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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • How do I carry out FwNT Scheme Actions - Year 2?

    Topics:
    • Grants and Funding, 
    • Sustainable Agriculture Programme, 
    • Agricultural & Environmental Schemes

    To carry out the actions under the Farming with Nature Transition (FwNT) Scheme Year 2, farmers need to follow specific guidelines and best practices to ensure effective implementation. By following these guidelines, farmers can effectively implement the FwNT scheme actions and contribute to environmental sustainability on their farms. The links below provide further information alongside Guidance Notes and Videos for each of the actions and supporting items.

    You will be required to retain all receipts and to produce them if requested during inspection.

    Please note that the following actions from 2025 have been revised for Year 2 of the FwNT Scheme. 

    Planting New Hedgerows – revised

    Code – NHG

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • 3 or more species required
    • Work must be completed by 28 February 2027
    • Retain evidence of the of the quantity and species of native hedge plants
    • Not plant a hedgerow on permanent grassland sensitive or on the side of a 2 metre riparian buffer

    The aim of this action is to create new lengths of hedgerows planted with native species* where no hedge currently exists. 

    An applicant planting a new hedgerow must:

    (a) plant a hedgerow

    (i) where no hedgerow currently exists; or

    (ii) where there is a continuous gap of 10 metres or more between existing hedgerows;

    (b) ensure each individual length of new hedgerow planted is a minimum of 10 metres;

    (c) plant three or more species of native hedge plants from the native hedgerow species* with an average of 6 native plants per metre;

    (d) protect newly planted hedgerows from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;

    (e) manage the hedgerow to prevent growth being negatively affected by weeds;

    (f) manage and maintain the full length of hedgerow planted;

    (g) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;

    (h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and species of native hedge plants used;

    (i) not plant a new hedgerow

    (i) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    against an existing hedgerow;

    (iii) on the field side of a 2 metre riparian buffer strip;

    (iv) under the shade of an existing treeline or woodland; or

    (v) against a stone wall; and

    (j) ensure, if erecting protective fencing, it meets the eligibility criteria

    An eligible farm business will receive a scheme payment for any protective fencing erected, in line with specification, up to a maximum of twice the length of newly planted hedgerows which meet the eligibility criteria set out below.

    *List of approved native hedgerow species 

    Hedge Plant Species List

     

    • Blackthorn / Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
    • Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
    • Gorse / Whin (Ulex europaeus)
    • Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
    • Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
    • Hazel (Corylus avellana)
    • Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
    • Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)

    Native Hedgerow Tree Species List

     

    • Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
    • Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
    • Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
    • Oak (Quercus robur)
    • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
    • Scot’s Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
    • Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
    • Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
    • Willow (Salix spp)

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link: 

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2  

    Creation of a 2 m Riparian Buffer Strip

    Code – BST 2m strip

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • Establish it alongside both sides of an internal watercourse
    • Work must be completed by 28 February 2027
    • Ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed

    The aim of this action is to create a vegetated riparian buffer strip which will protect watercourses from livestock access, and to reduce the risk of potential pollutants, such as sediment, plant protection products and nutrients, being transported to watercourses in surface water runoff. It will also provide habitats for wildlife and form links to other habitats.

    An applicant creating a riparian buffer strip must:

    (a) establish it

    (i) alongside a watercourse; or

    (ii) alongside both sides of an internal watercourse;

    (b) create a riparian buffer strip that is;

    (i) a minimum distance of 2 metres from the edge of a watercourse; 

    (c) erect continuous protective fencing adjacent to the entire length of the watercourse along;

    (i) each field boundary; and

    (ii) both sides of an internal watercourse;

    (d) ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed;

    (e) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027; and

    (f) retain the riparian buffer strip for a period of at least 15 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

    ‘Watercourse’ means any channel through which water may flow as identified by DAERA using LPIS data.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link: 

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Creation of a 7 m Riparian Buffer Strip

    Code – BSS 7m strip

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • Establish it alongside both sides of an internal watercourse
    • Work must be completed by 28 February 2027
    • Ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed

    The aim of this action is to create a vegetated riparian buffer strip which will protect watercourses, reduce the risk of potential pollutants, such as sediment, plant protection products and nutrients, being transported to watercourses in surface water runoff. It will also provide habitats for wildlife and form links to other habitats.

    An applicant creating a riparian buffer strip must:

    (a) establish it

    (i) alongside a watercourse; or

    (ii) alongside both sides of an internal watercourse;

    (b) create a riparian buffer strip that is;

    (i) a minimum distance of 7 metres from the edge of a watercourse; 

    (c) erect continuous protective fencing adjacent to the entire length of the watercourse along;

    (i) each field boundary; and

    (ii) both sides of an internal watercourse;

    d) install a gate and two posts to riparian buffer strips 7 metres wide every 150 metres, or part thereof;

    (e) ensure access to the watercourse for maintenance purposes is not obstructed;

    (f) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027; and

    (g) retain the riparian buffer strip for a period of at least 15 years beginning with 28th February 2027.”

    ‘Watercourse’ means any channel through which water may flow as identified by DAERA using LPIS data.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link: 

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Farmland Tree Planting – 1600 trees/ha - revised

    Code – FTP

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • Not plant trees on land within 5 metres of a designated watercourse, on flood defence areas, on riparian buffer strips or within hedgerows
    • 3 or more species required
    • Ensure that access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is unobstructed
    • Retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and native tree species used
    • Work must be completed by 28th February 2027

    The aim of this action is to establish native trees on farms. Native trees can be integrated across farmland and may be placed downwind of livestock buildings or as a shelter belt for livestock. DAERA will undertake a pre-approval check for this action which will also include an assessment of the distance from powerlines. 

    An applicant planting trees must

    (a) not plant trees

    (i) on land within 5 metres of a designated watercourse;

    (ii) on flood defence areas;

    (iii) on riparian buffer strips;

    (iv) within hedgerows; or

    (v) on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    (b) plant three or more native tree species from the native trees species list**;

    (c) ensure a minimum of 0.05 hectares are planted at 2.5 metre spacing in the same plot at a planting rate of 1,600 trees per hectare;

    (d) support and protect each newly planted tree from damage by grazing livestock or wildlife on all sides;

    (e) exclude livestock from the area in which the new trees are planted;

    (f) manage and maintain trees planted including the removal of grass or weeds negatively impacting tree growth;

    (g) ensure that access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is unobstructed;

    (h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the quantity and native tree species used;

    (i) complete all work related to this action by 28th February 2027;

    (j) retain planted trees for a minimum period of 20 years beginning with 28th February 2027; and

    (k) ensure if erecting protective fencing it meets the eligibility criteria

    ** List of approved native tree species

    Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
    Aspen (Populus tremula)
    Bay Willow (Salix pentandra)
    Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)
    Blackthorn / Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
    Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
    Damson (Prunus Insititia)
    Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
    Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
    Goat Willow (Salix caprea)
    Gorse / Whin (Ulex europaeus)
    Grey Willow (Salix cinerea)
    Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
    Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
    Hazel (Corylus avellana)
    Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
    Juniper (Juniperus communis)
    Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
    Poplar (Populus spp.)
    Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
    Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
    Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
    Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
    Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
    Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
    Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
    Wild Pear (Pyrus communis)
    Wild Plum (Prunus domestica)
    Willow (Salix spp.)
    Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)

    This action must not be carried out near overhead powerlines, underground services, where it may affect or obstruct a neighbour’s property or where it may overlap with ineligible features.  Farmland tree planting must also not be carried out close to buildings or where it may obstruct future farm development.

    While soft features are eligible for FSP from January 2026, FTP should be carefully sited.

    Sites may be inspected (OTSC) and must meet scheme requirements; dense vegetation may be unsuitable. All applications require DAERA pre-approval.

    ‘Designated watercourse’ means a watercourse designated by the Drainage Council under The Drainage (Northern Ireland) Order 1973.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Retention of Winter Stubble – revised

    Code – WST

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • An applicant may retain winter stubble on a minimum area of 0.1 hectare
    • Not apply non-selective herbicides before or after the harvest

    The aim of this action is to benefit wildlife by retaining the stubble from an arable crop over the winter.  This action can be completed on arable land that is growing a cereal, oilseed rape, protein crop or linseed. 

    This action may be completed on arable land on which is growing

    (a) cereal;

    (b) oilseed rape;

    (c) protein crop; or

    (d) linseed.

    (3)  This action must not be completed on:

    (a) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or

    (b) stubble following the harvest of -

    (i) maize; or

    (ii) under-sown crops.

    (4)  An applicant may retain winter stubble on a minimum area of 0.1 hectare.

    (5)  An applicant retaining winter stubble must

    (a) not apply inorganic fertiliser after the harvest;

    (b) not apply non-selective herbicides before or after the harvest;

    (c) retain that winter stubble, in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (d) retain it from after the harvest until 15th February 2027;

    (e) ensure that straw is either

    (i) removed after the harvest;

    (ii) stored in field as bales; or

    (iii) left as chopped straw; and

    (f) ensure stubble is not grazed or cut.

    In the case of the Retention of Winter Stubble action:

    Normal husbandry practice means that stubble must be produced from a crop grown and harvested in a manner that would be expected to produce a viable crop i.e. you must have prepared the land and sown the seeds in a manner and at a seed rate that would be expected to produce a normal marketable crop and harvested that crop.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Multi-species Winter Cover Crop - revised

    Code – WCC

    Change(s) for Year 2:

    • Establish it across a minimum area of 0.1 hectare
    • Use a seed mix containing at least 4 species
    • Retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used

    The aim of this action is to establish a multi-species cover crop on arable land over the winter months to protect the soil surface, provide root growth that benefits soil structure, support soil biology, enhances biodiversity and minimises nutrient leaching, soil erosion, and runoff. 

    This action must be completed on arable land.

    (3) An applicant establishing multi-species winter cover-crop must

    (a) not apply inorganic fertiliser;

    (b) establish it across a minimum area of 0.1 hectare in line with normal husbandry 

    practice;

    (c) use a seed mix containing at least 4 species from 2 or more of the following plant families:

    (i) brassicas;

    (ii) legumes;

    (iii) cereals or grasses; and

    (iv) herbs;

    (d) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used; and

    (e) retain it until 15th February 2027 and then destroy it in line with normal husbandry practice.

    (4) This action must not be completed on permanent grassland sensitive areas.

    In the case of Multi-species Winter Cover Crop:

    Normal husbandry practice means that the required seed mix must be sown and established in a manner and at a seed rate that would be expected to produce a viable multi-species winter cover crop and then destroyed in preparation for the following crop.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    New Actions for Year 2

    Arable - Unharvested Cereal Margin (3-12 m)

    Code - AMU

    The action involves leaving an unharvested cereal crop margin along field margins to provide a summer/winter food source and a habitat for insects and food for seed-eating farmland birds. 

    An applicant creating an unharvested cereal margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide must:

    (a) not create it on

    (i) permanent grassland sensitive areas; or

    (ii) a maize crop;

    (b) not apply

    (i) organic fertilisers;

    (ii) inorganic fertilisers; or

    (iii) lime;

    (c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (d) create it along part of or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal, in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;

    (f) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery; and

    (g) ensure that it is retained until 28th February 2027.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    FwNT - Arable Unharvested Cereal Margin (3-12m) (AMU) Requirements and Guidance

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Arable - Grass Margin (3-12 m)

    Code – AMG

    Establishing grass margins on arable land provides habitat for overwintering invertebrates, some of which prey on pests of cereals, nesting and foraging sites for birds and mammals.  Populations of small mammals, such as shrews and mice, are able to build up in thick grass margins, particularly next to wide hedgerows, providing ideal hunting habitat for Barn Owls and Kestrels.

    An applicant creating a grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres wide 

    Must:

    (a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    (b) not apply

    (i) organic fertilisers;

    (ii) inorganic fertilisers; or

    (iii) lime;

    (c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;

    (f) establish it using an untreated seed mix*** of tussock forming grasses and fine Grasses;

    (g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;

    (h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;

    (i) establish it by 28th February 2027; and

    (j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

    *** List of approved untreated seed mix.           

    Tussock-forming grasses (15% of mix)Fine grasses (85% of mix)
    CocksfootRed Fescue
    TimothySheep’s Fescue
    Yorkshire FogCreeping Fescue
     Rough stalked Meadow Grass
     Smooth Meadow Grass
     Common Bent
     Creeping Bent
     Sweet Vernal Grass
     Crested Dog’s tail
     Meadow Foxtail

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Arable - Flower-rich Grass Margin (3-12 m)

    Code - AMF

    Establishing flower-rich grass margins on arable land creates habitat and foraging sites for invertebrates, including natural crop pest predators, wild pollinators and farmland birds.

    An applicant creating a flower-rich grass margin on arable land between 3 and 12 metres must

    (a) not create it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    (b) not apply

    (i) organic fertilisers; or

    (ii) inorganic fertilisers; or

    (iii) lime;

    (c) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (d) create it along part or for the entire field boundary, where the main field crop is cereal, in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (e) create it in a minimum area of 0.1 hectare;

    (f) establish it using an untreated seed mix****;

    (g) protect it from grazing and damage by livestock or machinery;

    (h) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;

    (i) establish it by 30th September 2026; and

    (j) retain it for at least 5 years beginning with 30th September 2026.

    **** List of approved untreated seed mix. (Irish Native Flower and Grass Untreated Seed Mix)

    Species

    Minimum number required

    % composition of seed mix

    Fine Leaved Native Grass Species 

    • Fescues (Fescua)
    • Common bent (Agrostis capillaris)
    • Sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum)
    • Crested dog’s‑tail (Cynosurus cristatus)

    One of each

    < 90%

    Irish Native Wildflower Species 

     

    • Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)
    • Betony (Stachys officinalis)
    • Birdsfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
    • Black/Common Knapweed (Centaurea nigra)
    • Black Medic (Medicago lupulina)
    • Native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non‑scripta)
    • Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris)
    • Corn Cockle (Agrostemma githago)
    • Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
    • Devil’s‑bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis)
    • Dropwort (Filipendula vulgaris)
    • Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis)
    • Great Mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)
    • Hedge Bedstraw (Galium mollugo)
    • Ivy‑leaved Speedwell (Veronica hederifolia)
    • Lady’s Bedstraw (Galium verum)
    • Meadow Sweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
    • Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis)
    • Musk Mallow (Malva moschata)
    • Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)
    • Ragged Robin (Silene flos‑cuculi)
    • Red Campion (Silene dioica)
    • Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
    • Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
    • Salad Burnet (Sanguisorba minor)
    • Self‑Heal (Prunella vulgaris)
    • Sheep’s Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)
    • Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca)
    • White Campion (Silene latifolia)
    • White Clover (Trifolium repens)
    • Wild Carrot (Daucus carota))
    • Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

     

    At least 8

     

    No individual species should make up more than 25% of the total wildflower seed weight

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Herbal Ley

    Code - HBL

    This action aims to establish herbal ley to reduce reliance on nitrogen fertilisers and promote a more sustainable method of farming.  Herbal ley helps improve and maintain the soil’s structure, carbon, biology and fertility and improve resilience to drought. 

    An applicant establishing a herbal ley must:

    (a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    (b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;

    (d) establish it using a minimum seed mix of 2 grass species, 2 herbs species and 2 legumes species respectively*****;

    (e) establish it so that it

    (i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;

    (ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and

    (iii) is in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (f) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;

    (g) establish it by 28th February 2027; and

    (h) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

    ***** List of approved Herbal Ley seed mix on following page.

    Plant Species Required Number of Species
    Grasses 
    Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)At least two species of grass.
    Timothy (Phleum pratense) 
    Italian Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 
    Hybrid Ryegrass (Lolium × boucheanum) (hybrid of L. perenne × L. multiflorum) 
    Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) 
    Meadow Fescue (Lolium pratense) 
    Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) 
    Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina) 
    Festulolium (Festuca x Lolium) 
    Legumes 
    Bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)At least two species of legumes
    Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) 
    White Clover (Trifolium repens) 
    Alsike Clover (Trifolium hybridum) 
    Sweet Clover (Melitotus officinalis) 
    Lucerne (Medicago sativa) 
    Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) 
    Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) 
    Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) 
    Herbs 
    Chicory (Cichorium intybus) At least two species of herbs
    Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) 
    Plantain (Plantago) 
    Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) 

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Herbal Ley – Enhanced

    Code - HLE

    This action aims to establish an enhanced herbal ley to reduce the reliance on nitrogen fertilisers and promote a more sustainable method of farming.  Herbal ley helps improve and maintain the soil’s structure, carbon, biology, and fertility and improve resilience to drought. This action requires the planting of a diverse species mix and should only be grazed.

    An applicant establishing an enhanced herbal ley must

    (a) not establish it on permanent grassland sensitive areas;

    (b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (c) not apply inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen;

    (d) not cut the crop for forage;

    (e) establish it using a minimum of 4 grass species, 4 herbs species and 4 legumes species respectively******;

    (f) establish it so that it

    (i) is a minimum of 0.1 hectare;

    (ii) does not exceed 10 hectares; and

    (iii) in line with normal husbandry practice;

    (g) retain evidence, as the Department may specify, of the seed mix used;

    (h) establish it by 28th February 2027; and

    (i) retain it for at least 3 years beginning with 28th February 2027.

    ******List of approved Enhanced Herbal Ley seed mix

    Plant Species Required Number of Species
    Grasses 
    Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)At least four species of grass.
    Timothy (Phleum pratense) 
    Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) 
    Hybrid ryegrass (Lolium × boucheanum) (hybrid of L. perenne × L. multiflorum) 
    Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea) 
    Meadow Fescue ((Lolium pratense)) 
    Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) 
    Sheep’s Fescue (Festuca ovina) 
    Festulolium (Festuca x Lolium) 
    Legumes 
    Bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)At least four species of legumes
    Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) 
    White clover (Trifolium repens) 
    Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) 
    Sweet clover (Melitotus officinalis) 
    Lucerne (Medicago sativa) 
    Meadow Vetchling (Lathyrus pratensis) 
    Tufted Vetch (Vicia cracca) 
    Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) 
    Herbs 
    Chicory (Cichorium intybus) At least four species of herbs
    Burnet (Sanguisorba minor) 
    Plantain (Plantago) 
    Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) 
    Sheep’s parsley (Petroselinum crispum) 

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Management of 7 m Riparian Buffer Strips (created in FwN)

    Code - MBSS

    The aim of this action is to manage a 7 m vegetated riparian buffer strip created under FwNT in a previous scheme year which has been established to prevent livestock access to the watercourse, reduce bankside erosion and reduce the transport of pollutants to the watercourse.  It also provides habitat for wildlife and form links between other habitats.

    An applicant who created a 7 metre riparian buffer in Year 1 which meets the Riparian Buffer specification must:

    (a) not apply

    (i) organic fertilisers;

    (ii) inorganic fertilisers; or

    (iii) lime;

    (b) not apply plant protection products, except for the spot treatment of noxious or invasive weeds;

    (c) not cut the vegetation in the 2 metre width next to the watercourse;

    (d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gate posts in stock-proof condition;

    (e) cut the vegetation in the 5 metre width next to the field after the 31st August 2026 and remove the cuttings;

    (f) ensure access to watercourses for maintenance purposes is not obstructed; and

    (g) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Management of Farmland Tree Planting (created in FwN)

    Code - MFTP

    The aim of this action is to manage farmland trees established under FwNT in a previous scheme year. 

    An applicant who planted trees in Year 1 which meets the Farmland Tree Planting specification and disregarding any modifications made on or after that date must:

    (a) ensure each planted tree is supported, and protected from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;

    (b) replace dead trees with approved native trees species******* to maintain a minimum planting density of 1280 trees per hectare;

    (c) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;

    (d) maintain protective fencing, access gate or gates and gateposts in stock-proof condition; and

    (e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

    *******List of approved native tree species

    Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
    Aspen (Populus tremula)
    Bay Willow (Salix pentandra)
    Bird Cherry (Prunus padus)
    Blackthorn / Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
    Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
    Damson (Prunus Insititia)
    Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
    Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
    Goat Willow (Salix caprea)
    Gorse / Whin (Ulex europaeus)
    Grey Willow (Salix cinerea)
    Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
    Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
    Hazel (Corylus avellana)
    Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
    Juniper (Juniperus communis)
    Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur)
    Poplar (Populus spp.)
    Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
    Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
    Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
    Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
    Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)
    Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
    Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
    Wild Pear (Pyrus communis)
    Wild Plum (Prunus domestica)
    Willow (Salix spp.)
    Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra)

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Management of Hedgerows (created in FwN)

    Code - MNHG

    The aim of this action is to manage new lengths of hedgerows planted under FwNT in a previous scheme year. 

    An applicant who planted a hedgerow in Year 1 which meets the New Hedgerows specification and disregarding any modifications made on or after that date must: 

    (a) ensure growth is not negatively affected by weeds;

    (b) replace dead species with approved native hedgerow species******** to maintain an average of 5 plants per metre;

    (c) protect hedgerows on all sides as required from damage by grazing livestock and wildlife;

    (d) if installed, maintain protective fencing in stock-proof condition; and

    (e) complete all work relating to this action by 28th February 2027.

    ********List of approved native hedgerow species 

    Hedge Plant Species List

     

    • Blackthorn / Sloe (Prunus spinosa)
    • Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
    • Gorse / Whin (Ulex europaeus)
    • Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
    • Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
    • Hazel (Corylus avellana)
    • Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
    • Spindle (Euonymus europaeus)

    Native Hedgerow Tree Species List

     

    • Alder (Alnus glutinosa)
    • Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)
    • Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
    • Oak (Quercus robur)
    • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
    • Scot’s Pine (Pinus sylvestris)
    • Silver Birch (Betula pendula)
    • Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
    • Willow (Salix spp)

    The guidance video for this action can be viewed at the following link:

    The guidance information sheet for this action can be viewed at the following link: 

    Guidance for FwNT Scheme Actions  -Year 2

    Actions can be applied for in the same field as long as they do not overlap and meet the required specifications for each action.

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