£798.00
info Summary
AB8: Flower-rich margins and plots is a Countryside Stewardship option that establishes and manages flower-rich grass margins or plots on arable land, temporary grassland, or bush orchards. This action aims to provide important habitat and foraging sites for invertebrates, including wild pollinators and farmland birds, by ensuring a diverse seed mix, summer flowering, and appropriate cutting or grazing management.
format_list_bulleted What to do
- Establish a flower-rich margin or plot in year 1 during spring/summer/autumn.
- The seed mix must contain a minimum of 4 grass species and 10 wildflower species, with grass not exceeding 90% and no single flower species exceeding 25% of the wildflower component by weight.
- Once established, the margin/plot must flower throughout summer to provide pollen and nectar.
- In late summer/autumn, cut or graze the majority of the margin/plot, removing dense cuttings, while leaving a remainder for wildlife refuge.
- Do not carry out any prohibited activities.
schedule When to do
- Establish the margin or plot in year 1 during spring/summer/autumn, ideally sowing between April/May and early September.
- In the first 12 months after sowing, cut regularly for establishment.
- Once established (from second spring), cut in spring (before April) if needed.
- Annually, cut or graze up to 90% of the area between 15 August and 31 October.
checklist How to do
- Sow the wildflower species component at a minimum seed rate of 2 kg per hectare.
- In the first 12 months, cut regularly and remove or shred cuttings to prevent weeds.
- Once established, cut in spring (before April) if grasses are smothering flowers.
- Annually, cut or graze up to 90% of the area between 15 August and 31 October, leaving a plant height of 10cm to 20cm.
- Leave at least 10% of the area uncut or un-grazed each year.
description Evidence Required
Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.
- Seed invoices
- Field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
- Stock records to show grazing activity on parcels
- Photographs of the margin or plot
tips_and_updates Additional Advice
- Pick the right location: Use lower yielding, sunny areas (south/south-southwest facing), avoiding overhanging trees, tall hedges, north/east facing land, very fertile soils, or areas with injurious weeds. Do not establish in locations with important rare arable plants.
- Consider block and plot sizes: Wide margins and large blocks help insects move safely during spraying and support pollinator food needs.
- What to sow: The seed mix should include both grasses and perennial flowering plants from the suggested lists (e.g., agrimony, bird’s-foot trefoil, black knapweed; common bent, crested dog’s-tail). Sow at 20kg per ha.
- Existing plots: Use suitable existing flower-rich plots if they offer a variety of flowers providing pollen and nectar.
- When to sow: Establish the mix in spring or late summer/early autumn of year 1.
- How to sow: Create a firm, consolidated, clean seed bed. Broadcast or trickle seed on top and roll/harrow. Check for and control slugs.
- Controlling weeds: Top emerging flowers and weeds at least 3 times in year 1 (spring sowings) or twice in year 2 (late summer/autumn sowings). Before April each year, ensure vegetation is short. Cut and remove summer growth between 15 August and 31 October.
- Leave 10% uncut/ungrazed for overwintering wildlife.
- Retain plots until at least 31 December in year 5 of the agreement.
- This option supports Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Biodiversity by enhancing wildlife and habitat connectivity.
View Official Guidelines
Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website