WT7: Creation of reedbed

How much will be paid

£1,605 per hectare (ha).

How long this option lasts

This option lasts for 10 years, instead of the standard 5 years for the grant scheme.

Where to use this option

It is available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier only on:

• land with a level or very shallow gradient and a reliable, sufficient water supply that will maintain adequate flow and water table elevation during the summer

On whole and part-parcels on any of the following:

• arable land
• temporary grassland
• improved grassland
• wetland habitat in poor condition if approved by a specialist

Where this option cannot be used

• On existing semi-natural habitat, unless existing wetland is in poor condition and the work is agreed by a specialist
• On historic or archaeological features
• When it could flood someone else’s land
• If it is associated with poor water quality
• On areas of open water 1ha or more in area

Features that can be included in this option

You can include the following features if they are part of the land, even if they are ineligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS):

• areas of open water up to 1 ha

How this option will benefit the environment

It will help create new areas of reedbed priority habitat on land that is currently of low wildlife value. If successful it will generate open reed-dominated vegetation on waterlogged ground, interspersed with open water features along ditch lines and pond areas sustained all year round. The reedbed will support healthy populations of target reedbed species.

Requirements

You must:

• carry out earthworks to create ground and water conditions suitable for reedbed
• establish reedbed vegetation
• manage water levels and water supply
• manage distribution and flow of water through the site
• maintain any culverts, sluices, tidal flaps or bunds
• manage scrub and opportunistic species to assist reedbed establishment
• dispose of cut material appropriately
• manage open water features

The agreement will set out what must not be done. It is likely you will not be allowed to:

• apply fertilisers or manures
• use pesticides or herbicides, except to spot-treat or weed-wipe for the control injurious weeds and invasive non-native species

Keeping records

Before you apply you should contact the Environment Agency to see whether you need any consents before beginning any works.

On your annual claim you must declare that you have not carried out any activities prohibited by the option requirements.

You must keep the following records and supply them on request:

• receipted invoices, consents or permissions connected with the work
• field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
• photographs of the completed work

The detailed requirements for this option will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. You should discuss and agree these requirements with your adviser.

Related options

You can locate these options and supplements on the same area as this option:

• OR1 – Organic conversion – improved permanent grassland
• OT1 – Organic land management – improved permanent grassland
• SP2 – Raised water level supplement
• SP4 - Control of invasive plant species supplement
• SP5 – Shepherding supplement
• SP6 – Cattle grazing supplement
• SP7 – Introduction of cattle grazing on the Isles of Scilly
• SP8 – Native breeds at risk supplement
• SP9 - Threatened species supplement
• WT11 - Wetland cutting supplement
• WT12 - Wetland grazing supplement

Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this option

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

Reedbed habitat quality can vary greatly. Reedbed size, degrees of wetness and dryness, scrub cover, soil type, water quality and reed management practices affect wildlife opportunities. For example, a small scrubby reedbed can support a diverse invertebrate assemblage but will not attract breeding bittern.

Create the reedbed with a planned set of wildlife goals. You should assess feasibility and impact in advance and get all the appropriate advice and permissions. You should agree a detailed implementation plan for the works with Natural England. Plans should be appropriate and feasible and take account of:

• area available
• water supply
• topography
• other landscape and management constraints such as flood risk, historic environment and landscape impact.

Further Information

The RSPB website is a useful source of information, including the report on the project Bringing reedbeds to life.

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.