WT1: Buffering in-field ponds and ditches in improved grassland
What is WT1?
WT1 is an action under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. It pays £311 per year for buffering in-field ponds and ditches in improved grassland.
What do I need to do?
* Establish a 10m-20m wide grass strip around in-field ponds or adjacent to ditches in improved grassland.
* Allow natural regeneration to develop diverse vegetation, ensuring the southern side remains free of scrub.
* Prohibited activities include cutting (except for specific scrub control), excessive livestock poaching, pesticide use (except for specific weed/bracken control), and applying fertilisers or manures.
* No cutting is allowed between 1 March and 31 August.
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
evidence that the grassland is improved
* photographs of the strips
On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.
How much does WT1 pay?
WT1 pays £311 per year.
Which land is eligible?
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier only on improved grassland adjacent to ditches under option WT3: Management of Ditches of High Environmental Value. on historic or archaeological features around ponds associated with industrial features such as effluent ponds, balancing ponds or small water
Related links
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.