WT1: Buffering in-field ponds and ditches in improved grassland

How much will be paid

£311 per hectare (ha).

Where to use this option

Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier only on improved grassland adjacent to ditches under option WT3: Management of Ditches of High Environmental Value.

Where this option cannot be used

• on historic or archaeological features
• around ponds associated with industrial features such as effluent ponds, balancing ponds or small water supply reservoirs

Related Mid Tier options

• OR1 - Organic conversion - improved permanent grassland
• OT1 - Organic land management - improved permanent grassland

How this option will benefit the environment

It protects ponds from nutrient leaching and sediment runoff. This will maintain and enhance water quality and wildlife.

Aims

If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.

There will be a 10m – 20m wide grass strip surrounding a pond or adjacent to a ditch. This will be left to develop a mix of tussocky grasses, flowering plants and low scrub through natural regeneration with the southern side remaining free of scrub.

Prohibited Activities

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities:

• cut the strip, except to prevent scrub from developing on more than half of the pond or ditch margin
• let livestock poach more than a third of the pond margin
• use pesticides, except for herbicides to weed wipe or spot treat for the control of injurious weeds, invasive non-native species, nettles or bracken
• apply any fertilisers or manures
• cut between 1 March and 31 August

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

Recommended management

To assist you in achieving the aims and deliver the environmental benefits for this option we recommend that you use best practice.

We recommend that you:

• only cut to control the spread of woody growth - the southern side of the pond or ditch should remain open and free of scrub.

Keeping Records

Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

• field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
• evidence that the grassland is improved
• photographs of the strips

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

Additional Guidance and Advice

The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

This option can form part of an IPM approach to prevent the establishment of pests, weeds and diseases. If successful, appropriate and within proximity of cropped areas, these may limit the need for the use of Plant Protection Products and enhance wildlife and biodiversity on your holding. Read information on IPM at AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Integrated Pest Management and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Biodiversity

This option 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 Mid Tier and Higher Tier including how to apply.