SW4: 12m to 24m watercourse buffer strip on cultivated land
What is SW4?
SW4 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £707.00 per year for 12m to 24m watercourse buffer strip on cultivated land.
What do I need to do?
* Establish and maintain a 12 to 24 metre wide grass strip for the agreement period, ensuring an intact sward free from vehicle or stock damage.
* Cut the 6m of the buffer strip next to the crop during late summer, after the bird breeding season.
* Do not apply fertilisers or manures.
* Do not use pesticides , except for weed wiping or spot treating specific weeds.
* Do not allow livestock access to the strip.
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
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
How much does SW4 pay?
SW4 pays £707.00 per year.
Which land is eligible?
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier: only on cultivated land identified on the Farm Environment Record (FER) as at risk of soil erosion or surface runoff only on land next to ditches, rivers or streams to buffer terrestrial sites which are sensitive to atmospheric nitrogen such as priority habitat grassland, heathland, wetland or woodland (as identified on Magic) Overlapping a public right of way (such as a footpath or bridleway)
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.