BE2: Protection of in-field trees on intensive grassland
How much will be paid
£295 per hectare (ha)
Where to use this option
It’s available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier on part parcels, only on:
- grassland receiving more than 100 kilograms (kg) per hectare of nitrogen a year in fertilisers or manures
- trees (dead or alive) at least 30 centimetres (cm) diameter at breast height (DBH)
Where this option cannot be used
On a group or line of 4 or more trees whose canopies overlap.
Related Mid Tier options
You can locate the following options and supplements on the same area as this option.
How this option will benefit the environment
If successful, trees will be protected from agricultural operations and kept as important features in the local landscape. Tree roots will be protected from damage by cultivations with a fertiliser-free grass buffer. Undisturbed standing and fallen deadwood will provide habitat for invertebrates.
Aims
If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.
Throughout the year there will be trees surrounded by a naturally regenerated grass buffer, protected from damage by livestock and wild animals. Tree guards will be managed to prevent any damage to growing trees. The grass buffer radius will be determined by the tree diameter at breast height.
| Tree diameter at breast height (DBH) |
Sward radius |
Area per tree |
| 30cm to 99cm |
10m |
0.03ha |
| 100cm to 199cm |
20m |
0.12ha |
| 200cm or more |
30m |
0.28ha |
Fallen branches will remain in the option area. Trees that die or fall will remain in their position.
Prohibited activities
To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities.
- Apply any fertilisers or manures
- Apply any lime
- Plough, cultivate or re-seed
- Use supplementary feed
- Harrow or roll
- Use pesticides, except for herbicides to spot-treat or weed-wipe to control nettles, bracken, injurious weeds or invasive non-natives
- Remove any tree limbs, including lower limbs, or mature ivy growth
- Carry out any drainage works, including modifying existing drainage, without written permission before any works take place
On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.
Recommended management
To assist you in achieving the aims and deliver the environmental benefits for this option, we recommend that you use best practice.
We recommend that you:
- protect trees from damage by livestock and wild animals
- make sure tree guards do not damage growing trees
- keep all fallen branches within the option area
- leave trees in place if they die or fall and continue with the management requirements
In year 1 maintain or allow a grass sward to develop around each tree by natural regeneration.
| Tree diameter at breast height (DBH) |
Sward radius |
Area per tree |
| 30cm to 99cm |
10m |
0.03ha |
| 100cm to 199cm |
20m |
0.12ha |
| 200cm or more |
30m |
0.28ha |
Once established, maintain the sward:
- make sure that no more than 5% is covered in weeds or bare ground
- only cut to control woody growth
Keeping records
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.
- The diameter at breast height (DBH) for each tree
- Photographs of trees entered into the option
- Photographs of the sward buffer
Additional guidance and advice
The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.
Storing fallen branches
Do not cut fallen branches into pieces but stack in piles:
- with one pile in a sunny spot and one in a shady spot
- not too high, to stop the timber drying out
- with as much timber as possible in contact with the ground
Setting tree guards
Do not attach tree guards to the trees as this can damage them.
Using pesticides
Avoid damaging the trees when spot-treating or weed-wiping. Use chemicals as a last resort, as they can damage root fungi in the soil and trees depend on fungi for future good health.
Controlling livestock damage
To prevent livestock damage:
- provide different shelter with water to attract animals away from trees
- fence off trees to stop animals rubbing and stripping bark or trampling the base If you use fences, place them at the edge of the option area.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
This option can form part of an IPM approach to prevent the establishment of pests, weeds and diseases. If successful, appropriate and within proximity of cropped areas, these may limit the need for the use of Plant Protection Products and enhance wildlife and biodiversity on your holding. Read information on IPM at AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Integrated Pest Management and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).
Further information
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier and Higher Tier including how to apply.
*[DBH]: diameter at breast height