GS2: Permanent grassland with very low inputs (outside SDAs)
What is GS2?
GS2 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £151.00 per year for permanent grassland with very low inputs (outside sdas).
What do I need to do?
* Avoid mechanical operations (including hay/silage cutting) between 15 March and 30 June to protect breeding birds.
* Do not plough, cultivate, re-seed, or use most pesticides.
* Limit farmyard manure to 12 tonnes/ha or specific fertiliser amounts.
* Graze or cut for hay/silage, removing cuttings.
* Maintain a sward with varied heights (at least 20% < 7cm and 20% > 7cm).
What evidence do I need?
Where there’s uncertainty about whether or not the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept to demonstrate delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.
receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work
field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
a standard soil analysis carried out in the last 5 years. The rules for farmers and land managers to prevent water pollution already require farmers and land managers to carry out soil testing on cultivated agricultural land and such test results may be used to meet the record-keeping requirements for this option.
any sites grazed will require a grazing activity record
How much does GS2 pay?
GS2 pays £151.00 per year.
Which land is eligible?
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier Whole parcel (except when located with GS1) Only on: permanent grassland outside severely disadvantaged areas (SDAs) and below the moorland line This option can only be used if one or more of the following criteria are met. The grassland qualifies as semi-improved (se
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This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.