AHW11

Create and manage a fallow cultivated margin or plot by cultivating it in the spring or autumn. You must not disturb the area before the end of summer, use it for vehicle access, or apply fertilisers, manures, lime, or most pesticides.

This action must be done annually for its 3-year duration. If starting late, the plot must be created within 12 months. In the final year, it must be maintained until the end of summer or the action's end date.

The method is flexible, as long as the mandatory requirements are followed and the action is done in a way that can reasonably be expected to achieve its aim.

You must keep evidence to show what you’ve done to complete this action, such as:

• field operations at a land parcel level and associated invoices
• photographs or other documentation

If it’s not clear that you’ve done this action in a way that could reasonably be expected to achieve its aim, we may ask for this evidence.

You must supply the evidence if we ask for it.

Advice suggests locating plots on south-facing headlands, avoiding cultivation near hedgerows, and using various methods to control weeds, such as rotating plots, varying cultivation timing, topping, and targeted herbicide application.