Management of Floodplains

Date published: 13 January, 2023

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

The aim of this option is to manage stock on previously and newly restored floodplain (e.g. following river embankment removal). Restored floodplains help manage flood risk and benefit biodiversity.

By intercepting water as it overtops the river bank, floodplains will act as flood storage areas, helping to reduce the impacts of flooding downstream.

Well-managed floodplains will also support a diverse range and structure of wetland plant species which in turn will provide a food source for insects, mammals and birds.

Any grassland (including land in arable rotation with a newly created grass sward) which is allowed to flood (for example, following the removal of a flood bank), and is grazed for all or part of the year by livestock is eligible. Only the portion of the parcel of land that is liable to flooding is eligible. The land subject to payment under this option must remain in grassland for the duration of the contract.

You can check if this item is available on your holding using the search targeting tool which can be found on any of the following AECS guidance pages:

AECS Home

Eligibility

How to Apply

Management Options and Capital Items

Capital Items

You must identify on a map the locations of floodplain to be managed.

  • you must manage the same location and extent each year for the duration of your contract
  • you must monitor the field and remove stock when required due to flooding
  • you must maintain a diary

You can claim £57.43 per hectare per year.

There is a separate capital item to support the management of floodplains:

You can support the management of stock on a floodplain with the following management option:

The inspectors will check:

  • you have managed the same location and extent each year for the duration of your contract
  • you have monitored the field and removed stock when required due to flooding
  • you have maintained a diary

Section Change
Aim Added text to clarify aim of option
Eligibility Added text to explain that the land subject to payment under this option must remain in grassland for the duration of the contract.

Click 'Download this page' to create a printable version of this guidance you can save or print out.

Management options and capital items

Related content