GS8: Creation of species-rich grassland
What is GS8?
GS8 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £646 per year for creation of species-rich grassland.
What do I need to do?
* Establish a flower-rich grassland in the first year and maintain it as permanent grassland.
* Manage the grassland through grazing, hay cutting, or both , maintaining a range of plant heights suitable for priority species.
* Maintain continuous cover , especially over historic features, and use very little or no manure, fertiliser, pesticide, or supplementary feed.
* Develop a detailed implementation timetable for grassland creation, including seed details and post-establishment management.
* Do not plough, cultivate, or re-seed after establishment (unless agreed), do not harrow, roll, or allow encroachment on historic features , and do not disturb breeding birds.
What evidence do I need?
On your annual claim you must declare that you have not carried out any activities prohibited by the option requirements.
You must keep the following records and supply them on request:
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 - you can use these test results to meet the record-keeping requirements for this option
How much does GS8 pay?
GS8 pays £646 per year.
Which land is eligible?
It is available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on whole or part parcels, only on arable, set-aside or temporary grassland that has high or medium potential for the creation of priority habitat (if it has medium potential, you will need written support from Natural England).
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.