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WETLAND FEATURES

(a) Improvement of Rush Pasture for Wildlife (Tier 2)

Objectives

The aim of this option is to create and maintain a mosaic of rush and open pasture which will encourage a greater diversity and number of bird species. We will contribute to the cost of creating and maintaining mixtures of rushes and grassland at variable densities, and for opening up areas of dense rushes to provide a mixed rush and grassland habitat.

Scope and actions

• To qualify under this option areas of dense rushes (over 50%) must be managed by cutting each year and/or by grazing;
• Between 1 August and 31 March the beneficiary must cut a minimum of one third and no more than two thirds of rushes in a random pattern to leave an open, variable mix of rushes and grass pasture, or graze to remove and thin rushes by a minimum of one third and no more than two thirds;
• Cutting must be undertaken close to the ground and certainly under half-stem height. Cutting higher than this will have no effect on reducing tussock mass or vigour. After cutting it will be permissible to graze, or heavy roll the area; and,
• Heavy poaching must be avoided as this can damage soil structure and the sward and also creates conditions for seedlings to grow.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

Creation of a mosaic of rush and open pasture to encourage greater plant diversity and improved habitats for birds.

Geographical targeting

'Rush pasture' means permanent pasture on poorly drained in-bye land that is periodically saturated with water and where extensive areas are dominated by soft rush and/or compact rush. Areas with a significant presence of sharp flowered rush are excluded. Sharp flowered rush is often an indicator of more species rich wetlands.

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate £100/ha

(b) Management of Wetland (Tier 3)

Objectives

This measure supports the diversity, spread and structure of wetland plant species within in-bye wetlands. These areas provide a food source for livestock and benefit associated insects, mammals and birds. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that will benefit include Skylark, Snipe, Otter, Water Vole, Reed bunting, Marsh fritillary, Great crested newt, Water Beetles, Bog sedge, Bog bean, Dragonflies and Damselflies.

Scope and actions

The key to grazing of wetlands is to monitor the ground conditions and the available forage for the farm livestock. The benefit of grazing to the wetland species is greatest once the flowers have set seed, during drier spells of weather that generally occur at the end of the summer. Stocking at this time of year clears excess vegetation and creates hoof size areas of bare ground suitable for seed germination. Light grazing of the sward can occur in the spring and early summer but livestock should be removed by the end of May in most cases; A livestock management and grazing regime must be set out in a plan to be agreed with the Scottish Ministers. The plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change as the site develops. The plan will identify the type of wetland community that will be managed, the area that will be managed, the outcome that will be achieved and how it will be achieved. In all cases:

• The plan must include a statement to outline the method of control of rank vegetation growth;
• Where cutting occurs, the cuttings should be removed where it is practical to do so to help reduce nutrient levels;
• No supplementary feeding may occur on the site; and
• Where management is for the Great crested newt, hibernacula must be provided.
• Grazing levels by farm livestock must be used to create a sward with a range of heights across those areas of the wetland where grazing is practical. The height of the vegetation at the end of the grazing period will range from 2 cm to up to 30 cm in some places. Livestock should be removed from the site when ground conditions are such that poaching is likely. Build up of plant litter from the previous year's growth will occur where grazing is less intense in wetter areas. These areas are important for hibernation of insects. However, rank growth and litter accumulation should not be extensive unless the area is a reed-bed;
• The sward will be at its tallest during the summer, with short sedge swards extending to between 10 and 15 cm and fen sedge communities growing up to 50 cm. Reedbed will be taller and often of a more uniform height;
• Overall, the aim is for 30% of the vegetation to be in tussocks or patches over 50 cm in height. The vegetation should also include a mosaic of shorter and/or taller plant species;
• Grazing of drier rank areas can be enhanced by late summer cutting (in August and September) followed by a period of aftermath grazing until the ground becomes too wet for grazing.

It is important to bear in mind the conservation benefits this prescription is intended to deliver. Where there may be a problem with the development of woodland or scrub on a particular wetland site, the Plan should outline the necessary control measures as an additional requirement.

Evidence to support the management proposed in the plan must accompany the application, for example a letter of support from, or a reference to advisory material produced by, a recognised conservation organisation.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To encourage management of wet in-bye wetland areas for the benefit of birds and invertebrates.

Geographical targeting

Wetland on in-bye land (including salt marsh and reed beds).

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate £90/ha

(c) Creation, Restoration and Management of Wetland (Tier 3)

Objectives

To convert arable or improved grassland to wetland by raising water levels. The habitat created will support a range of plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals and provide both feeding and breeding areas. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include the Skylark, Otter, Reed bunting and Great crested newt.

Scope and actions

The site must be managed to ensure that it is saturated with water for a significant proportion of the year.

In addition, a livestock management and grazing regime must be set out in a grazing plan to be agreed with the Scottish Ministers. The grazing plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change over time. For management of saltmarsh, a grazing plan is mandatory. The plan will identify the area that will be managed, the outcome that will be achieved and how it will be achieved. The outcome may be achieved by adjusting the grazing or cutting regime; or

The site must not be mown or grazed for a period of at least 3 consecutive months from 1 April until 31 July, after which rank growth should be controlled. On fertile sites, where practicable, mowing may be allowed, with disposal of cuttings, between these dates with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers.

For both options, if rank vegetation builds up during the period of the agreement, the grazing regime must be modified to address this.

Also:

• fertiliser including slurry or farmyard manure must not be applied to the site;
• pesticides may be applied only with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers;
• no supplementary feeding may occur on the site;
• where management is for the Great crested newt, hibernacula must be provided;
• care should be taken when identifying or approving sites that the action taken to create the damp conditions, e.g. blocking or diverting drains or ditches, affects only the proposed site;
• the management of water levels may range from highly sophisticated systems involving dams and sluices through to a simple system where the normal water level in an outfall ditch is controlled; and
• reversion to woodland or domination by a few aggressive species must be prevented. If there is to be no grazing or mowing, there is a possibility that the site may tend to revert to woodland and in such situations, the beneficiary would have to take steps to remove young trees.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To create and manage wetlands which are beneficial for biodiversity, the landscape and help with flood management.

Geographical targeting Arable land or improved grassland where the raised water levels resulting from creation of wetland would not adversely affect other land, cause the erosion of river banks or be liable to cause damage to archaeology.

In most situations, it is anticipated that once wetland or damp conditions are created, there will be natural colonisation by appropriate plant species. Even if there is not a great diversity of species, the wetland site is still liable to be of conservation value by providing a suitable habitat for amphibians, invertebrates and a range of bird species.

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment rate £227/ha

(d) Management/Restoration of Lowland Raised Bogs (Tier 3)

Objectives

In combination with a range of management options, this measure aims to bring lowland raised bogs into favourable condition by ensuring that management is undertaken with the conservation of lowland bog as the key priority and to the best possible standards.

Scope and actions

This measure will have restricted availability. It will be available for all areas where lowland raised bogs occur and especially sites designated as Sites of Specific Scientific Interest ( SSI) and Natura sites. Priority will be given to those applications that meet the needs of a hydrological unit, including collaborative applications across several holdings. The woodland clearance and seedling tree removal management options will be available both on and immediately adjacent to the target site. The peat and vegetation of the bog surface will be kept intact and undisturbed, and as wet as possible. Grazing will be applied to control shrub and rush growth to maintain an open and low canopy of heather, cross-leaved heath and cotton grass. The peat surface vegetation will form an irregular patchwork of mosses forming hummocks and hollows.

The following actions will be undertaken:

A. Management Plan

All applications for the lowland raised bogs measure must be supported by a management plan which provides an audit of the current extent, condition and management of the bog. The Plan will include guidance on suitable grazing regimes and any additional work required to secure its maintenance and recovery, with bog conservation as the key management priority.

All beneficiaries will deliver the following actions:

1. the peat and vegetation of the bog surface will be kept intact and undisturbed, and as wet as possible. These principles will be applied when carrying out any positive management of the bog, such as grazing, and when vehicles are essential for the conservation management of the bog; and,

2. the beneficiary will ensure that the following activities are not carried out:

• muirburn, unless specified in the management plan;
• peat extraction;
• cultivation;
• the use of fertilisers, manures or herbicides;
• track creation, unless specified in the management plan;
• tree planting;
• dumping of any materials;
• overgrazing; and
• digging or clearing out ditches, unless specified in the management plan.

Beneficiaries shall be required to monitor the site each year to ensure that the peatland habitats are in good condition. The beneficiary shall submit an annual monitoring report with their claim form.

Where required, beneficiaries will block ditches to raise the water table to the bog surface or to within 15 cm of the surface. This element of the measure is mandatory as the conservation value of the bog relies on elevated water levels. Ditch blocking work is supported as a capital item.

The Plan may identify additional operations such as woodland clearance, seedling tree removal, scrub clearance and grazing management, however these operations need only be undertaken where required on the individual site:

• Woodland clearance: beneficiaries will clear plantation and other woodland where it is affecting the hydrology of a raised bog and curbing its ability to support bog vegetation. This option will target raised bogs, typically open areas dominated by heather, bog cotton grass and Sphagnum mosses. It is not appropriate for sites that support 'bog woodland'; a very specific type of native, wet woodland community. Woodland clearance is supported as a capital item.
• Seedling tree removal: beneficiaries will clear tree seedlings where they have the potential to significantly adversely affect the hydrology of a raised bog and its ability to support bog vegetation. Seedling tree removal is supported as a capital item.
• Scrub clearance - beneficiaries will remove scrub and prevent re-colonisation by herbicide treatment and/or the introduction of stock. Scrub clearance is supported as a capital item.
• Grazing - beneficiaries will continue, or introduce grazing to control the growth of heather and re-growth of scrub. Grazing will be open all year but will be limited to dry spells of weather. Ground conditions on the site must be assessed to determine when stock are introduced or removed. Grazing must be removed if poaching is evident. Grazing management is supported as a supplement (option B below).

B. Grazing management

Grazing will help to maintain open peatland, with a diverse wetland surface in terms of structure and species composition, and to restore and maintain an open habitat.

The Grazing Management Plan will detail the maintenance of cover and abundance of characteristic bog plants such as Sphagnum and bog cotton. Ideally, the ground vegetation will be composed of a low (5-25 cm above the peat surface), patchy canopy of heather, cross-leaved heath and cotton grass. The peat surface vegetation will form an irregular patchwork of mainly Sphagnum mosses forming hummocks and hollows. Some regeneration, e.g. of birch, may be present and should be kept in check by grazing. Fences, troughs and/or stock bridges may need to be installed, or tracks created through the heather, to encourage farm livestock to graze across the whole site.

Sites may be grazed in any month of the year during drier spells of weather. Ground conditions on the site should be assessed to determine when stock are introduced and removed. Winter grazing should be limited due to the low food value of winter vegetation and increased risk of poaching. Where birch scrub and /or purple moor grass are a problem, grazing should be focused on these areas during March, April and May. Grazing must be stopped where poaching is evident.

Some traditional breeds of farm livestock are more hardy and are well suited to grazing on bog habitats. They are less selective grazers and will control scrub and heather growth more effectively. The traditional breeds that are considered to be most appropriate for grazing lowland raised bog habitats are listed below:

A record of grazing management should be submitted, including numbers and types of stock and dates of stock movements. Beneficiaries will use the Monitoring Guidance note for a description of the method and a sample record form to record stock management, on a monthly basis.

C. Monitoring and Maintaining Dams

If ditch blocking is carried out, dams should be inspected at least twice a year. The beneficiary shall carry out any minor maintenance work to prevent the dams from leaking, as part of their agreement. Such monitoring and maintenance should be submitted with the claim form, preferably with photographic evidence.

D. Monitoring Tree and Scrub Re-growth

Where woodland clearance, seedling tree or scrub removal is carried out, the beneficiary should make an inspection of any tree seedling establishment, and/or tree and scrub re-growth each summer. A report of this inspection shall be provided with the annual claim, preferably with photographic evidence.

A collaborative approach is highly desirable.

Where the whole hydrological unit is brought under positive management it will be much more effective.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

Lowland raised bogs are a rare and threatened habitat and are beneficial for biodiversity, flood management and erosion control downstream, and carbon sequestration. The plants that grow on these raised lowland bogs, such as Sphagnum mosses, bog cotton and heathers, have adapted to grow and thrive in wet conditions with few nutrients. The bogs also support a wide range of insects such as butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies.

Over the past 100 years, the area of relatively undisturbed lowland raised bog in the UK is estimated to have diminished by around 94%, from 95,000 hectares to approximately 6,000 hectares today. Historically the greatest decline has occurred through afforestation, peat extraction and agricultural intensification including drainage. These activities have all contributed to the gradual drying out of the bogs. The key to achieving good condition is the maintenance or restoration of suitable water levels.

This option is required both to meet the Scottish Ministers target for bringing special features into favourable condition and to meet EU obligations for managing Special Protection Areas and Special Areas for Conservation.

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Option A: Management - Payment rate £40/ha
Option B: Management plus grazing management - Payment rate £83/ha

(e) Creation and Management of Water Margins and Enhanced Riparian Buffer Areas (Tier 3)

Objectives

The measure aims to encourage the development of waterside vegetation through the following two elements, to:

a) enhance biodiversity; and

b) reduce diffuse pollution by intercepting overland flow to watercourses and acting as a sediment trap to reduce sediment and nutrient losses to watercourses. This measure will also help to reduce the risk of diffuse pollution caused by faecal contamination of water bodies and watercourses by farm livestock.

Some Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include: Water vole, Otter, Pipistrelle bat, Marsh fritillary, Freshwater pearl mussel.

Scope and actions

Water margins will comprise land which borders still water or a watercourse having a bed width of not less than 0.6 metres and which:

• in the case of a site bordering still water, has a minimum width of 12 metres and a maximum width of 24 metres;
• in the case of a site bordering a watercourse with a bed width of less than 1.2 metres, has a minimum overall width of 5 times the bed width of the watercourse and a maximum width of 12 metres; or
• in the case of a site bordering a watercourse with a bed width equal to or greater than 1.2 metres, has a minimum width of 6 metres and a maximum width of 12 metres on any one side.

On sites with steep ground or existing semi-natural habitat, the water margin width may be extended to 20m. This will provide an enhanced buffer to intercept run-off and provide an opportunity for a practical grazing option.

A management plan will outline existing vegetation, management objectives and how these management objectives will be achieved.

Options

a. to enhance biodiversity interest

Very occasional, light grazing will maintain a sward at a range of heights, to benefit a wide variety of plants and invertebrates. Avoid poaching of the ground as it damages banks and encourage erosion and the establishment of invasive weeds. In order to control rank, tussocky growth and to maintain a close, even sward, graze in late summer/early autumn to reduce the sward height to between 10 and 15 cm. The ideal sward structure is described in Scottish Natural Heritage's booklet 'Grassland for plants and animals'.

b. to reduce diffuse pollution

Control rank, or tussocky growth to maintain a close, even sward, either by light grazing as in option a. above or by mowing to reduce the sward height to between 10 to 15 cm in late summer/early autumn. Two cuts may be required to control rank growth. Remove cuttings from the site. The presence of invasive or nuisance species within the buffer area may mean mowing is not an appropriate method of management in the first instance. Where the particular conservation interest of the site would not be met by this approach, an alternative management plan will be agreed with the Scottish Ministers.

In both cases:

• Grazing must be controlled to limit poaching and avoid damage to river and loch banks;
• Farm livestock must have access to adjacent field(s) whilst grazing the buffer area;
• Lime or fertilisers, including slurry or farmyard manure must not be applied.
• Pesticides must not be applied without prior approval from the Scottish Ministers.
• Statutory weeds e.g. Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed (see control of invasive/non-native species option) must be controlled.
• The area must not be cultivated.
• Existing drains must not be cleared and no new drains cut.
• The river or loch banks must not be modified or reinforced.
• Where farm livestock are prevented from accessing traditional watering places by the water margin option, water troughs are aided as a capital item. Alternatively, an access point can be fenced off separately from the water margin being managed, but not through the buffer.
• Supplementary feeding on the buffer area is not permitted.
• Where planting small trees to extend or enhance the habitat, native species, of local provenance should be used. Avoid excess shading of the water.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

This measure is designed to protect water margins from erosion and diffuse pollution, whilst encouraging development of waterside vegetation that stabilises the banks and enhances biodiversity.

A managed, established, vegetated and unfertilised grass/woodland buffer alongside watercourses enhances biodiversity, and encourages the following of a natural course, which contributes to flood control and improves water quality.

Riparian buffer areas can reduce diffuse pollution by distancing agricultural activity from the riparian area reducing the risk of direct pollution from applied fertilisers and by intercepting runoff and sediment from adjacent fields.

To maximise the effect of the buffer area, these should be located in low lying areas where surface water flow is slow and not concentrated into channels. Grazing should be light to control rank growth, without poaching the surface or damaging the banks.

Field drains and culverts should be brought to the surface to form wet areas with riparian buffers. This ensures that nutrients applied to fields adjacent to the buffer do not drain directly into the burn.

Geographical targeting

In-bye land which borders still water or a watercourse having a bed width of not less than 0.6 metres which:

a) supports species rich grassland, fen communities (dominated by sedges, rushes, reeds or meadowsweet) or riparian woodland, or

b) borders, improved grassland, or arable.

For a) maintenance /enhancement of existing natural heritage interest will be a priority and will determine the management.

For b) sites with low natural heritage interest are eligible where there is the potential to reduce diffuse pollution. (Only appropriate sites identified as high priority in nutrient budget or soil plans will be eligible for this option.)

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate £294/ha

(f) Management of Flood Plains (Tier 3)

Objectives

To create and maintain a mosaic of wash lands and dry lands by allowing the watercourse to overflow onto its natural flood plain. Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit include Irish lady's-tresses, Reed bunting and Pipistrelle bat.

Scope and actions

Beneficiaries must:

• ensure that the natural flooding of the land is not hindered;
• ensure that cultivations are not carried out within 12m of the water's edge (mean summer water level); and,
• agree any additional management specific to the site with Scottish Ministers.

Other important information

The payment is made where the whole flood plain is allowed to flood naturally at time of high water level creating a mosaic of wash lands, dry lands and wetlands. The watercourse must be allowed to flow naturally, with any impediment to natural flooding removed. This will occur where the watercourse meanders through a relatively flat area and the overall area may also contain various different habitat types, some of which will be subject to separate management payments such as wetlands or water margins.

The flood plain management payment is in addition to payments for management of specific areas of habitat within the flood plain.

Often, the management of a flood plain will involve more than one occupier and perhaps landowner. Potential beneficiaries choosing this measure must ensure that the interests of adjoining landowners are not prejudiced by any change in management. In practice, this means that an proposal for flood management will not be approved unless either the flood plain is a discrete area, all of which is occupied by the potential beneficiary, or if all other occupiers of the affected land are proposing to adopt this option.

Collaborative approach

Essential where flood plain is not covered by one discrete area and may involve more than one occupier or landowner

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To create and manage a mosaic of wash lands and dry lands by allowing the watercourse to overflow its natural flood plain.

Geographical targeting

A site that forms all or part of a flood plain where part or parts of the flood plain are included in the undertaking as the site of another management activity; and the flooding of the site would not adversely affect other agricultural land.

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate £39/ha

(g) Management of Buffer Areas for Fens and Lowland Raised Bogs (Tier 3)

Objectives

To create, conserve and enhance the buffer area surrounding Fens and Lowland Raised Bogs by maintaining/raising water levels and preventing enrichment through runoff from fields. The aim is to support the range of plant and animal communities found in these wetlands. Some Biodiversity Action Plan ( BAP) species that may benefit includes Sphagnum (bog mosses), Bog bean, Bottle sedge, Willow carr, Lesser tussock sedge, Slender green feather-moss, Dragonflies, Water Beetles, Water vole, Otter, and Snipe.

Scope and actions

The beneficiary must carry out the following actions:

• To ensure the Fen or Lowland Raised bog area is managed in accordance with the requirements of the Management of Wetlands measure or the Management of Lowland Raised Bog measure;
• To ensure the surrounding area of catchment is managed as a grass/semi-natural vegetation buffer. This will reduce the risk of nutrients applied to adjacent crops leaching into the Fen or Lowland Raised Bog area. The external boundary of the buffer area must be at least 10 metres in width;
• To ensure existing semi-natural swards are left intact, even if they contain rushes. If it does not exist on entry to the Scheme, the grass buffer must be established in the first spring following approval by sowing a suitable mixture of native grass and wildflower seeds for which an additional payment is available; and
• To ensure field drains and culverts are broken and surfaced to reduce the direct flow of water, nutrients and chemicals into the wetland and encourage drainage water to flow across the established sward in the buffer. This reduces the risk of nutrient input from adjacent fields because the sward will act as a physical barrier, filtering out suspended solids and allowing plants and bacteria take up nutrients before the water reaches the wetland. The creation of scrapes and pools downstream from the surfaced drains will further slow the flow of water and enable the sward to be a more effective buffer. An additional payment is available for this.

Also:

• Fertiliser, slurry or manure must not be applied to the buffer area;
• Cultivation within the buffer area must be avoided unless the existing use is arable; and
• Scrub control and the use of pesticides will only be allowed with the prior written agreement of the Scottish Ministers.

The beneficiary will prepare a management plan which must be agreed by the Scottish Ministers. The grazing plan must reflect the specific biodiversity requirements of the site and may be subject to change as the site develops. It will identify the Fen or Lowland Raised Bog communities that will benefit, the area that will be managed as a buffer, what will be achieved within the buffer and how it will be achieved.

Description and justification of the different types of commitments, based on their expected environmental impact in relation to environmental needs and priorities

To create, conserve and enhance the buffer area surrounding Fens and Lowland Raised Bogs by maintaining/raising water levels and preventing enrichment through runoff from adjacent fields.

Fens are peat forming wetlands, that form in places where water naturally collects, such as valley bottoms and basins. In addition to rainfall, fens receive their water and nutrients from their catchment, through seeps, springs and ground water. Fens have unique habitat features including water of high alkalinity, which supports plants and animals not widely found elsewhere. Fens are particularly vulnerable to nutrient input from adjacent fields, which encourages rank growth of weeds on the wetland.

Geographical targeting

Improved in-bye (including areas of rush pasture) or arable land surrounding a SSSI or Natura site notified for its Fens or Lowland Raised Bogs interest

Amounts of support

The payment rate has been calculated on the basis of additional cost and income forgone from the commitment made. Hectarage limits apply.

Payment Rate £269/ha

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