What the action involves
The aim of this supplemental action is that all the grazing livestock units (GLU) on moorland are cattle or ponies, or a combination of both.
The purpose of this is to:
- create a more varied sward structure
- control scrub, bracken and coarse vegetation
- increase wildlife diversity
What you must do
Your Natural England adviser will assess your land. They’ll work with you to adapt and agree the activities you must do to achieve this action’s aim. All mandatory activities will be set out in your agreement document.
To get paid for this action, you must either:
- have a minimum percentage of 100% of GLU grazing on land entered into the base action as cattle or ponies, or a combination of both
- follow a stocking calendar (as agreed with your Natural England adviser)
You must not supplementary feed livestock on land entered into this supplemental action, unless this has been agreed with your Natural England adviser, to support the purpose of this action.
The feeding of hay or haylage is permitted in cases of extreme weather for the purpose of animal welfare only.
Extreme weather is defined as 2 or more consecutive days of deep snow or hard frost.
Read more about supplementary feeding in extreme weather in the advice section of this action.
When to do it
You must do this supplemental action each year of its duration.
Evidence to keep
You must keep evidence to show what you have done to complete this action. If it’s not clear that you have done this action in a way that could reasonably be expected to achieve its aim, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) may ask for this evidence.
You must supply the evidence if they ask for it, including a written stocking calendar. You can record this on paper or electronically.
The same action appears in the other schemes under a different code. The work is broadly the same; the rate and the length of the commitment are not.
Where you can do it
You can only do this supplemental action on eligible land with any of the following Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) base actions:
- CUP8: Moderate livestock grazing on moorland
- CUP9: Low livestock grazing on moorland
- CUP10: Limited livestock grazing on moorland
Your Natural England adviser will agree with you what other supplemental actions may be needed to meet the intended environmental outcomes. This could include:
- CSP18: Keep native breeds on extensively managed habitats supplement (50-80%)
- CSP19: Keep native breeds on extensively managed habitats supplement (more than 80%)
- CSP2: Rewetting supplement
- CSP3: Bracken control supplement
- CSP9: Support for threatened species
Eligible land
Same as base action.
Available area
Same as base action.
Rotational or static
Same as base action.
Consents and permissions
To apply for this action, you’ll need:
- Scheduled Monument Consent from Historic England for any work on scheduled monuments
- consent from Natural England for any activity on land designated as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
You may need to:
- agree an implementation plan or feasibility study with your Natural England adviser
- get a wildlife licence from Natural England if your activities affect a protected species or their habitat
- get advice from your Forestry Commission woodland officer or Natural England adviser if you have other historic or archaeological features on your agreement land
All historic and archaeological features (including scheduled monuments) are identified in your Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (HEFER).
If you’re a tenant, it’s your responsibility to check whether your tenancy agreement allows you to complete what’s required in the actions you choose. You may need your landlord’s consent.
Capital grants that support it
If you need to complete an implementation plan or a feasibility study before you apply, you can apply for capital grants plans funding.
You can also apply for capital items to help you achieve the action’s aims. Your Natural England adviser will discuss eligible capital items with you.
