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AHW3

AHW3: Beetle banks

£764.00

per hectare · yearly

info Summary

Establish and maintain an in-field raised grassy bank by creating an earth ridge and sowing it with a mix of fine-leaved and tussock-forming grasses. This provides habitat for wildlife and helps prevent soil erosion.

format_list_bulleted What to do

Establish and maintain an in-field beetle bank by creating a raised earth ridge and sowing a mix of fine-leaved and tussock-forming grasses. You must not apply fertilisers, manures, lime, or pesticides, except for specific herbicide treatments for weed control.

schedule When to do

The beetle bank must be established within 12 months of the action's start date and maintained for the entire duration of the agreement.

checklist How to do

The method is flexible, provided you follow the mandatory requirements and work towards achieving the action's aim.

description Evidence Required

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.

tips_and_updates Additional Advice

Advice is provided on choosing a suitable location, methods for establishing the bank (3-5m wide, 0.4m high), maintenance cutting schedules, and enhancing wildlife value by adding flower species or woody shrubs.

View Official Guidelines

Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website

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SFI 2026 Announcement

Read details about SFI 2026 changes, definitions, and what to expect on the Defra farming blog

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