officer. You may create new farm ponds, but seek the Project Officer's advice before so doing.
  12. 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 stockproof stone walls by traditional means.
  2. Maintenance of stockproof hedges by traditional means.
  3. Maintenance of hedgerow and streamside trees.
  4. Maintenance of weatherproof traditional farm buildings.
  5. Extra costs in bracken and scrub controlling
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 1) All land
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income   0
Costs Saved   0
Income Lost   0
Extra Costs    
Hedge maintenance 6.5  
Wall maintenance 9.7  
Bracken control 2.2  
Scrub management 0.0  
Building maintenance 23.8  
Total 42.1
Income forgone 42.1  
Uptake targets to January 2002
3,550 hectares
Income forgone
£42/ha
Current payment rate
£18/ha
Level incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Tier 1 (Part 2) - Enclosed Permanent Grassland

Scheme Prescriptions

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

  1. Maintain as permanent grassland. Do not excavate, plough, level or reseed. You may cultivate with a chain harrow or roller before 1 April and after 16 July.
  2. Do not exceed your existing application rates of organic or inorganic fertiliser. Do not apply lime, slag or any other substance designed to reduce soil acidity.
  3. Where possible, graze the aftermath after mowing for hay or silage. You should however ensure that doing so does not cause overgrazing or poaching, or delay winter manure spreading operations.
  4. Ensure that livestock graze the land in a way that avoids poaching, overgrazing or undergrazing.
  5. Do not use fungicides or insecticides on the land.
  6. You may control thistles, docks and ragwort by mechanical means or herbicides. Herbicides may only be applied by weed wiper or by spot treatment. The Project Officer's written consent must be obtained before carrying out any other means of weed control.
  7. Do not install any new land drainage systems. You may carry out normal maintenance and repairs but must seek the Project Officer's advice and prior written agreement.
Agronomic Impact
  1. The main restrictions in this tier arise from not being able to reseed or drain which result in a reduction in overall stocking rates by an average of 0.2 GLU/hectare from 1.65 GLU/ha to 1.45 GLU/ha.
  2. Not being able to apply lime also contributes towards a reduction in stocking capacity.
  3. Consequential savings in forage costs, labour and interest on working capital.
  4. Hand or weed wiper application of herbicides.
  5. Opportunities to lease out livestock quota.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 2) = Enclosed Permanent Grassland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income   0
Quota leasing   5.4
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital, re stock @ 0.2 GLU/ha   5.4
Forage costs @ 0.2 GLU/ha   13.8
Interest on working capital re forage   1.1
Labour on 0.24 GLU/ha   5.4
Income Lost    
Livestock gross margin @ 0.2 GLU/ha 58.9  
Extra Costs    
Spraying by weed applicator 10.4  
Tier 1A All land 42.1  
Chain harrowing costs 2.2  
Total 113.5 31
Income forgone 82.6  
Uptake targets to January 2002
11,500 hectares
Income forgone
£83/ha
Current payment rate
£50/ha
Level incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Tier 1 (Part 3 - Enclosed Permanent Rough Grazing)

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) and 13-19 (Tier 1 Part 2) plus additional prescriptions set out below:-

  1. Maintain as permanent rough grazing. Do not excavate, plough, level, reseed, harrow, roll or otherwise cultivate.
  2. Do not exceed existing stocking levels.
Agronomic Impact
    1. Reduction in stocking rates of 0.2 GLU/ha from 0.85 GLU/ha to 0.65 GLU/ha.
    2. Consequential savings in forage costs (currently 2.5 bags/ha of 20:1-:10 is applied), labour requirement and interest on working capital.
    3. Opportunities to lease out livestock quota.
    4. Hand or weed wipe applications of herbicide.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 3) Enclosed Permanent Rough Grazing
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   6.8
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital, re stock @ 0.2 GLU/ha   4.0
Labour on 0.2 GLU/ha   4.3
Forage costs   11.7
Income Lost    
Livestock gross margin @ 0.2 GLU/ha 53.7  
Extra Costs    
Spraying by weed applicator 10.4  
Tier 1A All land 42.1  
Total 106.2 26.8
Income forgone 79.4  
Uptake targets to January 2002
2,250 hectares
Income forgone
£79/ha
Current payment rate
£46/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Tier 1 (Part 4) - Moorland

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1), 13-19 (Tier 1 Part 2) and 20-21 (Tier 1 Part 3) plus the additional prescriptions set out below:-

  1. Maintain as moorland. Do not excavate, plough, level, reseed, harrow, roll or otherwise cultivate.
  2. Do not exceed your existing stocking levels and, in any case, do not exceed 0.225 livestock units per hectare. You must also remove all flock replacements and 25% of your flock of overwintering ewes during the period 1 November to 28 February.
  3. Do not allow grazing by cattle or horses during the period 1 November to 28 February.
  4. Do not give supplementary feed to livestock on the moor between 1 March and 31 October without the Project Officer's prior written consent.
  5. In the first year of your agreement you must agree with the Project Officer a written plan of integrated moorland management which must be implemented. The plan may include a programme of rotational heather burning and cutting, stock management, scrub and bracken control. The plan will identify areas where supplementary feeding may occur. The aim is to create and maintain a mosaic of mixed age dwarf shrub heath and other vegetation across the moor.
  6. Do not fence across open moorland.
  7. Ensure by adequate stock management that livestock do not trespass onto neighbouring moorland, that they graze only lightly and do not concentrate on, or adjacent to, those areas of heather or other vegetation vulnerable to grazing pressure, including heather margins and areas of recently burnt heather.
Agronomic Impact
  1. Reduction in output associated with reducing stocking rates of 0.125 GLU/ha from 0.35 GLU/ha to 0.225 GLU/ha.
  2. Increased costs of away wintering 25% of the ewes. Currently replacement hoggs are away wintered.
  3. Consequential savings in interest on working capital.
  4. Opportunities to lease out sheep quota.
  5. Reduction in stocking rate resulting in enhanced performance.
  6. Scrub and bracken control.
  7. To protect the heather and prevent localised overgrazing and trespass, increased shepherding costs.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 1 (Part 4) Moorland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Enhancement of sheep performance 1.5 ewes @ £2.35   3.1
Quota leasing   4.8
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital 0.125 GLU   2.1
Labour savings @ 0.125 GLU/ha   4.3
Income Lost    
Livestock gross margin 0.125 GLU 26.5  
Extra Costs    
Away wintering 25% of 0.225 GLU (1.5 ewes) 6  
Bracken control 7.6  
Scrub management 2.2  
Heather management 1.1  
Shepherding 2.2  
Moving feeders 2.2  
Total 47.8 14.3
Income forgone 33.5  
Uptake targets to January 2002
2,300 hectares
Income forgone
£33/ha
Current payment rate
£32/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Tier 2 (Option 1) - Pastures and meadows

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1) and 13-19 (Tier 1 Part 2) plus the additional prescriptions set out below:

A. Both pastures and meadows
  1. Land to be managed as pastures and meadows will be identified on your agreement map and must continue to be managed as such for the length of your agreement.
B. Pastures
  1. Do not chain harrow, roll or otherwise cultivate the land.
  2. Do not cut or top rushes between 1 March and 31 July.
  3. Limit stock numbers between 1 April and 30 June to no more than 0.6 LU/ha or to a level that you have agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.
  4. Do not apply inorganic or organic fertiliser.
C. Meadows
  1. Do not use a chain harrow or roller during the period 1 April to 16 July.
  2. You may lightly graze meadows until 31 May and after cutting in the autumn. Limit stock numbers between 1 April and 31 May to no more than 0.6 LU/ha. or to a level that you have agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer
  3. Do not cut grass for hay in any year before 15 July. All meadows must be cut after 31 July at least once every five years, and the Project Officer notified when this occurs. The crop must be removed and the aftermath grazed whenever feasible.
  4. Meadows may be cut for silage after 1 August, but the crop must be turned at least once and wilted for 24 hours before picking up or baling for removal from the field.
  5. Do not apply any inorganic fertiliser or slurry. You may each year apply a single dressing of no more than 8 tonnes of well rotted farm yard manure to your meadows.
Agronomic Impact
Pastures
  1. Restrictions on stocking rate from 1 April - 30 June will reduce output significantly plus restrictions on fertiliser usage.
  2. 30% farmers will take extra grass keep. 70% farmers will reduce stocking levels of 0.65 GLU/ha from 1.25 GLU/ha to 0.6 GLU/ha.
  3. Opportunities to lease out livestock quota.
  4. Consequential savings in forage costs, labour requirements and interest on working capital.
  5. Hand or weed wipe applications of herbicide.
Meadows:
  • 30%Meadows Grazed
  • 5% Silage
  • 65%Hay
  1. Restrictions on stocking rate from 1 April to 31 May will reduce output significantly.
  2. Delay in cutting date and restrictions on fertiliser usage will reduce feed value of forage.
  3. Delay in cutting date will reduce the availability of aftermath grazing.
  4. Consequential savings in forage costs, labour requirement and interest on working capital.
  5. Hand or weed wipe applications of herbicides.
Income Forgone Calculation - Pastures
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   10.7
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital re stock 0.65 GLU x 70%   12.1
Labour on 0.65 GLU x 70%   10.8
Forage costs   29.2
Interest on working capital re forage   2.1
Income Lost    
Livestock gross margin @ 0.65 GLU x 70% 133.4  
Extra Costs    
Spraying by weed applicator    
Grass keep x 30% 16  
Tier 1A Land 42.1  
Total 201.9 65.4
Income forgone 136.5  
Uptake targets to January 2002
2,250 hectares
Income forgone
£137/ha
Current payment rate
£110/ha
Level of incentive
N/A
Income Forgone Calculation - Meadows
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   5.4
Costs Saved    
30% x Interest on working capital on 0.65 GLU   5.4
30% labour associated with 0.65 GLU/ha   4.3
Forage costs   29.7
Interest on working capital re forage   2.1
Income Lost    
30% gross margin on 0.65 GLU/ha 67.2  
Extra Costs    
Chain harrowing 7  
65% x extra feed costs associated with reduce hay output 64  
Spraying by weed applicator 10.4  
Tier 1A Land 42.1  
Total 205.3 46.8
Income forgone 158.5  
Uptake targets to January 2002
815 hectares
Income forgone
£159/ha
Current payment rate
£170/ha
Level incentive
7%
Justification for incentive
An incentive element was is justified at the most recent payment review in view of the major landscape and wildlife value of hay meadows in the ESA, plus the pressure for intensification.

[Back to top]


Tier 2 (Option 1) Rm - Regeneration to extensive meadow

Scheme Prescriptions

Applies to permanent grassland to be used exclusively for traditionally managed hay meadows, and previously intensively managed. Follow prescriptions for meadows in Tier 2 Option 1 plus additional prescriptions set out below:-

  1. Do not apply any inorganic fertiliser or slurry. You may each year apply a single dressing of no more than 6 tonnes of well rotted farm yard manure to your meadows.
  2. Meadows must not be cut for hay before 15 July and may not be cut for silage without the Project Officer's written consent. Mowing should be after 7 August in at least two years in every five, and the Project Officer notified when this occurs.
  3. You must agree in writing an appropriate meadow management plan with the Project Officer in the first year of your agreement. This should include measures to reduce existing nutrient levels if appropriate.
  4. Aftermath grazing should be carried out where possible, but not after 1 November. A second cut for either hay or silage late in the season is permitted as an alternative to grazing with the Project Officer's written consent.
  5. All livestock must be removed between 1 November and 31 March.
Agronomic Impact

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

  • 30% Meadows Grazed
  • 30% Hay
  • 40% Silage
  1. Reduction in output associated with reduced stocking rates from 1.65GLU/ha - 0.6GLU/ha
  2. Delays in cutting date and fertiliser usage will reduce quality and quantity of forage.
  3. Consequential savings in forage costs and interest on working capital.
  4. Labour savings associated with reduction in livestock are compensated by increase in labour requirement associated with extra haymaking.
  5. Opportunities to lease out livestock quota.
  6. Away wintering costs of 1.5 ewes/ha previously overwintered on the meadows.
  7. Hand or weed wipe applications of herbicides.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 1) Regeneration to Extensive Meadow
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   25.5
Costs Saved    
30% x interest on working capital @ 1.05 GLU/ha   8.0
30% x labour costs associated with 1.05 GLU/ha   7.6
Forage costs associated with 1.05 GLU/ha   42.4
Interest on working capital re forage   3.2
Income Lost    
30% Gross margin on 1.05 GLU/ha 103.0  
Extra Costs    
Chain harrowing restrictions 7  
Feed costs 116.6  
Away wintering 23  
Spraying by weed applicator 6.9  
Tier 1A 42.1  
Total 298.7 86.6
Income forgone 212  
Uptake targets to January 2002
150 hectares
Income forgone
£212/ha
Current payment rate
£170/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Tier 2 (Option 1) Rp - Regeneration to extensive pastures

Scheme Prescriptions

These prescriptions apply to permanent grassland to be used exclusively for extensively managed grazing, where the land has formerly been managed by intensive means.

Observe prescriptions 29-33 (Tier 2 Option 1) plus the additional prescriptions set out below:-

  1. Do not use land for supplementary feeding sites, to avoid damage to the sward.
  2. Graze the land carefully to avoid undergrazing, overgrazing or poaching. Limit stock numbers between 1 April and 16 June to no more than 0.6 LU/ha (equivalent to 4 ewes plus followers or 1 bullock/heifer per ha.) or to a level agreed in advance in writing with the Project Officer.
  3. In the first year of your agreement, you must agree in writing with the Project Officer an appropriate pasture management plan. This will include measures to reduce existing nutrient levels if appropriate.
Agronomic Impact

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

  1. Reduced output associated with reduced stocking rates from 1.65 GLU/ha to 0.6 GLU/ha.
  2. Consequential savings in forage costs and labour requirements and interest on working capital.
  3. Opportunities for leasing out livestock quota.
  4. Hand or weed wipe applications of herbicides
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 1)rp Regeneration to Extensive Pastures
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   25.5
Costs Saved    
70% x Interest on working capital on 1.05 GLU/ha   19.4
70% labour on 1.05 GLU/ha   17.3
70% x forage costs   63.6
70% interest on working capital re forage costs   3.2
Income Lost    
70% x gross margin on 1.05 GLU/ha 215.3  
Extra Costs    
Spraying by weed applicator    
Grass keep x 30% 16  
Tier 1A 42.1  
Total 283.3 129.0
Income forgone 154.8  
Uptake targets to January 2002
300 hectares
Income forgone
£155/ha
Current payment rate
£160/ha
Level of incentive
3%

[Back to top]


Wet area supplement

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. The Ministry will make a supplementary payment, available on land in Tiers 1 Parts 1, 2 and 3 and Tier 2.1RP on the implementation of a management plan agreed in writing with the Project Officer to improve the habitat for upland wading birds.
  2. Agree in writing a programme of work including any necessary blocking of drains to impede drainage and fencing to control stock on areas agreed with the Project Officer. There should be no stock grazing between 1 April and 30 June without agreement in writing from the Project Officer who will also agree with you the level of stocking appropriate to the wetted area.
Agronomic Impact

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

    1. For a supplementary payment on Tiers 1 Parts 1, 2 and 3 and Tier 2 Option 1 RP stock will have to be fenced out of wetted area between 1 April-30 June.
    2. Loss of land enclosed for wetting will be compensated for by renting grass keep. 0.25 ha intensive grass keep replaces 1 ha wetted land.
    3. Areas of raised water levels would need to be created. Typically this would be carried out by modifications to the drainage system. Capital grant is available under a Conservation Plan at the rate of 80% of the cost.
    4. Impact will extend to the area outside that fenced because impeding the drainage will result in extensive wet areas.
Income Forgone Calculation - Wet Area Supplement
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Increased aftermath grazing   23.9
Costs Saved   0
Income Lost 0  
Extra Costs    
Grass keep 66  
Fencing net of grant 29.3  
Blocking drains 16.2  
Total 111.4 23.9
Income forgone 87.4  
Uptake targets to January 2002
200 hectares
Income forgone
£87/ha
Current payment rate
£90/ha
Level of incentive
3%

[Back to top]


Tier 2 (Option 2) - Moorland

Scheme Prescriptions

Observe prescriptions 1-12 (Tier 1 Part 1), 13-19 (Tier 1 Part 2), 20-29 (Tier 1 Part 3) and 30-36 (Tier 1 Part 4) plus the additional prescriptions set out below:-

  1. During the period 1 March to 30 September your stocking level must not exceed 0.1 livestock units per hectare and all livestock must be removed from the moor during the period 1 October to 28 February.
Agronomic Impact

The prescriptions for this tier have the following.

  1. Reduced output associated with reduced stocking rates of 0.125 GLU/ha from 0.225 GLU/ha to 0.1 GLU/ha.
  2. Away wintering of all remaining ewes.
  3. Moorland management costs associated with Tier 1 Part 4.
  4. Consequential savings in labour and interest on working capital.
  5. Opportunities to lease out sheep quota.
Income Forgone Calculation - Tier 2 (Option 2) Moorland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Leasing   4.8
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital 0.125 GLU   2.1
Labour saving 0.125 GLU   4.3
Income Lost    
Livestock gross margin 0.125 GLU 26.5  
Extra Costs    
Away wintering 75% of 0.125 GLU 11.0  
Moorland Tier 1 (Part 4) 33.3  
Total 70.8 11.2
Income forgone 59.6  
Uptake targets to January 2002
1,600 hectares
Income forgone
£60/ha
Current payment rate
£62/ha
Level of incentive
3.3%
Justification for incentive
A small incentive element is justified to encourage uptake in this tier.

[Back to top]


Moorland regeneration supplement (available on tier 1 part 4 and tier 2 part 2)

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Agree a plan in writing with the Project Officer to exclude all stock from your moorland for a period of between three and five years to allow vegetation to regenerate.
Agronomic Impact

The requirement of the prescriptions in this supplementary payment on Tier 1 Part 4 and Tier 2 Option 2 to exclude all stock from the moorland will involve:

  1. Fencing, gate and stile costs net of grant.
  2. Loss of output from hill ewes.
  3. Consequential savings in labour and interest on working capital.
  4. Opportunities to lease out sheep quota.
  5. When the moorland supplement is paid in conjunction to Tier 1-4 and Tier 2A the away wintering costs can be deducted from the supplement.
Income Forgone Calculation - Moorland Exclosure Supplement to Tier 1.4
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   8
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital 0.225 GLU/ha   8
Labour costs 0.225 GLU   7
Away wintering 25% of 0.225 GLU (1.5 ewes)   6
Income Lost    
Loss of hill sheep gross margin 0.225 GLU/ha 62  
Extra Costs    
Capital costs of fencing net of grant:    
Fencing £62 x 20% 13  
Total 75 29
Income forgone 46  

Income Forgone Calculation - Moorland Exclosure Supplement to Tier 2 (Option 2) Moorland
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra Income    
Quota leasing   7.1
Costs Saved    
Interest on working capital 0.1 GLU/ha   2.7
Labour costs 0..1 GLU/ha   5.4
Away wintering (0.66 ewes) @ .1 GLU/ha   9.0
Income Lost    
Loss of hill sheep gross margin @ 0.1 GLU/ha 35.1  
Extra Costs    
Fencing costs 14  
Total 49.1 24.2
Income forgone 25  
Income Forgone - Summary
The income forgone for these typical participants following these prescriptions currently in Tier 2 Option 2 will be £25/ha. Assuming the regeneration tier attracts 50:50 from Tier 1-4 and Tier 2 Option 2 the typical income forgone will be £46 + 25 ¸ 2.
Uptake targets to January 2002
40 hectares
Income forgone
£35/ha
Current payment rate
£30/ha
Level of incentive
N/A

[Back to top]


Small woodland management and regeneration tier

Scheme Prescriptions
  1. Adopt a programme agreed in writing with the Project Officer to enhance the conservation and landscape value of non net-income generating woodland. This will involve making and keeping the woodland stockproof and the carrying out of an ongoing programme of woodland management. Individual areas of woodland below 1 ha may be entered into this tier.
Agronomic Impact

The requirement of this tier to enclose woodland and exclude all stock will involve:

  1. Lamb mortality as a result of loss of shelter.
  2. Extra feed costs
  3. Fencing costs net of conservation grant
  4. Woodland management costs
Income Forgone Calculation - Small Woodland Management and Regeneration Tier
£/ha Losses Gains
Extra income   0
Costs saved   0
Income lost
Lamb losses 58.9  
Extra costs
Woodland Management 5.4  
Fencing 34.6  
Hay 12  
Total 110.8 0
Income forgone 110.8  
Uptake targets to January 2002
40 hectares
Income forgone
£111/ha
Current payment rate
£120/ha
Level of incentive
8%
Justification for incentive
An incentive element is justified was approved during the most recent payment review, to encourage uptake of this new tier, that offers positive management of small native woodlands, including the Biodiversity Action Plan priority, upland oakwood habitat.

[Back to top]


Drystone walls supplement

Scheme Prescription

Prescription 3 of Tier 1 Part 1.

Agronomic Impact

Costs of wall restoration.

Income forgone - Dry stone Walls Supplement
Current cost of rebuilding/restoring dry stone walls in the SW Peak vary between £20-£26/m. Typical contractor costs are £23/m. Labour, top wiring and posts are equivalent to an extra £3/metre. Total cost £26/metre.
Uptake targets to January 2002
100km
Income forgone
£28/metre
Current payment rate
£20/metre.
Level of incentive
N/A

[Back to top]

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

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs