£257.00
info Summary
Manage eligible ponds to provide clear and clean water with semi-aquatic, submerged and floating vegetation to increase biodiversity and improve water quality.
format_list_bulleted What to do
Manage the pond to achieve clear water and diverse vegetation by controlling scrub and avoiding livestock trampling, while adhering to specific prohibitions such as not deepening the pond or introducing non-native species.
schedule When to do
This action must be carried out continuously from its start date throughout the entire 3-year duration of the agreement.
checklist How to do
You have flexibility in how you manage the pond, provided you follow all mandatory requirements (identified by 'must') and work towards achieving the action's aim.
description Evidence Required
You must keep evidence to show what you’ve done to complete this action, such as:
- pond management operations at a land parcel level and associated invoices
- photographs and 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
To improve pond health, prevent polluted runoff, consider establishing buffer strips (using BFS2 or BFS3), and manage surrounding vegetation to allow light. The best time for management work is September to November. If managing multiple ponds, consider a rotational system. Limiting livestock access can also improve water quality.
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