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Organic Environmental StewardshipCreating and maintaining benificial habitats for wildlife, HLS and ELS |
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The CAP budget has been cut; most farms now receive the Single Farm Payment as subsidies have been decoupled from production. In addition, modulation will redirect part of the CAP budget to the rural development budget. This means that farmers can get back some of the money lost through modulation by entering Environmental Stewardship. DEFRA is reviewing the current scheme and changes are likely to affect agreements from 2010.
 What is Environmental Stewardship Environmental Stewardship provides payments to farmers for creating and preserving beneficial habitats, landscapes and increasingly for biodiversity. It is estimated that around 50% of farmers in England have applied for ELS. Environmental Stewardship has replaced ESA's and Countryside Stewardship. There are three levels of Environmental Stewardship; Entry Level (ELS), Organic Entry Level (OELS) and Higher Level (OHLS). Entry Level Stewardship Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) is a non competitive scheme open to all farmers. Points are awarded from a menu of options with a target of achieving 30 points per ha. You will be paid £30 per ha, per year. Agreements last for five years with rates fixed for that period. No on farm support from Defra is given. It is easy for most farms to qualify. Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) Higher Level Stewardship is more demanding as it is outcome focused. It must deliver results. Unlike Entry Level (ELS), which is open to all farmers, this is competitive and applications will need to target certain species, habitats and landscapes. A Farm Environment Plan must be prepared before application. Payments vary depending on work undertaken but are generally higher than Entry Level. Agreements will last ten years with on farm Natural England officer support. Applicants will need to be in Entry Level in order to qualify. Buffer Strip Grass Margins Much emphasis has been placed on the establishment of buffer strips commonly known as grass margins. These strips protect environmental features such as ditches, hedges and woodland from sprays and fertilisers. They also offer considerable benefits for wildlife. Small mammals, invertebrates and birds will all find desirable habitats particularly when these grassy areas are sited next to other habitats such as rivers and hedges. The Buffer Strip Grass Margin mixture contains only grasses and is suitable for most grass margins of between 2 and 6 metres. This has been widely used up until now. Grass only mixtures are slightly less expensive than those with nectar source species and a lot cheaper than those with wild flowers. However some of you may wish to add native broadleaved species as a source of pollen and nectar or for visual interest. We mix all our seeds to order so any changes you wish to make can be accommodated. Choice of Grass Seed Species Cotswold Seeds recommend a mixture of species for grassy habitats. It is of course possible to establish a single species and this is commonplace on livestock farms with ryegrass being the species of choice. Ryegrass, although cheap and reliable, can be problematic as it can become an arable weed and difficult to control. More importantly, with habitat creation being one of the essential objectives of Environmental Stewardship it is not satisfactory to use just one type of grass as this will be of less benefit to wildlife. Getting the Right Balance There is little scientific data on the selection of grasses seed and flower seed mixtures for use on land managed under agri environmental agreements. What is clear is that the productive grasses such as ryegrass are too aggressive and swamp out desirable fine grasses and flowers. It is important to get a balance between species. The general opinion is to include a reasonable number of different species in a mixture that are likely to be compatible. The objective is to create an environment for the flora to work with insects, mammals and birds. This is not something which is created instantly but which will evolve over a period of time. In former times, habitats were readily available in the form of leys which nearly always contained red clover.  Eight years ago Cotswold Seeds initiated the move to sow legumes such as red clover as pollen and nectar sources on field margins. These seeds are readily available and inexpensive so that they can be sown on large acreages giving benefits to the majority of interested parties. We are offering carefully chosen species and varieties which give maximum benefit to the environment and farmers. The seed mixture we recommend is designed to be cost effective and provide habitats which replicate the varied swards found in the past. The use of commercially available legumes, in particular, will provide nectar sources for insects and will be a big step forward on field margins where until now the majority of sites have been sown with grass only mixtures. Mixtures for Margins The use of legumes such as red clover and trefoil will create appealing habitats. As this seed is inexpensive and reliable we expect this type of margin to be sown on many farms. Alternatively, wild flowers (see right) can be sown and although the seed is more expensive this type of mixture is likely to appeal to those seeking to apply for higher level payments. 
Field Corner Mixture
Ref. MIXNEC NON-ORGANIC SEED A simple mixture of fine leaved grasses and wild flowers to be sown on awkward areas within arable fields. This type of mixture is slow to establish but after the first establishment year there is a show of flowers which will provide interest for insects, birds and mammals. These areas are best distributed evenly around the farm. Sow between March and early May or August and late September.
5% certified common bentgrass
10% certified crested dogstail 20% certified smaller catstail 20% certified sheeps fescue 20% certified red fescue 20% certified smooth meadowgrass 1% lesser knapweed 1% field scabious 1% self heal 1% birdsfoot trefoil 1% ox-eye daisy Sow at 25kg/hectare £11.26 per kg
Damp Field Corner Mixture
Ref. MIXDAM NON-ORGANIC SEED Wetter soils require a different seed mixture. This mixture should give reliable results on most wetter soils and may also be used next to water courses or around ponds. The colourful display of native wild flowers will provide a useful nectar source for invertebrates. Sow between March and early May or August and late September.
5% certified common bentgrass
5% certified crested dogstail 20% certified smaller catstail 20% certified sheeps fescue 20% certified red fescue 20% certified smooth meadowgrass 1% lady's bedstraw 1% lesser knapweed 1% ox-eye daisy 2% meadow buttercup 1% meadowsweet 1% ribwort plantain 1% self heal 1% sorrel 1% yellow rattle Sow at 25kg/hectare £12.67 per kg
Beetle Bank & Tussocky Grass Margin
Ref. MIXBBORG 65% Organic These strips are known as 'beetle banks' when sown across larger arable fields and can also be sown along field boundaries. This mixture will provide a dense tussocky sward and this becomes more evident as the years go by. They may be cut two or three times in the first year for annual weed control but once established are cut only to prevent the encroachment of woody and suckering weeds. Sow between March and early May or August to September at a depth of no more than 1cm.
30% certified ORGANIC timothy
35% certified ORGANICcocksfoot 15% certified red fescue 20% certified meadow fescue Sow at 25kg/ hectare (min) £4.40 per kg
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Buffer Strip Grass Margin
Two, Four or Six Metre Ref. MIXGMORG 65% Organic An ideal mixture for buffer strips on cultivated land. It is suitable for all soil types and creates habitat for small mammals, invertebrates and birds as well as protecting vulnerable areas from agrochemicals and fertilisers. This mixture is suitable for Entry Level and can also be used as an option at Higher Level. Once established these areas only need to be cut once a year after mid July. If sowing a six metre margin it is recommended to leave the outer two or three metres uncut to provide tussocky cover for insects and wildlife. The best results come from either spring sowing when the soil temperature is above 5 degrees C or after harvest and by mid September. Later sowings are slower to establish and can be vulnerable to slugs.
5% certified common bentgrass
20% certified ORGANIC timothy 20% certified ORGANIC meadow fescue 25% certified ORGANIC creeping red fescue 10% certified cocksfoot 20% certified smooth meadowgrass Sow 25 kg per hectare £4.83 per kg
Pollen & Nectar Flower Margin
Grass & Legume Margin Ref. MIXPNORG 65% Organic The mixture below is designed for Entry Level Pollen & Nectar margins but it can also be used at Higher Level. It is a well balanced mixture containing grasses and nectar source legume species. The field margin is the ideal place to create a visible habitat for insects, birds and mammals. The mixture is excellent for attracting bumblebees and butterflies. It can be sown from March until mid September. It is important to sow thinly to allow the non aggressive species to establish.
5% certified common bentgrass
5% certified crested dogstail 4% certified sheeps fescue 30% certified ORGANICmeadow fescue 26% certified ORGANICcreeping red fescue 5% certified smaller cat's-tail/timothy 5% certified smooth meadowgrass 5% certified late flowering red clover 2% certified alsike clover 2% certified birdsfoot trefoil 5% certified ORGANIC sainfoin 4% certified ORGANIC common vetch 2% certified black medick Sow at 20 kg per hectare £5.09 per kg
Pollen & Nectar Flower Mixture
Just Legumes Ref. MIXPNJLORG 65% Organic It is also possible to sow a mixture of legumes without grasses to provide a flower rich area. There will be less growth which will make the area easier to manage.
45% certified ORGANIC red clover
11% certified alsike clover 20% certified ORGANIC sainfoin 20% certified birdsfoot trefoil 2% lesser knapweed 2% musk mallow Sow at 10-15 kg per hectare £11.53 per kg
Floristically Enhanced Mixture
Grass Margin Ref. MIXFEM NON-ORGANIC SEED This mixture is suggested as a Higher Level arable option. The mixture contains non aggressive grasses and ten native wild flowers species which are commonly found on most soils. The wild flowers are included as a nectar source and are particularly attractive to bees and butterflies. Sow between March and early May or August
Note. Your Natural England advisor may recommend a specific mixture. We are able to mix any combination of species required.
5% certified common bentgrass
10% certified crested dogstail 20% certified smaller catstail 15% certified sheeps fescue 20% certified red fescue 20% certified smooth meadowgrass 2% lesser knapweed 1% field scabious 1% self heal 1% yarrow 1% ox-eye daisy 1% ladys bedstraw 1% meadow buttercup 1% sorrel 1% wild carrot Sow at 20-25 kg per hectare £13.92 per kg
Before the Second World War bumblebees were such a regular feature of the British countryside they were considered to be unworthy of special mention by entomologists. Now only six of the sixteen species on the British list are widespread with two already extinct. Habitat Restoration Bumblebees gather pollen and nectar from the flowers they visit. Unfortunately, under modern, intensive farming bumblebees have lost both foraging and nesting areas. Pollen and nectar species, once a central part of rotations are no longer common. By introducing margins with legumes and wild flowers we can attempt to redress the balance. Modifications We understand that you may wish to modify our mixtures or design your own. For further advice please call 0800 252211 and speak to Ian Wilkinson, Robin Hill, Lisa Lane, Rachael Wynn or Paul Totterdell. Unproductive Areas Within Environmental Stewardship there is an opportunity to take out awkward corners which often have low productivity as they are difficult to manage with large machinery. This is a good option to create grassy areas which attract wildlife and points. Field corners can either be left to establish by natural regeneration or can be sown with an appropriate seed mix containing grass and wild flowers. Natural regeneration is a possibility in some cases where the seed bank contains desirable species but sowing a seeds mixture is a more predictable method of creating a desirable habitat. Beneficial Effects One of the most obvious practical advantages of this option is the squaring of irregular shaped fields. This means less overlap and wastage of inputs and easier work for tractor drivers. Additionally, The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust suggest that where there is little or no hedgerow cover these areas will be particularly beneficial for partridge, hares and deer. Corner Management Regular cutting will be required during the first year of establishment to control annual weeds. Spot treatment weed control is also allowed for weeds such as thistle, ragwort and dock. Once established these areas should be only cut one year in five to allow the development of tussocky grass and scrub. Beneficial Tussocky Grasses Seed Mixtures For over 15 years we have been using Beetle Bank seed mixtures to provide insect habitat in larger arable fields. A minimum strip of 2 metres across the field is required. Tussocky grasses are established on a ridge which has been ploughed back to back. Beetle Banks can attract beneficial predatory insects and arable farmers who have created these strips do not usually have to spray cereals with a summer insecticide. Once established these areas are rarely cut and provide good habitat for nesting birds and small mammals. This option is ideal for large arable fields in excess of 15 ha. A maximum of 25 metres can be left at the ends of the strip for machinery. The Beetle Bank mixture can also provide a tussocky grass margin alongside hedges, woods and watercourses. On fertile soils there can be excessive growth and it may be necessary to use a finer grass mixture such as our Buffer Strip Grass Margin on page 33. Objectives Environmental Stewardship provides the opportunity to re create grassland. There are many reasons why you may apply for this option. These include the prevention of soil erosion, the protection of locally distinctive landscapes and features and for provision of habitats for waders and wildfowl. Only farmers entering Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) will consider this option as it will not be applicable to those in Entry Level (ELS). We expect that there will be limited funds for this and it will be highly competitive. However, we believe that payments will be attractive for those who are successful. Realistic Expectations from Forage The grass or grass/wild flower habitats that will be created offer only limited forage value. Many of you have experience with similar grassland re creation schemes under ESA or CSS management agreements. The Environmental Stewardship scheme will deliver similar results. The forage quality from Environmental Stewardship seed mixtures is often below that of a more intensive ley. Additionally, due to grazing management rules and restrictions on the use of fertiliser some of the grasses will become fibrous and less palatable to livestock. The use of clover helps, if allowed. However, this problem is compensated for by the payments available. |
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