£532.00
info Summary
Establish and maintain a legume fallow using a seed mix of at least 6 flowering species to provide winter cover, food for wildlife, and improve soil health. Livestock grazing is not permitted.
format_list_bulleted What to do
You must establish and maintain a legume fallow using a seed mix containing at least 6 flowering species, including legumes. On the established fallow, you must not graze livestock, use it for regular vehicular access, apply fertilisers or manures, or apply pesticides except for specific weed treatments. Cutting is only permitted to control certain grass weeds.
schedule When to do
The legume fallow must be established within 12 months of the action's start date. It should be maintained until the end of the second summer after sowing, and then re-established for the remainder of the action's duration.
checklist How to do
The method for implementing this action is flexible, provided you follow all the specified requirements and act in a way that is reasonably expected to achieve 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, including details of the seed mix used
- 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
Guidance is provided on choosing a suitable seed mix, selecting appropriate locations for sowing, and methods for sowing and establishment. It also includes advice on maintaining the fallow, such as how to control grass weeds by cutting while being mindful of nesting birds.
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