HS8: Maintenance of weatherproof traditional farm buildings in remote areas
What is HS8?
HS8 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £8.00 per year for maintenance of weatherproof traditional farm buildings in remote areas.
What do I need to do?
* Do not sell or convert the building for non-agricultural or forestry use during the agreement.
* Do not undertake works if bat activity is identified without advice from a licensed ecological consultant.
* In Year 1 , complete a building maintenance plan and install bat/barn owl boxes if recommended.
* Every year , carry out visual inspections (at least once), perform like-for-like maintenance using traditional materials, and keep the building weatherproof.
* Maintain existing bat roosting features and seek advice/licences from a licensed ecological consultant if bat activity is identified.
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.
Photographs showing the condition of the building before the start of the agreement
A copy of the building maintenance plan (see building maintenance plan and log form) - to be updated with inspection results and completed works throughout the life of the agreement
Any receipted invoices (or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable), consents or permissions connected with the work
A wildlife assessment (see building wildlife assessment form) of the building’s suitability for barn owls, kestrels and bats - to be updated with the results of annual inspections
How much does HS8 pay?
HS8 pays £8.00 per year.
Which land is eligible?
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier. Only for traditional farm or forestry buildings or parts of buildings that: are at least 400 metres (m) from the main farmstead are at least 200m from a metalled public road (a hard surface like asphalt, concrete, paving stones, bricks and cobbles) by the shortest practicable route are still in agricultural or forestry use on a land holding, whether or not this was the original use are sound and weatherproof * are recorded o
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This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.