HS4: Scrub control on historic and archaeological features
What is HS4?
HS4 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £215 per year for scrub control on historic and archaeological features.
What do I need to do?
* Remove about a quarter of the scrub each year for the first three years during autumn and winter, controlling regrowth thereafter to ensure scrub covers no more than 75% of the feature.
* Maintain a well-managed grass sward throughout the year, keeping bare ground to a minimum.
* Ensure historic and archaeological features are not obscured by scrub or damaged by erosion.
* Do not clear scrub between 1 March and 30 September.
* Do not grub out stumps and roots , plough, cultivate, re-seed, harrow, or roll.
What evidence do I need?
Where there is 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.
Field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
Photographs of the historic and archaeological features and the extent of scrub before works start
* A map of existing tracks - these can be marked on any map including the Farm Environment Record (FER) or Woodland Management Plan
Where there is 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.
How much does HS4 pay?
HS4 pays £215 per year.
Which land is eligible?
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier Whole or part parcel * Only on historic and archaeological features with more than 5% scrub cover
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.