Creation of Species-rich Grassland

This is an old version of the page

Date published: 9 January, 2017

Date superseded: 21 January, 2023

Please note this option is suspended in 2022.

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

Aim

The aim of this item is to increase the area of species rich grassland by creating new habitat on land currently in an arable rotation or improved grassland which currently has no native species diversity of grass or flowers.

This will benefit a variety of invertebrates, birds and mammals, but particularly bees and other pollinators.

Eligibility

Arable land or improved grassland is eligible.

You should not include areas of land covering rocks, scree, water, dense bracken etc. We will check this using the same approach we use to check land for the Basic Payment Scheme.

Assessing your land eligibility

You must combine this item with one of the following management options:

Application requirements

You must identify on a map the area of the proposed grassland creation.

Management requirements

you must sow the area with a wildflower meadow mix to establish a new sward. The mix must include at least 15 per cent by weight of mixed Scottish native flowers, unless you receive prior approval as part of the application process
the seed must be of UK origin, unless you have prior approval
you must remove any existing cover by 1 June and establish the species-rich sward in the first year of your contract
you must maintain a diary

Payment

You can claim £754.42 per hectare.

Inspections

The inspectors will check:

the location and extent of the work
you have sown the area with a wildflower meadow mix to establish a new sward. The mix must include at least 15 per cent by weight of mixed Scottish native flowers, unless you receive prior approval as part of the application process. This will involve an invoice check
the seed was of UK origin, unless you have prior approval. This will involve an invoice check
you have removed any existing cover by 1 June and established the species-rich grassland in the first year of your contract
you have maintained a diary