OP3: Supplementary feeding for farmland birds
What is OP3?
OP3 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £935.00 per year for supplementary feeding for farmland birds.
What do I need to do?
* Scatter about 25kg of cereals and small seeds once a week from 1 December to 30 April.
* Establish 2 feeding stations per tonne of supplementary feed, each supplying 500kg (or split equally if less than 1 tonne).
* Scatter seed in firm, free-draining locations near enhanced overwinter stubbles, game cover, or wild bird seed mixtures.
* Do not use hoppers for more than 10% of total feed.
* Do not use tailings for more than 30% by weight.
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.
Dates of feeding
Method of feeding (hopper or spreading)
Amount of feed spread on each date
The location of the feeding areas
How much does OP3 pay?
OP3 pays £935.00 per year.
Which land is eligible?
It is available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier only: on land registered as organic or ‘in conversion’ with a Defra-licensed organic control body when a qualifying area of OP2 wild bird seed mixture option is included in the agreement (you can apply for 1 tonne of OP3 supplementary feeding for every 2ha of OP2 Wild bird seed mixture)
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.