Option 16 - Management of Conservation Headlands
What this is about
This option provides support for leaving headlands free of broadleaf herbicides and insecticides.
What this will achieve
This will allow the natural development of a variety of plants within the headland, providing a feeding ground and habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. Some BAP species that may benefit: Grey Partridge, Linnet, Bullfinch, Corn Bunting.
What you must do
Requirements for all payments
- You must not apply broadleaf herbicides and insecticides to the headland without the prior written agreement of Scottish Ministers. If you are seeking such agreement, you should include a letter from The Game Conservancy Trust, or other recognised conservation organisation with appropriate expertise, supporting the proposals. Circumstances under which consent may be given include where a serious infestation is putting at risk the establishment of the headland. You do not need to obtain approval to apply fungicides.
- You can move the conservation headland to a different field or fields during your contract; however, you must include the same number of hectares each year.
- Where this option is being carried out in a field which is in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone, the margin/buffer must start after the 2 m margin/buffer on which no fertiliser may be applied in accordance with the Nitrates Action Programme.
- The headland must go all the way around the field.
Additional requirement for the premium rate payment
- do not apply nitrogenous fertiliser to the headland.
Additional requirement for the payment supplement
- if you retain stubbles from harvest of the Conservation Headlands until at least the end of February. This will provide cover and feeding for birds over winter.
Who can apply
All land managers are eligible to apply for this option.
How to apply
Complete Section 4 of the LMO application form and columns M and N of your SAF Data Sheet using one of the following codes. The code required for the normal rate is LMOCHN. The code for the premium rate is LMOCHP. For the winter stubble supplement you must enter LMOCHS in addition to either LMOCHN or LMOCHP.
Eligibility criteria
This option is available on headlands with a minimum width of 6 metres in arable fields on which cereal, linseed, oilseed or protein crops are being grown.
This option cannot be adopted on an area of land which is in conversion under an Organic Aid Scheme (conversion) agreement of if you are applying for support under RDC - RP conversion to of organic farming.
Conservation headlands can adjoin both autumn and spring sown crops. However, they should not adjoin cereals to be harvested for arable silage before the grain is ripe.
The controlled grazing post-harvest will increase the available food supply to over-wintering birds because ground disturbance uncovers more seeds. Fallen grain and dunging supporting increased numbers of invertebrates. The grazing regime adopted for areas being managed under this option must be such that the aims of this option, providing cover and feeding areas for birds, is not frustrated.
Land receiving payments for similar management under other agri-environment schemes is not eligible under this option.
Rate of support
This is a 5 year commitment. We will pay at the end of each year.
Payment rate: £70 per hectare per year.
Premium payment rate: for no application of nitrogenous fertiliser to the headland: £135.14 per hectare per year.
Payment supplement: for retaining conservation headland stubbles over winter: £21 per hectare per year.
Inspections/Verification
The inspector will check the requirements of the option are being met (as detailed above under 'What you must do') by a visual assessment on the day of inspection.
You must comply with the requirements of cross compliance and the minimum requirements for fertiliser and plant protection products and you must avoid damaging or destroying any historic or archaeological features or areas (as detailed previously).