FwNT Scheme Retention Periods – Year 2
Some actions include a retention period, beginning from the year of establishment, e.g. a Riparian Buffer Strip established and claimed for in February 2027 must be retained for a period of at least 15 years beginning 28 February 2027.
Retention period means the length of time for which eligible actions completed by an eligible farm business must be managed and retained. You must have management control of the land for the duration of relevant retention period.
Table below display actions and associated retention periods.
Action | Retention period |
| Farmland Tree Planting | 20 Years |
| Riparian Buffer Strips | 15 Years |
Arable - Grass Margin | 5 Years |
Arable – Flower-rich Grass Margin* | 5 Years |
Herbal Ley | 3 Years |
Enhanced Herbal Ley | 3 Years |
Retention of Winter Stubble | Retain until after the harvest until 15 February 2027 |
Multi-Species Winter Cover Crop | Retain until 15 February 2027 and then destroy in mine with normal husbandry practice |
Arable – Unharvested Cereal Margin | Retain until 28 February 2027 |
*The Retention period for Arable - Flower-rich Grass Margins begins 30 September 2026.
For more information and guidance on maintaining actions with retention periods there is a link to guidance information under each specification in section 6.
In Year 2 of the scheme, three Management actions are available to help manage and maintain the following actions established in Year 1 - 7 m Riparian Buffer Strips, Farmland Tree Planting and Planting New Hedgerows. See How do I carry out the Scheme Actions - Year 2 page for further information.
Over the duration of the retention period, checks will be carried out to ensure actions have been retained.