UA6: Temporary Habitat Creation on Improved Land
What is UA6?
UA6 requires creation of temporary habitat on improved agricultural land where farms do not already have sufficient existing habitat to meet the scheme requirement for 10% of the farm to be habitat. This Universal Action ensures all farms contribute to biodiversity and environmental objectives through habitat provision.
What do I need to do?
Create temporary habitat areas on improved land if your existing habitat (UA5) is less than 10% of your total farm area
Establish habitat areas that provide environmental benefits including wildlife value
Maintain created habitat areas in appropriate condition
Rotate or refresh habitat areas as needed to maintain environmental value
Integrate habitat creation with farming operations where possible
Who needs to complete UA6?
Farmers whose existing habitat (maintained under UA5: Habitat maintenance) covers less than 10% of their total farm area.
UA6 is not applicable if you already have enough existing habitat to meet the scheme requirement for 10% of your farm to be habitat.
What evidence do I need?
Records of habitat areas created and their locations
Evidence of appropriate establishment and maintenance
Documentation showing integration with farm management systems
Habitat area calculations demonstrating 10% coverage achieved
Records kept for 5 years and available for inspection if requested
How much does UA6 pay?
Payment for UA6 is included in the Universal Payment received for completing all applicable Universal Actions. Additional support for enhanced habitat creation is available through Optional Actions.
Types of temporary habitat
Grass-based habitat:
Species-rich grass margins and field corners
Buffer strips along watercourses
Rough grass areas in field corners
Rotational set-aside areas with natural regeneration
Wildlife crop areas:
Bird food plots and game cover crops
Wildflower strips and meadow areas
Pollinator-friendly crop mixes
Seed-bearing crops for wildlife
Wetland features:
Seasonal wet areas and scrapes
Temporary ponds and water features
Rush pastures and wet meadows
Field corner wet areas
How can I prepare?
Calculate existing habitat percentage on your farm
Identify suitable areas for temporary habitat creation
Consider integration with existing farm rotations
Plan for appropriate seed mixes and establishment methods
Access advice on habitat creation techniques
Benefits of UA6
For your farm:
Enhanced biodiversity supporting beneficial insects
Natural pest control services from habitat-dwelling species
Potential pollination services for crops
Improved soil health in habitat areas
Enhanced landscape and visual appeal
For the environment:
Increased wildlife habitat and species diversity
Enhanced pollinator populations supporting local ecosystems
Improved connectivity between existing habitat areas
Better water quality through buffer zones and wetland areas
Carbon storage in habitat vegetation and soils
Establishment approaches
Simple establishment:
Natural regeneration in set-aside areas
Basic grass and wildflower seed mixes
Field corner habitat creation
Integration with existing field boundaries
Enhanced establishment:
Specialist wildflower and grass seed mixes
Targeted species mixes for specific wildlife benefits
Professional habitat design and management
Integration with wider landscape conservation
Management requirements
Basic maintenance:
Appropriate cutting or grazing to maintain habitat value
Control of invasive weeds that could dominate habitat
Protection from damage during farming operations
Seasonal timing to protect wildlife breeding and feeding
Rotational management:
Periodic renewal or rotation of temporary habitat areas
Integration with crop rotations where appropriate
Adaptive management based on habitat condition and wildlife use
Integration with farming
Field margin approaches:
Habitat strips around field edges
Buffer zones along boundaries and watercourses
Corner areas unsuitable for regular cropping
Integration with sprayer and machinery turning areas
Whole field approaches:
Rotational set-aside with habitat value
Temporary conversion of improved grassland
Integration with grazing systems through mob grazing or exclusion
Support available
Farming Connect:
Habitat creation advice and guidance
Seed mix selection and establishment techniques
Wildlife management and monitoring guidance
Integration with farm business planning
Optional Actions:
Enhanced funding for permanent habitat creation
Support for specialist seed mixes and establishment
Payments for enhanced management and maintenance
Quality indicators
Successful temporary habitat should show:
Diverse plant species establishment
Evidence of wildlife use (insects, birds, small mammals)
Appropriate vegetation structure for target species
Good integration with farm management systems
Maintained condition throughout habitat lifespan
Flexibility options
Various habitat types acceptable depending on farm circumstances
Rotational approach allows integration with farming systems
Seasonal timing flexibility for establishment and management
Scale and location adaptable to individual farm layouts
This approach ensures all Welsh farms contribute to biodiversity conservation while maintaining productive farming systems through practical and flexible habitat provision.
This information is provided by Farmwalk based on published government guidance. Always check the latest guidance on GOV.UK.