Option 11 - Summer Cattle Grazing
What this is about
This option will encourage land managers to put cattle out on hill grazings to graze the coarser moorland grasses that sheep and deer tend to avoid.
What this will achieve
This option will improve the quality of the vegetation for wildlife. By introducing cattle during the summer to graze the coarser moorland grasses, heather and more indigestible vegetation, fine-leaved grasses and flowering plants will be encouraged to grow. This creates a more diverse habitat for plants and insects, and these in turn support moorland birds and other wildlife.
What you must do
Requirements
- You must turn cattle out onto unenclosed or hill land (i.e. rough grazings) on or before 1 June, and keep them there for at least three months.
- You must graze cattle at a level of at least one bovine per 25 hectares. To count, these cattle must be at least six months old at the start of the grazing period and you must either own or formally lease them.
- Make sure that grazing is evenly distributed and that there are enough sheltered areas where the ground is firm and free draining.
- This option can cover all or part of the hill grazings on your holding.
The ideal grazing regime on this land should include both sheep and cattle. To avoid over-grazing, you may need to reduce the number of sheep in proportion to the number of cattle introduced. Pay special attention to avoiding over-grazing, trampling or supplementary feeding on any areas of wetter ground or woodlands.
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 in your SAF Data Sheet using the code LMOSCG.
Eligibility criteria
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 you £1.30 per hectare per year. We will pay at the end of each 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 (detailed in previous section).