CSAM2

Establish and maintain a multi-species winter cover crop using a seed mix from at least two specified plant families. The crop must not be harvested as a cash crop and can be grazed by livestock as long as it remains well-established over the winter months.

This action must be completed annually for the 3-year duration of the agreement. If a late start prevents this, you must begin within 12 months of the action's start date.

You have flexibility in how you complete this action, provided you adhere to the specified requirements and work towards achieving the action's aim. Optional advice is available for guidance.

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.

Guidance is provided on choosing a varied seed mix, noting legal restrictions on cultivation near hedgerows, and methods for sowing and destroying the cover crop. Consulting a seed supplier for a suitable mix and sowing rate is recommended.