Arable grass margins provide a habitat for pollinators, support wider biodiversity including ground-nesting birds, and help protect water quality from nutrient and sediment runoff.
Establish a 3, 4 ,6 or 8 m grass margin before 31st August by sowing a suitable seed mix at a rate of 15 kg/ha. Keep seed labels for duration of contract.
Soil cultivation must not be carried out within the margin once established.
The margin must be managed annually, by mulching or mowing after 31st August and before 15th January.
Do not apply chemical or organic fertiliser or lime to the margin.
Generally not a problemDo not apply pesticides or herbicides. Only spot treatment of noxious/invasive weeds is permitted.
