CAHL4
CAHL4: 4m to 12m grass buffer strip on arable and horticultural land
£515.00
info Summary
Establish and maintain a 4m to 12m wide grass buffer strip on the edge of arable or horticultural land, next to an existing landscape or heritage feature.
format_list_bulleted What to do
Establish and maintain a 4m to 12m wide grass buffer strip on the edge of arable or horticultural land, buffering a landscape or heritage feature. In late summer, after the bird breeding season, you must cut part of the strip. You must not use the strip for access or storage, or apply fertilisers, manures, or pesticides (with exceptions for weed control).
schedule When to do
The grass buffer strip must be established within the first 12 months of the agreement and maintained in the same location for the duration.
checklist How to do
You must follow the mandatory requirements of the action to achieve its aim, but the specific method is flexible.
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 establishing the grass strip via sowing a seed mix or natural regeneration, and its location relative to regulatory requirements. Guidance is also given on maintaining the strip, including cutting strategies to create varied habitats and methods for controlling weeds.
View Official Guidelines
Access detailed information about this action on the RPA website
SFI 2026 Announcement
Read details about SFI 2026 changes, definitions, and what to expect on the Defra farming blog