GRH7
GRH7: Haymaking supplement
£157.00
info Summary
This action is a supplement for specific grassland actions, requiring the production of field-dried hay. It involves a continuous 8-week period without grazing or cutting in spring/summer to allow wildflowers and grasses to flower and set seed before harvesting.
format_list_bulleted What to do
Do not graze or cut the sward for at least 8 continuous weeks in spring and summer before harvesting hay. Harvest no earlier than late June (outside SDAs) or mid-July (in SDAs), leave an uncut margin, field dry the hay, and then manage the aftermath.
schedule When to do
This action must be completed annually throughout the agreement.
checklist How to do
The method is flexible, provided the mandatory requirements are met and the action's aim is achieved.
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
- a grazing activity record if livestock are grazed on the area
- photographs and other documentation to show management undertaken
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
Check for nesting birds before cutting and delay if necessary. Aftermath grazing with cattle can improve biodiversity, but remove livestock if the ground is too wet or the sward becomes too short.
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