GRH8

Do not graze or cut the sward for at least 9 weeks in spring and summer before harvesting the hay crop, which should be no earlier than mid-July. An uncut margin must be left around at least half the edge of the area. The cut hay must be field dried and turned before removal. Afterwards, manage the sward with aftermath grazing or a second cut.

This action must be completed annually throughout the agreement's duration.

You have flexibility in how you complete this action, provided you adhere to the mandatory requirements and work towards achieving the action's aim.

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.

Before harvesting, check for nesting birds and delay cutting if necessary. Allow the cut hay to wilt and turn it to help seeds return to the meadow. Consider aftermath grazing with cattle from late summer to improve biodiversity, removing them if the ground is too wet or the sward becomes too short.