GS5: Permanent grassland with very low inputs in SDAs
What is GS5?
GS5 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £151 per year for permanent grassland with very low inputs in sdas.
What do I need to do?
* Maintain permanent grassland with very low inputs , ensuring a good cover of flowering grass and wildflowers in spring/early summer, varied sward heights, and very limited bare ground.
* Protect all archaeological or historic features from damage, scrub, bracken, or bare ground.
* Avoid mechanical operations (including hay/silage cutting) and fertiliser application between 15 March and 30 June.
* Do not plough, cultivate, or re-seed.
* Limit pesticide use to spot-treating/weed-wiping specific weeds.
What evidence do I need?
Where there’s uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating 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, including analysis of organic [company/matter|matter]] by loss on ignition. 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.
* Permanent grassland eligibility assessment form (You do not have to use this form. You can use your own document if it gives enough information to meet the requirements.)
How much does GS5 pay?
GS5 pays £151 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 within severely disadvantaged areas (SDAs) and below the moorland line This option can only be used if one of the following criteria are met. * The grassland qualifies as semi-improved (see [Permanent grassland options eligibility assessment form)](https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/20250604003319mp_/https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.