UP5: Moorland re-wetting supplement

How much will be paid

£181 per hectare (ha).

Where to use this supplement

Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

Only:

• with option UP3 - Management of moorland
• if a peat restoration programme has been started or completed

How this supplement will benefit the environment

It will maintain and restore vegetation mosaics, wetland habitats and associated wildlife.

If successful there will be:

• improved hydrology of moorland habitats
• benefits to upland flora and fauna, eg increased sphagnum moss growth
• benefits to historic features
• strengthened landscape character
• improved breeding habitat for invertebrates, a food source for grouse and wader chicks

Requirements

Agreement holders are likely to need to maintain blocks. Do this by making sure that:

• there are no breaches in the blocks
• excess water from the grip does not flow into the channel below
• excess water soaks into the ground, down slope from the grip
• no water - except natural peak surface water-flows between dams

Make sure in the re-profiled area that:

• bare peat has stabilised
• vegetation has established
• channel water levels are maintained at ground surface
• channels are actively silting up behind grip blocks

Keeping records

Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:

• records of all management work including grazing, grip blocking and other re-wetting work
• any bank statements, receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work
• inspection reports and photographs of grips and blocks for your annual claim
• records of maintenance work done to meet the requirements

You should also be aware that at the start of each claim year, a percentage of agreement holders will be asked to take and submit the following photographic records:

• photographs showing the stabilised peat
• photographs of any excavation or construction work, if applicable

The detailed requirements for this supplement will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.

Related supplements

This supplement can be located on the same area as the following supplements:

• SP4 - Control of invasive plant species supplement
• SP5 - Shepherding supplement
• SP6 - Cattle grazing supplement
• SP9 - Threatened species supplement
• SP10 - Administration of group managed agreements supplement
• UP3 - Management of moorland
• UP6 - Upland livestock exclusion supplement

More than one supplement may be used if agreed with Natural England adviser.

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this supplement

The following section gives advice on carrying out this supplement successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this supplement.

Pick the right location

Good sites for this supplement are:

• deep peat soils that can support peat forming blanket bog vegetation
• Natural England’s priority habitat for blanket bog
• restored areas with reduced grazing capacity due to re-wetting

Biodiversity

This supplement has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.

The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.

Further information

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier including how to apply.