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Section 3 - Detailed guidance on completing the FEP form

Photo 3

3.1 Layout of the FEP form

  • Part 1 - Farm and Surveyor details
  • Part 2 - The Environmental Features Data Sheet - this is where the location, condition and size of all existing field scale environmental features is collected
  • Part 3 - Farm Scale information and potential - this is where an assessment is made of larger scale environmental issues e.g. landscape, and where potential for restoration and creation are addressed.
  • Part 4 - Other Information - additional information on the significance of the farm and any potential conflicts.
  • Part 5 - Management Summary - a summary of recommended management
  • Part 6 - Checklists.

3.2 Detailed guidance for each part of the form

Every part must be completed.

Part one - Farm and surveyor details
HLS application number
This can be found on the pre-printed FEP or HLS application forms and on the maps sent to the applicant.
Farm contact details
This should normally be the HLS applicant's details. If the applicant is represented by an agent then their details should be entered here with the farm address added lower down the page.
Vendor number
The 'vendor number' is a unique trader registration number allocated to the applicant by the RPA so that they can receive payments. If the applicant has previously claimed payments under IACS or under an ERDP scheme they will have already been issued with a vendor number.
If they do not have a vendor number, they must obtain one from the RPA (contact details are provided in appendix 6 of the ELS/OELS handbook).
Total area covered by the FEP
This must be the same area of land that is shown on the FER/FEP map as registered on the RLR. (This may not be the same as the total area of the farm.)
Part two - Environmental Features Data Sheet
Land parcel number
Enter the field or parcel number from the FER/FEP Map - this must be the RLR number. If any areas are not registered then please refer to the guidance in section 2.4.1 of this handbook.
Boundary number
This is the number you have assigned to any hedges, ditches and walls which meet the feature definitions and which must also be marked on the FER/FEP map.
Feature name
(The electronic form also includes Feature Detail in this column - see below for details.)
The concept of environmental features is key to this part of the FEP. It is important that you familiarise yourself with (i) the most common features for your area and (ii) section 4 of this handbook.
Select the appropriate feature from the drop-down list in the electronic version, or from the printed list in this handbook. Other features will not be accepted.
FEP features are grouped into different categories and are defined in this handbook. Each feature has an unique code attributed to it. An area can have more than one feature associated with it e.g. 'G06 - Lowland meadow - BAP habitat' and a 'H02 - below ground historic feature'.
Feature detail
Some features have defined feature details assigned to them, e.g. the feature 'H15 - Parkland structure' has two feature details: parkland: folly and parkland: ha-ha. (If both these feature details are found in one land parcel then the feature should be recorded twice, once for each feature detail.) Where these can be reliably identified, they provide useful additional information.
There are many feature details associated with historic features and species. Often these will be identified in the Historic Environment Record consultation and can be confidently used.
If feature details cannot be confidently identified then this box should be left blank.
Only feature details identified in this handbook should be used. Simple additional details can be entered into the notes column, where necessary.
Designation and designation reference
This is for Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs); Special Protection Areas (SPAs); Scheduled Monuments (SMs), Listed Buildings (LBs); Registered Parks and Gardens (RPGs); Registered Battlefields (RBs) and sites identified on the Historic Environment Record (HER).
All these designations will be shown on the Environmental Information map, if present, except sites on the Historic Environment Record and Listed Buildings. Designation references for SSSIs, SACs and SPAs can be found on English Nature's website. The designation reference for SMs and other historic designations should be in the Historic Environment Record consultation response. (SMs may have another designation number assigned to them in the HER, please record this number in the notes column.)
Grid reference
The main purpose of the grid reference is to locate individual historic features in large fields or upland areas, or where there may be more than one in a field. Grid references will be provided by the HER and these should be used. (If you think they are incorrect add your grid reference to the notes column but still add the grid reference provided as this is important to us for identifying individual features. You may wish to inform the HER of any discrepancies.)
If you have identified an historic feature that isn't noted in your HER consultation then please locate using a grid reference - the use of GPS to locate these is recommended. These features should also be accurately marked on the FEP Map.
Grid references must be at least eight figures i.e. two letters to denote the map sheet and three easting and three northing co-ordinates.
Feature area/length/amount
This is to identify the extent of each identified feature.
The appropriate unit of measurement for each feature is included in the electronic form and is listed for each feature in section 4 of this handbook.
Feature condition
Most features require an assessment of their condition. There are three possible conditions for features: A, B or C. The condition must be identified using the guidance in section 4 of this handbook.
Each feature which requires a condition assessment has a series of criteria associated with it (there are usually four different criteria for each feature.)
The condition category is derived from the number of criteria that the feature meets, as shown in the table. Only features in very good condition will be classed as being in category A. The condition of the feature can help lead you to decide which management option would be most suitable
Number of missed/failed criteria Condition assessment category Probable management level
0 A Maintain
1 B Maintain or restore
2 or more C Restore
If a feature falls into condition category B or C then please record the criteria number(s) that the feature failed on in the notes column. e.g. if a reedbed falls into condition C because it is dominated by scrub and has dried out then record 'C' in the feature condition column and 'Failed on 1 and 3' in the notes column as these are the numbers of the criteria that it failed to meet.
Feature condition in SSSIs
It is important that you identify all features in SSSIs according to the definitions in this handbook.
English Nature carry out their own detailed condition assessments of SSSIs - to avoid confusion and to aid consistency please use the following protocol when assessing feature condition in SSSIs:
English Nature's 'Nature on the Map' website (www.natureonthemap.org.uk) provides access to citations which outline the notified interest of SSSIs. A condition assessment of the site is also provided. For HLS features which are covered by the citation, please use English Nature's condition assessment for the site (or part of site).
If there have been recent significant changes to the condition of the site which are not reflected in English Nature's condition assessment, then please make a note of the change in the notes column, but still record the original condition assessment.
If a RLR land parcel is sub-divided into more than one SSSI site management unit then the condition of an HLS feature should correspond to the appropriate site management unit. Where an HLS feature is covered by more than one site management unit, note this against the feature and take the condition class for the majority of site units.
If there are any additional features that are unrelated to the SSSI interest e.g. a hedge around the edge of a SSSI designated as a species-rich hay meadow, or an historic feature, then please assess according to the HLS criteria, as normal. If there is any doubt about whether the HLS feature is covered by the SSSI interest then please use EN's condition assessment as noted on their website www.natureonthemap.org.uk
Feature condition of Scheduled Monuments and other historic features
English Heritage is carrying out its own programme of condition assessment of Scheduled Monuments. Where the HER consultation shows a condition assessment please use this. If you think that this assessment is inappropriate due to recent change then please add your own assessment to the notes column.
When carrying out a condition assessment on an historic feature consider a reasonable surrounding area in order to appropriately assign condition. For instance a barrow is likely to have a ditch around the outside of the mound which cannot now be seen. In this case the mound plus a margin of ten metres width should be assessed.
Recommended management option
Please select the HLS or ELS 'more of the same' option that would best meet the management of the feature. (See appendix 1 of the HLS handbook for details of management options.) We are looking for recommendations that would be optimal for the feature and not necessarily what is the most pragmatic for the farm's individual circumstance. It will be for the applicant to make an assessment of whether the recommended management can be sensibly accommodated on the farm and any alternative management option selected by the applicant will be recorded in the HLS application form. If the recommended option would be difficult for the applicant to implement then this can be discussed in part 4 of the form.
There may be circumstances where this general rule may not be followed, for example if there are two features within a field with conflicting management needs. If this is the case then an explanation of the suggested management should be entered in part 4 of the FEP form.
In some situations it may be appropriate to select capital works to protect and manage a feaure e.g. for hedge restoration. Capital works can be used with or without management options. The capital works codes can also be entered in this column. Please enter only one option, any additional options should be listed in the notes column.
A full list of options and their codes is in the HLS handbook in appendix 1. Guidance on how to choose which management options or capital works would be most appropriate can be found in sections 4 and 5, respectively, of the HLS handbook.
Notes
If a feature falls into condition category B or C then please record the criteria number(s) that the feature failed on in this column - see guidance on features above for further detail.
This column can also be used if there is a concise piece of information about the feature that is not collected elsewhere and would inform the HLS application. It is acceptable to leave this box blank. Complex information can be entered in part 4 of the form.
Part three - Farm scale environmental features and potential for creation of new features

This part is designed to cover those issues that are best considered on a farm scale rather than by individual field. The answers to the questions in this section will help inform the decision about what is the most appropriate management option for each field or wood.

Unless the surveyor is particularly familiar with the farm, this part should be completed during or after the site visit.

Part 3.1. Landscape

This part of the form is an assessment of the landscape character of the farm and the surrounding countryside. Assessing landscape character helps to identify what makes a place distinctive, what gives a locality its own 'sense of place' and what makes it different from the neighbouring valley, plain or area. It identifies the 'key' characteristics and features present and helps to determine appropriate integrated management decisions to achieve environmental benefits.

The whole of England has been surveyed and its landscape character classified and described by the Countryside Agency. This national landscape character assessment identified 159 different Countryside Character areas across the country. English Nature have also made an assessment of the wildlife interest of these areas, known as Natural Areas. They have been combined and are known as Joint Character Areas or JCAs.

For each JCA a number and name (e.g. 148 'Devon Redlands') is identified. The map showing the indicative boundaries of the JCAs, their full descriptions and 'key' characteristics can be found on the Countryside Agency website www.countryside.gov.uk/livinglandscapes. They have also been published in eight regional 'Countryside Character' volumes.

RDS have provided detailed descriptions of the physical, historical and cultural influences, buildings and settlement and land cover for each of these JCAs to help the surveyor describe the overall landscape character of each area. These 'key' characteristics represent the pattern or spatial distribution of features and elements in the landscape.

If the farm is large or fragmented, then it is more likely to straddle more than one landscape character area or JCA. If so, the details of all the landscape character areas covered by the land need to be checked and you will need to assess which is the best fit.

In many locations there may be a much more detailed and localised assessment of landscape character carried out by a County Council or Local Planning Authority. Where a District or County landscape assessment is published, then it should be consulted and used as part of the landscape FEP process as it will be more relevant and useful at the farm scale. A list of local landscape character assessments can be found on the Landscape Character Network website: www.landscapecharacter.org.uk. Local Landscape Assessments are being added all the time so the site should be referred to regularly.

It may be helpful to take a camera when walking around the farm to take photographs from different viewpoints to help complete the FEP landscape assessment back in the office. (There is no need to submit these with the FEP.)

If the farm is near the boundary of more than one JCA, it may be useful (and save time) to take a list of the adjacent JCA's key characteristics out with you on the farm visit.

How to complete the landscape tables

The key characteristics for the JCA which you have decided best suits your land should be written in to the first table. The key characteristics will be automatically entered when the JCA name is selected from the drop down box in the electronic version of the FEP form. If you are filling out a paper version of the form then you will have to obtain the key characteristics from our website and identify the JCA name and number.

Additional characteristics from local assessments should be entered into the second table. If other additional significant key landscape characteristics, previously not mentioned in the JCA description or more detailed local landscape assessment, are observed on the farm or in the surrounding landscape, please add them to the table.

Is this characteristic typical of the wider area surrounding the farm?
State YES or NO - do not leave blank
The 'wider area' can be described as the 'visual envelope' around the farm (2-3 miles or 3-5 km) and is probably the valley, plain or hill it is located in or on, i.e. the local vicinity. If the farm is atypical, is this because the farm is unique and very different for a particular reason or because it is being assessed against the wrong 'key' characteristics? This may be the case if the farm is near the boundary of two or three JCA's and is more typical of an adjacent JCA. If so a different JCA may need to be selected for this assessment.
If the answer to the above is YES then answer the following three questions - leave blank if the answer is NO.
How is this characteristic represented on the farm?
Tick as appropriate
For each 'key' characteristic listed make a decision on its extent or how well it is represented on the farm, i.e. the strength of character that this characteristic represents. There are four categories to choose from:
ABSENT - if there is no evidence or very little, to suggest that the 'key' characteristic was ever present on the farm.
WEAK - if the 'key' characteristic is evident but its occurrence is sporadic, fragmented, weak or low in extent or strength on the farm.
AVERAGE - if the 'key' characteristic is evident but limited, moderate or medium in extent or strength on the farm.
STRONG - if there is repeated, strong representation or high evidence to suggest that the 'key' characteristic is present on the farm.
Condition of characteristic?
State: Poor, fair or good
For each 'key' characteristic listed make a decision on its current condition on the farm. There are three categories to choose from:
POOR - if the 'key' characteristic shows little evidence of current management, is derelict or in a state of disrepair, dereliction or abandonment and would not represent good 'value for money' to re-introduce active management. For example, this may include a collapsed stone wall network.
FAIR - if the 'key' characteristic shows some evidence of recent but not necessarily regular or annual management, is reasonably intact and could be brought back into good condition in a reasonable timescale and cost. For example, this may include flailed or over-trimmed hedgerows.
GOOD - if the 'key' characteristic shows evidence of regular and/or annual management and is intact or in a good state of repair.
Note: The condition of geo-morphological, geological or settlement characteristics that cannot be managed under the scheme do not need to be assessed. These boxes should be crossed through on the paper form. The electronic e-form will automatically have these boxes blocked out.
Appropriate management strategy?
State: Maintain, restore or create
For each 'key' characteristic listed make a decision on the most appropriate management strategy. The landscape description for each JCA and most local landscape character assessments usually indicate the overall beneficial strategy for landscape management. In 'Countryside Character' (available on the Countryside Agency website www.countryside.gov.uk/livinglandscapes) this will be found in the full individual JCA descriptions under the part titled 'Shaping the Future' and will include phrases such as maintain or conserve, strengthen, enhance or restore and create or re-create. There are three categories to choose from:
MAINTAIN - or conserve where the 'key' characteristic is strong or typical, and its features intact or in a good state of repair or condition on the farm.
RESTORE - strengthen or enhance where the 'key' characteristic is average, moderately intact in extent or weakened by its features being in a reasonable (fair) state of repair or condition on the farm holding.
CREATE - or re-create where the 'key' characteristic is fragmented or weakly represented, its features no longer intact or absent and in a poor state of repair or condition on the farm. This strategy will only be adopted when part of an integrated management objective or management plan; represents 'value for money' and is fully supported by landscape specialist advice.
If proposed management information is not obviously available the following table will help to determine the most appropriate management strategy:
Condition of 'key' characteristic
    Poor Fair Good
Representation or strength of 'key' characteristic Strong Restore Maintain or Restore Maintain
Average Restore or Create Restore Maintain or Restore
Weak Create Restore and Create Restore

Further details should be completed in the continuation table for additional significant 'key' characteristics identified by a local landscape character assessment or from on-farm observations.

Priorities for landscape management and enhancement
Please enter in this section any comments on the following:
  • Identify whether the farm is atypical and should be managed and maintained as such, i.e. if it is unique or does not fit well any of the JCA or local landscape character assessment descriptions of the area.
  • Identify which are the 'key' landscape management priorities or opportunities for landscape enhancement or benefit on the farm.
  • Identify any conflicts or constraints with any other environmental interests on the farm.
  • Identify the main integrated management priorities at the landscape scale for the farm.
  • Identify and name the more detailed local landscape assessments that you have used to complete the FEP landscape assessment.
  • If the land covered by the FEP falls distinctly into more than one JCA, please name the other JCAs and outline approximately how much land is in each JCA.
Part 3.2. Historic environment

3.2 a) Historic landscape characterisation

The Historic Environment Record may be able to provide information about the origins of the landscape of the farm and its immediate surroundings. This advice might be based on an Historic Landscape Characterisation (HLC) for the area, if one has been undertaken. This can be used to help understand today's landscape pattern and its origins. Please summarise the HLC and HER information you receive and identify those features that are of most relevance to the farm.

For example, the HLC indicates that the land lies in an area of 'Ancient Enclosure' characterised by small hedged fields, therefore the remaining field boundaries on the farm should be a priority for restoration.

3.2 b) Potential for management of the historic environment

The HER consultation should provide information on the significance of the known historic value of the farm and provide some generic management guidance. The FEP fieldwork may show up features that are not recorded in the HER. Based on both HER recommendations and your own evidence summarise here:

  • the significance of the historic environment;
  • the potential for enhanced management of the historic environment.

For instance, the HER may say that the historic environment of the parish is nationally important, representing a prehistoric landscape with a variety of visible features, 15 of which are Scheduled Monuments. Your entry may say 'Nationally important prehistoric landscape including ten SMs and other features on the farm.'

And the potential for management could be: two of the SMs are being damaged by stock so more appropriate stocking levels are needed and one SM is covered in scrub which should be removed. A gate is too close to features in field xx and requires relocating.

Part 3.3 Field boundaries

3.3 a) Evaluation of the field boundary network

The most environmentally significant boundaries on the farm will have been identified and their condition recorded in part 2 - the Environmental Features Data Sheet.

This section will provide an over-view of the field boundaries on the farm. We only wish to know, at this stage, about the general type and condition of typical field boundaries, for example:

Type of boundary Style/Species Condition (poor/fair/good) Threats
Hedges E.g. tall hawthorn with occasional standard ash trees fair E.g. grazed by livestock; close arable cultivations
Walls E.g. drystone with toppers- limestone - c 1.5 m high good E.g. overgrown with trees in places
Ditches E.g. steep-sided arable drainage ditches poor E.g. lack of management
Other (to include fences) E.g. hedgebanks; painted post and rail poor E.g. repaired within appropriate materials

Note: the condition terms 'poor, fair and good' are defined in the FEP form.

If the feature 'relict boundary' is found on the farm then please do not include them in the evaluation of condition, but add a comment on them in the 'other boundaries' row e.g. most of the boundaries on the farm are relict boundaries but were traditionally walls.

3.3 b) Extent of boundary change

It is possible to use historical maps to assess how much the landscape pattern has changed. Copies of the first edition, six inch Ordnance Survey maps can be viewed on some websites. The local Records Office, or sometimes the local Historic Environment Record, will hold copies of such maps. If the first edition, six inch OS map for the area is not available then please consult a map dating from at least before the First World War.

3.3 c) and d) Potential to replace and restore boundaries

We are looking for opportunities to replace lost boundaries and restore existing boundaries where this would meet several scheme objectives or where there is a strong case based on one objective. For example: planting a species rich hedge to link ancient woodland, along the line of a parish boundary; or restoring a degraded deer park boundary.

There could be potential for reinstating or strengthening degraded boundary patterns in the following situations:

  • Where the historic landscape characterisation indicates recent loss.
  • Where recent loss is evident on the ground (banks without hedges, etc).
  • Where landscape character is weak owing to lack of boundaries or where they are in poor condition.
  • Where boundary loss has been significant compared to the County series of OS maps.
  • Where new boundaries do not fit the existing field pattern and weaken landscape character.
Part 3.4. Biodiversity

3.4 a) Potential for habitat restoration

There may be habitats on the farm which:

  • have some existing ecological interest, but fail to meet the feature definition for a BAP or other semi-natural habitat;
  • meet a feature definition for a BAP or other semi-natural habitat, but fail two or more of the condition assessment criteria;
  • once supported a target species, but the species has been lost due to changes in conditions on the site.

Examples include: semi-improved grassland which has too few species per square metre to qualify as species-rich; heathland which has been degraded by scrub invasion or inappropriate grazing; the loss of a butterfly species due to changes in habitat management; wading birds no longer breeding due to drying out of the site.

It may be possible to restore these habitats through changes in management (e.g. scrub control, grazing, cutting, raising water levels) or active intervention (e.g. spreading species-rich hay to enhance the diversity of a species poor meadow).

Not all sites will have potential for restoration, and they must be carefully selected with clear objectives. The priority habitats for restoration under HLS will be identified in the JCA targeting statements. Guidance on assessing the restoration potential of species poor grassland, and methods of increasing its botanical diversity can be found on our website

Please identify those fields which you think may have potential for habitat restoration, and briefly outline the reasons why. If your application to HLS is successful, the restoration potential of these areas will be assessed in more detail by RDS.

3.4 b) Potential for habitat creation

In general we are interested in habitat creation on land which:

  • used to support a high value habitat in the past;
  • is adjacent to or links existing semi-natural habitats;
  • would support species of conservation interest known to use the farm or nearby land;
  • has been identified by conservation agencies as suitable for meeting specific objectives e.g. flood management, coastal re-alignment, buffering SSSIs.

Examples of habitat creation include: creation of species-rich grassland on arable land; new woodland planting; new wetland habitats to assist with flood management on land identified by the Environment Agency.

The priority targets for habitat creation under HLS will be identified in the JCA targeting statements.

Sites for habitat creation must be carefully selected, and there must be clear objectives. Land with most potential for creation of species-rich habitats is likely to have stress factors such as shallow soil, steep slope, drought or waterlogging and/or a low soil available phosphorus index of 0 or 1. Guidance on assessing the potential of land for creation of species rich grassland can be found on our website www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es

Please identify those fields which you think may have potential for habitat creation, and briefly outline the reasons why. If your application to HLS is successful, the habitat creation potential of these areas will be assessed in more detail by RDS.

3.4 c) Species records

List the species recorded in part 2 of the FEP form and provide details of the source and age of data. E.g. skylark and grey partridge data from RSPB volunteer alliance, surveyed in 2003.

Identify fields where there are opportunities to enhance the species' populations. This is likely to include fields for which you have obtained recent records of target species, where some suitable habitat remains or could be created.

Identify suitable HLS management options to benefit the species. Examples include: creation of fallow plots to benefit nesting lapwing; cereal field margins/cultivated plots for rare arable plants; restoration of wet grassland to benefit breeding waders.

Part 3.5. Access

3.5 a) Problems with existing access

This question aims to identify any problems with existing public access that may help us assess the suitability of any proposed new access.

Existing public access routes , as shown on the 'environmental information map' should be:

  • easy to find (i.e. well advertised);
  • easy to follow (i.e. well signposted); and
  • easy to use (i.e. not obstructed).

If, overall, the network of Public Rights of Way (PRoW) does not meet the above criteria this should be recorded. It is important to record if any problems are outside the farmers' control, such as fly tipping blocking PRoW.

As an example, there may be a PRoW that runs across an archaeological feature which causes erosion . This could then be identified as an opportunity to create an alternative route, in the questions below.

3.5 b) de facto access

One of the scheme objectives is to improve public access to the countryside. One way of doing this is to legitimise and support the farmer in maintaining de facto routes. De facto routes are those which are commonly used but are not legal public rights of way.

Potential for new access

The FEP should show what is considered to be possible and potentially beneficial to the public and what the farmer is minded to consider entering into HLS. This includes existing ESA and CS access routes which the farmer wishes to continue with under HLS.

If a Rights of Way Improvement Plan (RoWIP) is available, the priorities within it should be considered when assessing potential new routes. RoWIP are prepared by local authorities, and can be obtained from the local authority highways department.

3.5 c) and d) Potential for new or upgrading existing routes

We are interested in finding out if there any opportunities for creating new routes.

The main reasons for providing new access for the public are:

  • to give access to interesting, unusual or unique features on the land
  • to increase understanding of the rural environment by school or other groups
  • to fill gaps in the local rights of way network or to add to or enhance long distance routes and the coast path
  • to provide access to land-locked CRoW designated open access land
  • to upgrade CRoW open access land for other users e.g. the disabled, horse riders and cyclists.

These proposed new routes should be marked on the FER/FEP map - see section 2.7.1 for details.

3.5 e) Educational access

This information is optional and only required if the applicant is likely to apply for the Educational Access option of HLS.

Demand for Educational Access should be discussed with local schools or other groups. Evidence of an intention to use the site will be required at the HLS application stage. This option very much depends on the land manager being willing and able to spend time with groups explaining the farm and farming in general. An explanatory leaflet is available from RDS which explains in more detail the requirements of this option.

Part 3.6. Natural resource protection

The HLS scheme has management options that will help to reduce diffuse pollution problems from farmland. This section is aimed at identifying where diffuse pollution is likely to occur and to recommend management solutions through HLS options.

3.6 a) Targeted areas

To answer this question you will need to find out if any part of the land is within a priority catchment or other any other target area for resource protection. Targeted areas include Priority Catchments around vulnerable wetland SSSIs, as defined by English Nature. This information will be available on www.natureonthemap.org.uk

3.6 b) Land at risk of generating diffuse pollution

The purpose of this table is to capture information on management that could ameliorate the risks identified in each field. This potential could range from identifying fields which should be converted to permanent grass to those where grass margins could be used effectively. Detailed information on identifying risk is on our website

3.6 c) Priorities for natural resource protection on the farm

Please briefly outline the most important measures that need to be taken on the land to protect natural resources.

Part 3.7. Flood and coastal management

3.7 a) To identify whether land is on a natural river or coastal flood plain you will need to use the Environment Agency website www.environment-agency.gov.uk or the MAGIC website www.magic.gov.uk to find which parcels are on the indicative sea and river flood plain.

3.7 b) The Environment Agency is generally responsible for formally identifying land that has potential for reducing flood risk and for having potential for coastal re-alignment. They normally consult with the land owner or tenant so the farmer may already be aware of any land that has been targeted. If in doubt contact the Environment Agency for further information.

Land actively protected from regular flooding will usually be protected by defences such as sea walls and river walls or pumped drainage.

Please also consider what semi-natural habitats would be created by any change of management associated with these proposals and ensure that they are covered in part 3.4 of the form.

Part 3.8. Genetic conservation

3.8 a) Native breeds

A list of native mainstream and rare breeds[Click to download Adobe Acrobat Reader][56KB] can be found on our website. List any breeds from these lists and numbers of animals that are either present on the land or could easily be brought in e.g. from neighbour or from a 'flying flock' belonging to a conservation group.

3.8 b) Habitat management

Native livestock breeds are generally better suited to harsh climatic conditions and difficult terrain. They are also often better at grazing semi-natural vegetation which is often neither palatable or easy to digest for more conventional livestock. For example conservation organisations often graze New Forest ponies on semi-natural habitats, which have been degraded due to lack of management, as they are good at grazing the build up of coarse grasses and light scrub. They can also be useful for managing habitats on sensitive archaeological sites as they cause less damage to ground surfaces than machines.

Please state which habitats or features the stock will be used to help manage.

3.8 c) Orchard varieties

Only list traditional varieties of fruit tree on the land. Do not include commercial modern varieties. Your local wildlife trust or local authority conservation officer may be able to advise on how to get your fruit trees identified. 'Traditional varieties' are generally those that were grown in the locality before 1920. They may include varieties that are still in common cultivation today such as the Bramley and Cox's orange pippin.

Local provenance plant material

Local provenance plant material refers to seed, cuttings, plug plants, etc which have originated from wild populations of native plants, growing close to the area where the material is to be sown or planted. RDS is encouraging the use of local provenance plant material in order to protect the genetic diversity of wild plant populations and to ensure that the plants will be best suited to local growing conditions.

Commercial supplies of local provenance seed are very limited. We are therefore encouraging farmers to consider using species-rich habitats on their own or nearby farms as donor sites for seed for use in habitat creation/restoration.

There are various methods of collecting seed. It can be harvested with a brush harvester. On heathland, heather can be cut and the brash spread on the receptor site. In meadows, 'green hay' can be used - which is herbage cut at or just before the hay stage and immediately transported to and spread on the receptor site.

3.8 d) If habitat creation or restoration measures are proposed then please identify areas on the land or neighbouring farms (with the landowner's permission) which could be used as donor sites for seed. You may know of nearby areas from which seed is harvested already.

If applicable, natural regeneration/colonisation can be stated here as the method of habitat creation. Natural regeneration/colonisation is the preferred method on some sites - particularly those close to SSSIs and other semi-natural habitats - and for creating or restocking woodland. Further information can be found on our website

3.8 e) The answer to this question is not binding in any way, and the farmer's permission would be required before any harvesting was undertaken. The question is being asked as it is useful for us to be able to link up potential donor sites with suppliers and users of local seed. There is a voluntary code of practice for collectors, growers and suppliers of native flora, available at www.floralocale.org

Part 3.9. Woodlands and orchards

Some woodland management and planting can be grant aided through the HLS scheme but for more large scale woodland work it may be more appropriate for the applicant to consider the Forestry Commission's English Woodland Grant Scheme.

Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) are made by local authorities. Details of TPOs are available for inspection at local planning offices and are on local land charges registers.

Orchards

There may be potential to restore degraded or lost traditional orchards. We are particularly interested in sites which retain some remnants of their former use e.g. some remaining trees (these may be in the hedgerows), or permanent pasture left after the trees have been removed.

Please provide details of the type of orchard, if known, that has been lost or degraded e.g. fruit tree types; spacings and varieties.

Part 3.10 Supplementary tables on woodland parcels

Please complete a separate table for each parcel of woodland.

The table is designed to help us capture basic information on the woodland type and its condition. This will help us assess appropriate management and allow us to monitor the effects of any woodland management over time.

Please list the species from the canopy, shrub layer and ground layer that are relevant to the management and condition of the wood. For example, dominant tree species and any regenerating tree or shrub species.

For each species please assess its frequency (this is an estimate of how common the species is in the wood) and identify whether it is a canopy or shrub species (some species may be found in both). Please also indicate the average age of the species.

For tree or shrub species in the canopy, determine frequency by counting the number of stems (tree trunks) and for shrub species determine frequency by area covered by their canopy. Use C to indicate canopy, S to indicate shrub layer and G to indicate field layer as shown in the example below.

To indicate the age class of trees and shrubs use (E) - establishment, (S/M) - semi-mature, (M) - mature and (A) - ancient. This should be the average class throughout the wood.

If the ground flora has specialist woodland plants such as bluebell or wood anemone please note them as shown in the example below. Examples of ancient woodland species are given in the ancient woodland feature definition in section 4.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all woodland species, and you should not need to extend this table.

Notes/comments: e.g. damage by pests; whether trees are coppiced or pollarded, whether the species is invading or is being restricted by browsing.

Example

Species O
<10%		 F
10-50%		 A
> 50%		 Notes/comments
Oak     C(M) Branchy, little or no timber value.
Sycamore   C(M)   Squirrel damage in crown.
Hazel   S(M)   Hazel not coppiced for more than 50 years.
Sycamore   G(E)   Being browsed by deer.
Indian balsam G     Invasive, to be controlled.
Wood anemone G     Other ancient species also present.

Overall condition, opportunities and threats

Please record here anything of management significance e.g. good oak regeneration would be an opportunity and invading rhododendron would be a threat. Also record if there is significant natural regeneration or any particular features e.g. wide rides, unusual species, ponds, deadwood.

If you are able, record the timber stocking level and estimate the timber resource.

Summary of management proposals

Management proposals may include fencing to exclude stock and encourage natural regeneration, new planting, coppicing, felling or pollarding.

Please use part 4 to record additional information if there is insufficient room in the table.

Part four - Other relevant information

Information on the following should be included in this part:

  • If the land is in a SSSI then any Views about Management can be summarised here.
  • The particular significance of any of the features identified in the environmental features data sheet.
  • The presence of a feature of particular interest on nearby land could be highlighted here such as the presence of a bat roost.
  • Where there are several features in a field that require conflicting management the proposed management solution should be identified here.

If there are other issues that you do not feel have been adequately covered in parts 2 and 3, then please make your comments in this part of the form.

Part five - Summary of FEP findings and management proposals

This section should be used to highlight the most significant environmental features on the land and to summarise the recommended management. This may be in general terms, such as: the introduction of appropriate cattle grazing onto the farm would allow more sensitive grazing of the upland heath and help to control bracken by trampling. Specific management advice can also be provided, such as: the scheduled monument in field xx is of particular regional significance but is being damaged by arable cultivations; it is a priority to change the land use to permanent grass.

Part six - Record of consultations and FEP check list

Please identify which websites and organisations have been consulted in the process of carrying out this FEP. It is only necessary to send us the consultation response from the HER. Please do not send us any other supporting documentation.

Page last modified: 31 March, 2006
Page published: 3 March, 2005

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs