HEN HARRIER PROGRAMME - Supporting Actions September 2018 - Hen Harrier Project
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HEN HARRIER PROGRAMME Supporting Actions September 2018
Hen Harrier Project Unit No. 2 Oran Point Main St Oranmore Co. Galway H91 R6XH Phone: 091 792 865 Email: info@henharrierproject.ie Website: www.henharrierproject.ie
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1. LEVEL OF SUPPORT 03
2. GENERAL PROVISIONS 06
3. NEW HEDGEROW ESTABLISHMENT 09
4. LINEAR STRIPS OF WILDBIRD COVER 15
5. PEATLAND DRAIN BLOCKING 20
6. WATER PROVISION 26
7. IMPROVED FARM ACCESS 28
8. GRAZING INFRASTRUCTURE 29
9. PHEASANT FEEDERS 30
10. CUTTING RIDES THROUGH SCRUB 32
11. FUEL / FIRE BREAKS 33
12. FLAIL MOWING 38
13. SAFER NESTING SITES 39
14. CONTROLLED BURNING 40
ABBREVIATIONS ANC AREAS OF NATURAL CONSTRAINT BPS BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME CFP COMMONAGE FARM PLAN CMP COMMONAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN GLAS GREEN LOW CARBON AGRI-ENVIRONMENT SCHEME GLAM GENERIC LAND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HHP HEN HARRIER PROGRAMME SAC SPECIAL AREA OF CONSERVATION SPA SPECIAL PROTECTION AREA TAMS TARGETED AGRICULTURAL MODERNISATION SCHEME
The Hen Harrier Programme
Supporting Actions
INTRODUCTION
Agriculture in breeding Hen Harrier Special Protection Areas
(SPAs) delivers a range of public goods including biodiversity,
carbon storage, flood alleviation and fire risk reduction. The
Hen Harrier Programme is designed to support agriculture
in these areas by rewarding farmers for the delivery of high-
quality ecosystem services with a special focus on habitats
for Hen Harrier and their prey. Additional investment through
the Programme is available to optimise the delivery of
services that support farming in these areas. These are called
supporting actions.
The farmer, with the support of their Hen Harrier Programme
Advisor and the Hen Harrier Project team can identify
suitable supporting actions at field and farm level. By co-
funding these actions the Hen Harrier Project invests with
the farmer in the delivery of improvements that should also
help yield higher habitat scores. Supporting actions enhance
the farmers capacity to improve the delivery of ecosystem
services and consequently to increase their farm habitat and
Hen Harrier Programme payments. By enabling the farmer to
enhance upland habitats these investments can support Hen
Harrier and their prey base at farm and landscape level.
Supporting Actions are voluntary. Actions are applied for
in an Annual Works Plan prepared by the farmers approved
Hen Harrier Programme Advisor and recorded on the GLAM
system. Annual Works Plans must be submitted by the
farmers Advisor by October 31st each year. Amendments to
the Annual Works Plan may be submitted until December
31st.
1
Actions that are considered inappropriate for the site, risk
damage to archaeological sites or that may be counter to
Hen Harrier conservation will not be approved. Supporting
Action allowances are ¤40 per ha of designated land, up to a
maximum of€¤1,600 per year. On farms with commonage,
the allowance is generated from the commonage land first
and 75% of the fund generated on commonage land must
be invested on the commonage unless the commonage
achieves a habitat score of 8 or more. The level of support
for individual actions depends on whether they represent
non-productive investments with no agricultural benefits,
e.g. linear strips of wild bird cover or whether they have a
dual role in supporting the delivery of ecosystem services
and a conventional agricultural output, e.g. improvements to
access. Non-productive investments receive 100% support,
dual purpose investments receive up to 50% support. There
are three categories of supporting actions. These are:
1. Linear Features and Prey Support
2. Farm Infrastructure
3. Habitat Enhancement
The Hen Harrier Project team welcomes ideas from
participants and advisors about actions not listed here.
Suggestions should be made in writing to the Project
Manager (fergal.monaghan@henharrierproject.ie).
The payment for new Hedgerow establishment and for
Willow Firebreaks is made in two instalments, 60% at the
end of the year of planting and 40% two to three years later
following certification that the hedge/ willow firebreak has
established. The funds required for these actions are drawn
from the total allowance over the remaining contract period.
They are not limited to the allowance available in each year
of the programme.
2
1. LEVEL OF SUPPORT
SUPPORTING ACTIONS: FARM INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DELIVERING
OPTIMAL GRAZING
Action Cost of Support Net Payment
Delivery* (Maximum of)
Improvements to access, tracks/ culverts etc ¤8 / m 25% ¤2 / m
Gates (Invoice needed) Max of
¤299 50%
¤149.50
Fencing, (Post and Wire), Not available where the ¤8.01 / m
participant has availed of the TAMS Sheep fencing grant. for Hill Sheep ¤4.00
Enterprises
50%
¤5 / m
for all other ¤2.50 / m
Enterprises
Pasture Pump ¤350 50% ¤175
Hydraulic Ram Pump ¤500 50% ¤250
Solar Powered Pump ¤1,595 50% ¤747.50
Solar Pump (High Pressure) ¤1,995 50% ¤997.50
Water Troughs:
Rectangular (Plastic) 450 gal ¤530 50% ¤265
Rectangular (Plastic) 350 gal ¤450 50% ¤225
Rectangular (Plastic) 250 gal ¤400 50% ¤200
Rectangular (Plastic) 180 gal ¤335 50% ¤167
Rectangular (Plastic) 90 gal ¤120 50% ¤60
Rectangular (Concrete) 550 gal ¤490 50% ¤245
Rectangular (Concrete) 400 gal ¤380 50% ¤190
Rectangular (Concrete) 300 gal ¤350 50% ¤175
Rectangular (Concrete) 240 gal ¤275 50% ¤137.50
Rectangular (Concrete) 150 gal ¤215 50% ¤107.50
Storage Tank (Plastic) 6,000 l (1320 gal) ¤1,200 50% ¤600
Storage Tank (Plastic) 3,000 l (660 gal) ¤596 50% ¤298
Storage Tank (Plastic) 1,360 l (300 gal) ¤270 50% ¤135
Storage Tank (Concrete) 2,500 gal ¤3,075 50% ¤1,535
Storage Tank (Concrete) 1,800 gal ¤2,214 50% ¤1,107
Storage Tank (Concrete) 1,100 gal ¤1,353 50% ¤676
*(Unit cost unless otherwise indicated)
3
SUPPORTING ACTIONS: FARM INFRASTRUCTURE (CONTINUED)
Action Cost of Support Net Payment
Delivery* (Maximum of)
Hydrodare Piping:
½ inch Normal 150 m roll ¤60 50% ¤30
½ inch Heavy 150 m roll ¤110 50% ¤55
¾ inch Normal 150 m roll ¤110 50% ¤55
¾ inch Heavy 150 m roll ¤160 50% ¤80
1 inch Normal 150 m roll ¤178 50% ¤89
1 inch Heavy 150 m roll ¤230 50% ¤115
Stop Valves:
Labour ¤12.40 /
50% ¤6.25
hour
Targeted grazing infrastructure
¤500 50% ¤250
(solar powered electric fencing etc)
SUPPORTING ACTIONS: HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
Action Cost of Delivery* Support Net Payment
(Maximum of)
Grazed Fuel breaks ¤82.30 / 100m 100% ¤82.30 / 100m
Planting Willow Firebreaks ¤5 / m / year 100% ¤5 / m / year
Restoration of Peatlands:
Drain Blocking ¤176 / 100m
¤176 / 100m
(Peat Plugs, Plastic, Wood, Stone Dams) where com-
where composite
posite dams
dams are required
are required on
on channels wider 100%
channels wider
than 1m or on
than 1m or on
slopes steeper
slopes steeper
than 10%
than 10%
Safer Nesting Sites, measures to promote the ¤500 in year of ¤500 in year of
development of nesting habitat remote from delivery, ¤100 per 100% delivery, ¤100
Commercial Forest Plantation. afterwards per afterwards
*(Unit cost unless otherwise indicated)
4
SUPPORTING ACTIONS: HABITAT ENHANCEMENT (CONTINUED)
Action Cost of Delivery* Support Net Payment
(Maximum of)
Flail Cutting. Not available in Rush where the ¤200 (¤25 x
GLAS Hen Harrier measure is being claimed. 8hrs) on even
terrain
¤240 (¤30 x
¤50 - ¤60 per 8hrs) on un-
50%
hour even terrain
¤700 (3 days)
in exceptional
cases
Controlled Burning
A strip is approx 20m wide and 80m long. A ¤110 per strip 100% ¤55 per strip
maximum of 3 strips per hectare can be funded.
SUPPORTING ACTIONS: LINEAR FEATURES AND PREY SUPPORT
Action Cost of Delivery* Support Net Payment
Linear Strips of Wild Bird Cover.
Support under this action can include payments
on undesignated land in parcels containing or
¤3.59 / m 100% ¤3.59 / m
adjacent to SPA lands. Minimum Area of 0.1 Ha,
must be digitised out on the BPS system to avoid
difficulties with ANC and GLAS schemes.
Planting new hedgerows, new hedgerows cannot ¤5 / m / year
be on the same boundary as hedges supported
through GLAS 1. This can include payments on 60% in year of
100% ¤5 / m / year
undesignated land in parcels containing or adja- delivery
cent to SPA lands.
40% 2 years later †
Cutting Rides through Scrub ¤140 /100m 100% ¤140 /100m
Pheasant Feeders. Max of 6 per farm. ¤40 / feeder /
¤40 / feeder / year 100%
year
*(Unit cost unless otherwise indicated); † (on confirmation of establishment).
52. GENERAL PROVISIONS
• supporting actions that have been delivered will be paid
by electronic funds transfer to accounts nominated
by individual participants. Payments for actions on
commonage can be made to individual accounts or to
a third-party account as requested by the participants;
• actions can only be approved on land designated as Hen
Harrier SPA that are part of the contracted area of a Hen
Harrier Programme participant. New hedgerows and
linear strips of wild bird cover can however be considered
on non-designated SPA land farmed by the participant;
• the advisor must give a short explanation of the reasons
for the planned action and the anticipated benefits that
would arise from its delivery;
• approval of an action does not mean that the
participant(s) does not have to comply with other
regulatory requirements or obtain the consents of third
parties (where these may be required). The Hen Harrier
Project Officer will advise the participant on how these
can be obtained;
• by agreement between the Forest Service and the Hen
Harrier Project team, there is a general exemption from
the requirements for a tree felling licence in the following
circumstances:
• the removal of self-sown conifers.
• the removal of emergent trees from scrub considered
to be potential Hen Harrier nest sites.
• the removal of conifers (Spruce and Pine species)
from small patches of semi natural woodland.
6
2• in all cases the action must be approved by the Hen Harrier
Project team and carried out using the methods outlined
in that approval. The exemption only applies to individual
trees or to small patches of scrub or woodland < 0.2
ha. The exemption is limited to contracted participants
in the Hen Harrier Programme and is limited to lands
designated as Special Protection Area for breeding Hen
Harrier;
• once approved by the Hen Harrier Project Team, the
participant can implement the action;
• actions must be delivered by July 31st of the following
year;
• delivery of actions must be certified by an advisor. Global
positioning system (GPS) tagged photographs of the
delivered action are required along with certification; and,
• invoices are required for certain capital items. These
should be submitted along with the claim for payment at
the end of the year.
7Supporting Actions on Commonage
• only one Annual Works Plan can be prepared for a
commonage. All HHP participant shareholders on the
commonage must be informed of the proposed plan.
It is the participant’s responsibility to ensure that
proposed actions are acceptable to other shareholders.
Approval for the Hen Harrier Project does not imply
that the participants have the right to implement
actions that impact on non-participant shareholders
use of the commonage. The relationship with non-
participant shareholders remains the responsibility of the
participants.
• proposed actions must not be listed as part of a CFP
(Commonage Farm Plan) or a CMP (Commonage
8
2September 2018
September 2018
September 2018
Linear features such as hedgerows are
important for foraging Hen Harrier.
3. NEW HEDGEROW ESTABLISHMENT
Hedgerows are valuable environmental assets on a farm.
They serve as stockproof boundaries for the management of
grazing, they provide food and shelter for birds and animals.
Hen Harrier show strong preferences for foraging along intact,
dense structured hedgerows between 3 and 4 metres wide.
Supporting actions on farm plans therefore should establish
and restore hedgerows to these ideal specifications. It is
recognised that hedgerows of this width are generally not the
most common type of planted field boundary in Hen Harrier
areas and will likely require considerable planting to achieve
the desired hedgerow structure. New hedgerows should be
established to increase habitat and improve connectivity
between land parcels.
10 9New hedgerows can be slow to establish, may be prone to
failure if not cared for when young and are of limited short-
term benefit to Hen Harrier. For these reasons new hedgerows
are limited to 50% of the funding available for actions over
the contract period. New hedgerows cannot be on the same
boundary as hedges supported through GLAS 1. They may
be planted on undesignated land in parcels containing or
adjacent to SPA lands.
Site Selection
Hedgerows must only be planted on mineral soils. The
location and length must be identified on the GLAM system.
The new hedge must be a standalone hedge and not placed
against an existing hedgerow or a stone wall.
New hedgerows must NOT:
• be planted on bogs or heaths, i.e. peat soils;
• be planted within 30m of an archaeological site. (30m is
a minimum, it may need to be increased near vulnerable
sites);
• replace valuable existing habitats on designated land, e.g.
high value vegetated earth banks, particularly those with
Bilberry, Bramble or Heather;
• be planted on dual designated land, i.e. land with an SAC
designation and an SPA designation; or,
• have already been funded through GLAS.
10Hedgerow species need to be suitable for the
conditions (soil and location).
Planting Hedgerow
Plant a minimum continuous length of 10m of new hedgerow
consisting of 6 plants per metre in a double row 0.8 to 1.2
metres apart.
• If planted on an earth bank they should be planted to the
side of the bank rather than on top;
• the species to be planted should be informed by what
species are observed to be doing well in similar sites in
the locality. Hedges must contain at least two woody
species per 10m. New hedges greater than 50m in length
must contain at least four woody species. Suggested
species include Willow, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, and Holly.
11• occasional tree species can be included in the planting mix
e.g. Crab Apples, Hazel, Mountain Ash (Rowan) preferred;
• Shrubby species e.g. Dog Rose can be planted in small
numbers as part of the planting mix;
• no conifers are to be included in the planting mix.
• due to the risk from Ash dieback (Chalara fraxinea), Ash is
not to be planted in the new hedge;
• the site must be cleared of existing vegetation to
facilitate establishment. Herbicide must not be used if
the new hedge is connecting parts of a relic or fragmented
hedgerow or has a direct link to a watercourse.
• the soil can be enriched with well-rotted farmyard
manure. Small quantities of a low N fertiliser such 7:6:17
can also be applied at the planting stage.
• planting should be carried out between December 1st
and March 15th. New hedges must be protected from
livestock and other grazers (e.g. deer or hare). All newly
planted hedges planted in grass must be fenced off
and protected from livestock, permanent post and wire
fencing (3 strands of barbed wire or sheep wire topped
with a single strand barbed wire, if sheep are present on
the farm). If the fence or a portion of it has been grant
aided under the TAMS scheme the payment for this
action will be reduced accordingly. If there is natural
grazing pressure on site (e.g. Hares), then planting should
be delayed until March. Tree guards may be a useful
supplement to protective fencing.
12• where the newly planted hedgerow bounds a private
laneway, public road or watercourse, fencing is not
required on the laneway/road or water body side if the
hedge is not being damaged by livestock or other grazers.
• the fence must be stock-proof and fit for purpose. The
fence should not interfere with aftercare, leave sufficient
space between the new hedge and the fence to facilitate
maintenance.
Aftercare
The new hedge will require careful management for at least
two years after planting. Key tasks include:
• replacing failed plants;
• controlling competing vegetation. The use of herbicides
or strimmers for the control of competing vegetation
pose a serious risk to the newly planted hedge and is not
recommended. Competing vegetation can be manually
pulled;
• application of a low N fertiliser, e.g. 7:6:17 or 10:10:20 in
Spring;
• maintaining protective fencing;
• most species should be topped, i.e. cut back to a height
of 15- 30 cm in the first or second winter after planting
(depending on vigour) to encourage multiple growing
stems. This does not apply to occasional trees such as
Oak or Mountain Ash.
13Establishment
It should be noted that 40% of the payment is made after
the establishment of the new hedge. Establishment can be
verified two years after planting. The minimum standard to
verify establishment is:
• 3 established trees per metre over 90% of the length of
the new hedge;
• at least two woody species per 20m length, at least four
woody species per 50m length;
• no gaps greater than 1m;
• 95% of plants topped to encourage bushy growth; and,
• protective fencing intact and fit for purpose.
Failure to establish can be caused by many factors including:
• poor site selection;
• inappropriate species choice;
• incorrect planting technique, e.g. plants put in too deep;
• failure to control competing vegetation or replace dead
plants;
• damage caused by animals (wild and domestic); and,
• fire damage.
If a hedge has not reached the minimum standard to verify
establishment after 2 years the advisor and the participant
can delay a claim for establishment for another year to allow
issues to be remedied (verification cannot be delayed beyond
the participants contract period).
14
29.4 If the hedge
Contract Duration.
fails The
to establish
Contract due
shall to
runpoor
fromsite
the selection,
date that
a signedchoice,
species contractfailure
is received
to control
by thecompeting
Hen Harriervegetation
Project Team or
until December
replace dead plants 31st,
or 2022,
becauseunless
of damage
the Dept.caused
of Agriculture,
by animals
Food
or fireand
thethe
second
Marinepayment
extendwillthe not
HenbeHarrier
issued.Programme and
both parties are agreed on any proposed extension to this
period.
9.5
4. TransferSTRIPS
LINEAR of Contract.
OF WILDTheBIRD
contract
COVER is not transferable, except
in intensively
In cases wheremanagedthe entire grassland
designated
parcels,
areawhere
is transferred
a desirable
to
a new
rush structure
owner. is In considered
these cases, unlikely
the new to beowner
achievable,
may opt there
to
continue
are options with
thatthe
cancontract.
contribute to the aims of the Programme.
9.6 Withdrawal
In these scenarios,
from Contract.
the creationTheofparticipating
wild bird cover farmer
mayisbefree
an
to withdrawaction.
appropriate from the contract after one month’s notice in
writing to the Hen Harrier Project. No further applications
for payment
One of the key will issues
be considered
facing HenafterHarriers
the receiptis theof loss,
this
notification. and fragmentation of suitable foraging habitat.
degradation
9.7 Termination
Birds feedingofchicks
Contract.
are The
forced
Contract
to travel
maylongbe terminated
distances in
the event
search of of
prey
repeated
and thisserious
subsequently
overclaimsreduces
or fraudulent
nest survival
claims
for payment.
and increases susceptibility of eggs and young to predation
9.8 Abandoned
(nests left unguarded).
Contracts. IfIfthe theparticipant
productivity hasofnothabitat
submitted
close
a claim
to nestsforis payment
improved,orparent
an Annual
birdsWorks
will not
Planhave
by December
to travel
31stfareach
as andyear,
theythe will
contract
return may
withbemore
deemed food,as resulting
abandoned. in
An abandoned
healthier chickscontract
and greater
may be brood
terminated
size, including
after oneincreased
month’s
notice in writing
likelihood of nestto defence
the participant
during a potential
and to their predation
farm advisor.
event.
Converting a patch of appropriate grassland into a patch of
wild bird cover that produces seeds for small birds and small
mammals to feed on may provide an immediate and positive
support measure for provisioning Hen Harrier.
13
15Bird cover crops are generally implemented to produce food
for small birds (and their predators) during the autumn/
winter. A Hen Harrier Project objective is to have the bird
cover crop at its greatest value during the bird breeding
season. Therefore, winter seeding and hardy varieties will
be required. Open patches will be required for enhanced
accessibility to prey (studies have shown this is a necessity
for full benefit/value for money).
Wild Bird Cover is a spring sown crop. This action can be
delivered on designated SPA and undesignated land. On
undesignated land, it must be delivered within 1km of the
boundary of a breeding Hen Harrier Special Protection Area.
On designated land, the action can only be delivered on a
grassland field with 5 or less. This action cannot be delivered
on:
• heath or bog fields (Peatlands)
• near archaeological sites (within 30m)
• on sites that also have SAC designation.
Wild Bird Cover
There are two versions of wild bird cover, an autumn mix and
a winter mix. In both cases the crop is sown as a 9m wide
strip parallel to an existing hedge. The crop should be sown
on the sheltered side of the hedge, ideally on the southern or
eastern side.
16
2Table 1 : Relative Habitat Value.
Habitat Type Relative Habitat Value
NOT IN GLAS GLAS
Scrub / Woodland 50 50
Bog / Heath 75 60
Wet Grassland 100 60
Species-rich Grassland 150 90
Note 5:
To avoid a double payment with GLAS the equivalence principle will be
applied in respect of Grassland and Bog/ Heath for GLAS participants. The
Grassland Scorecards allocates 40% of the potential score to vegetation
structure, which is co-delivered through GLAS, therefore a 40% reduction
Wild
in thebird coverallocation
points provides an
onalternative
grasslandsource of The Bog/ Heath Scorecard
will apply.
food for seed-eating birds.
allocates 20% of the potential score to vegetation structure. As this is co-
delivered through grazing as per the GLAS specifications, a 20% reduction
The
in the crop
points must beonprotected
allocation this habitat by a stockproof
will apply. fence. An
10.4 A Field Score.This
uncultivated grassis strip
determined
at leastannually
1 m wide using the appropriate
should be retained
Scorecard
between the by hedge
a trainedandHen Harrier
the seed Programme
crop. Advisor
An additional or a
1m grass
Hen
strip Harrier
must beProject
retained team member.
between the All
cropqualifying lands are
and the protective
scored fromfarmer
fence. The 1 to 10is based
free toon their
pick ecosystem
either services
the autumn value.
or winter
This
crop,score determines
but the Hen Harrier the project
numberteamof habitat points earned
may suggest one or
in
therespect
other of that on
based field.
theNoseasonal
points will be allocated
utilisation of thein area
respect
by
of
Hen lands with a field score less than 4. On critical sites, the
Harrier.
Project Team may develop a customised scoring system
based on the characteristics
The autumn crop can be Linseed and value
onlyoforthe
a site. The Hen
Linseed/ Millet
Harrier Projectseed
mix. Additional Team cropswill
can assess the iffield
be included score on
the participant
commonages, this must
wishes but Linseed will be dominant
done at inleast twiceLinseed
the mix. over the
is a
duration of the
fast maturing project.
crop An Advisor
that produces will only
a large be required
quantity of seeds to
in
produce an Annual Works Plan for the Commonage.
August/ September.
15
17The autumn crop will attract small seed eating birds and
rodents and create hunting opportunities for young Hen
Harrier in August and September.
The winter crop contains both Linseed and Rye or Triticale.
Rye or Triticale are used instead of Oats as they are better
suited to poor ground conditions and acidic soils. They also
have stronger straw which will delay lodging. The chaff on the
Triticale seed makes the it less attractive to birds and rodents
ensuring that seed consumption is delayed until other food
sources are depleted. This ensures that a significant feed
resource is retained into the mid-winter period.
• the crop must be sown by May 31st each year;
• the strip must be digitised out on the BPS application;
• the action must be delivered in a 11m wide strip along a
field boundary (9m crop with a 1m grass strip between
the crop and the hedge and a further 1m grass strip
between the crop and the fence). The minimum length of
a strip is 100m. This action can be delivered at multiple
locations on the farm. It can be delivered on designated
grasslands with 5 or less positive indicator species and in
non-designated lands within 1 km of the SPA;
• the Wild Bird Cover does not have to remain in the same
place for the duration of the project. It can be established
in different locations each year;
• the crop must remain in situ until the March 15th the
following year. Livestock may enter the parcel from
March 15th to planting time, to aid in the decomposition
18 of the trash.
211. • Autumn Crop:
SUPPORTING ACTIONS
The •participant
Linseed only-
in the50Hen kg/ha
Harrier
of Linseed
Programme
(4.8 kgreceives
of Linseed an
annual for works
a 100
allowance
m strip).based on the area of Hen Harrier
SPA •landLinseed
includedmix-
in the40kg/ha
Hen Harrier
of Linseed
Programme.(4kg The
of Linseed
annual
allowance peris100m
¤40 perstrip)
ha (generated
plus 5kg/ha onofcommonage
Red or White landMillet
first)
up to an(0.4kg
annualper
maximum
100m strip).
of ¤1,600.
Small Following
quantities training,
of Mustard,the
participantQuinoa,
nominates
Sunflowersactions
or Buckwheat
on their Annual
can be Works
added ifPlan,
the
these are participant
paid on wishes.
the following Autumn on certification
•by the
Winter
participant
Crop: and their advisor that they have been
delivered.
• 40kg/ha
This means
of Linseed
that participants
(2.4kg forwilla 100m
not be strip)
eligibleplus
for
an Annual 120kg
Works
of Triticale
paymentoruntil Rye/ha
year(9.6kg
2 of theforProgramme.
a 100m strip).
11.1 •General
Pre-sowing
Conditions
weed control can be used. Pesticides cannot
• beTheapplied
Annual Works
post sowing.
Plan mustHowever,
have beenspotsubmitted
treatmentbefore
with
the end of for
herbicide the previous
noxious calendar
weeds and year.invasive species is
• permitted;
The proposed works must have been approved by the
• The
Hen crop
Harrier
must
Project
be protected
Team. from livestock. Permanent
• post
The participant
and wire fencing
must have(3 strands
attendedof barbed
the initial
wire,training
sheep
course
wire topped
prior to
withtheasubmission
single strandof their
of barbed
first Annual
wire if Works
sheep
Plan.present);
are
• Chemical
The participant
P and Kandcantheir
be applied
advisorat certify
a maximum that of
thehalf
works
the
havefor
rate been
a cereal
completed
crop prescribed
by July 31stinofStatutory
the following
Instrument
year.
11.2 Rate31ofof Support.
2014. Additions
The Hen of chemical
Harrier Project
N should will
be co-invest
kept low.
withFor
thethis
participant
reason low in Nitrogen
the provision
fertilisers
of infrastructure
such as 10:10:20that
enhances
are preferred;
the farmer’s capacity to deliver environmental
• Granulated
benefits. Support
limeforcanthese
be applied
actionsto ranges
increasefrom
soil pH;
25-50%.
•Support
No harvesting
for Actions
of thewhich
cropdirectly
can takeenhance
place; Hen Harrier
habitat will be 100% funded subject to the overall cap on
funding
The locations
for Actions.
of the proposed
A full listwild
of available
bird coveractions
strip must
can be
found inas
marked Appendix
a line on2.the GLAM map.
17
195. PEATLAND DRAIN BLOCKING
In its natural state peat is up to 90% water. Drainage removes
water and allows for air to penetrate the peat. This results in
the oxidation of peat and the loss of the carbon store to the
atmosphere. The breakdown of peat also liberates nutrients
previously locked away in complex organic compounds,
these become accessible to plants and favour the growth of
grasses and heathers at the expense of Sphagnum moss (the
principal peat forming species).
The scoring system for bog and heath rewards sites where the
full suite of ecosystem services is delivered, i.e. biodiversity,
carbon sequestration, fire risk mitigation and water quality.
Raising the water table by blocking drains is one of the best
strategies for improving the score on a peatland site. This
can address both the need to conserve the carbon reserve
currently locked away in the peat and increase the resilience
of the bog, the farm enterprise and the landscape to the
impacts of climate change.
Types of Drains
• intercept drains or cross-slope drains. This is a drain placed
at the higher end of the area to be drained. It diverts
water flowing down the slope away from the areas below
the drain.
• roadside drains to protect the surface of the track/
roadway from scouring.
20
2• The proposed action is inappropriate for the site, e.g. a
proposal to plant a hedgerow on a bog.
11.5 Payment for Actions will be made in the Autumn following
certification by the participant and their advisor that the
works have been delivered. In the case of the Planting
New Hedgerows and Willow Firebreak Actions, 60% of the
payment will be made following planting with the remaining
40% paid two years later when establishment is confirmed.
This means that unless the project is extended, Hedgerow or
Willow Firebreaks can only be planted in the 2018/ 2019 &
2019/ 2020 planting seasons.
11.6 Retention of co-funded infrastructure. Co-funded
The use of solid dams can help restore natural
infrastructure
drainage patterns must be kepttheincolonisation
and encourage place for the remainder of the
of characteristic vegetation.
contract unless prior written consent has been given by the
Hen Harrier Project for its removal.
• sub-surface drains, (sometimes called French drains,
11.7 Works on Commonage Land. Payments can only be made for
land drains, pipe drains etc), not a common feature on
actions on commonages where all Hen Harrier Programme
peatlands.
participants on the commonage agree to them and where
• gullies- natural looking channels but created by changes
there is no evidence that non-participants have an objection.
to natural drainage patterns caused by overgrazing or
The Hen Harrier Project will support groups who wish to
burning of vegetation.
work together on a voluntary basis to deliver Supporting
• drains on deep peat, often dug to facilitate turf cutting:
Actions on commonage lands. While co-operative actions
• drains where the base of the drain reaches the
will be encouraged and supported, they are not compulsory.
underlying substrate.
Applications for Supporting Actions on Commonage will
• drains where the base of the drain is still within the
have to be cross-checked against the relevant Commonage
peat layer.
Management Plan or Commonage Farm Plan to ensure no
double payment. If the most recent habitat assessment of the
commonage is 7 or less then at least 75% of the allowance
for supporting actions generated on the commonage must
be allocated to works on that commonage. “
19
21Drain Blocking Techniques
The purpose of blocking drains is to raise the water table on
the site. Dams slow the flow of water in the drain resulting
in the deposition of suspended particles. The slower flow
also facilitates the establishment of vegetation, in particular
Sphagnum moss species. Both processes result in a gradual
infilling of the drain and a restoration of the bog ecosystem.
To ensure that this is successful it is important that drain
blocking is planned, that suitable materials are used and that
potential hazards to livestock or damage to access tracks is
avoided or mitigated.
Peat Dams
Peat dams are the cheapest type of dam to construct and are
the type that are most commonly used in Ireland. Peat dams
constructed by hand can only be used in drains less than 1m
wide. Excavator machinery is needed for the construction
of wider dams; however, precautions need to be taken to
ensure that a fragile bog surface is not irreversibly damaged
by machines carrying heavy loads of humified peat. Never
use dried out or unconsolidated peat in the construction of
a peat dam. Only fully waterlogged peat should be used to
construct a dam. The peat is sourced from borrow pits within
the site. A notch is cut into the banks of the drain to help
secure the peat in position. As the peat is inserted into the
drain, it should be compacted. The width of the peat dam is
generally between 50 and 75cm.
22
2The dams
participating
should befarmer
placedmay in aqualify
series, with
for one one ordamboth for
payments.
every 10cm drop in elevation. There should be a minimum
12.3 Participants
of 3 dams/100 qualify
m upfortothea maximum
Local Nest of or
10 Winter
dams/ 100m Roost
Payment based
depending on the
on having
slope ofatthe
leastsite.
1 field
Thiswith
willa field
avoidscore
creating
of 6
or higher
an excessive
withinnumber
a definedof distance
borrow ofpits.
a breeding
If more site/
than
winter
10
6 7
roost site orare
dams/100m a required
successfulthenest
slopesite.
mayProximity
be too steepto multiple
and the
sites will
water velocity
qualify
tooa high
participant
for peatfor dams
multiple
to be payments
effective. The(up
to thecan
slope cap).
beThe
calculated
decisionbyonusing
who 3qualifies
metre sticks
for thisandpayment
a spirit
and the
level. Thesize
vertical
of thestick
payment
shouldwillrestbeonmade
the base
eachofAutumn
the drain,by
the horizontal
Hen HarrierstickProject
should
Team.
be level
This decision
(use a spirit
will level).
be informed
by monitoring results and local conservation priorities. The
details
In the diagram
of this below,
decisionthewill
slopebeis reported
calculatedtobythe the Steering
dividing
Committee.
the difference in height (X in this case) by the length (100cm
• this
in Each case).
participant
The slopewith
can be qualifying
expressedland as a within
% by multiplying
a defined
the distance
answer by of100.
a breeding site or a roost site receives 1 share
Thisofprocess
the fund.
should be repeated at regular intervals along the
• Each
drain andparticipant
an averagewithcalculated.
qualifying
If the
landslope
within
is 3%a defined
or less
thandistance
3 dams areof arequired
successful
per 100m.
Hen Harrier
If it is greater
nest receives
than 10% 2
thenshares
the drain
of the
is too
fund.
steep for peat dams and other methods
should be considered.
Note 6:
A breeding site is a confirmed nest site or centre point of
observed evidence of breeding behaviour identified during
that breeding season. A winter roost is a confirmed site
where Hen Harrier are frequently observed at night during
the non-breeding season.
Note 7:
A successful nest site is defined as a nest where at least 1
Hen Harrier chick was confirmed fledged.
21
23Plastic Drain Piling
Plastic drain piling is impermeable, light, sturdy and easy to
transport. It can be purchased in lengths of up to 3m. Sheets
of the piling measuring 30cm wide interlock with one another
using a tongue and groove system. They can be hammered
into a drain individually using a large rubber mallet. Plastic
Drain Piling is an alternative to peat dams, it can be an option
where the use of machinery for the excavation of peat for
dams is not practical. As with peat dams there should be a
minimum of 3 dams/ 100 m. There is no maximum number of
dams per 100m, however if the slope is significantly greater
than 10% the benefits in terms of raising the water table
relative to the cost will diminish.
Composite Dams.
On slopes steeper than 10% or on drains that are more than
1m wide composite dams using a combination of timber
untreated sleepers (ideally Larch or Oak) and plastic piling
can be used. In these cases, one dam for every 10cm drop
in elevation is required. Composite dams can be further
supplemented with peat and or bales of heather or rushes.
Irrespective of the construction method the depth of water
in the pool created by the dam should be less than 50 cm
deep. This is necessary to ensure that vegetation, in particular
Sphagnum moss, can grow within the blocked channel.
24
213. Roadside Drains
PAYMENT CLAIMS
The participant
Roadside drains protect
and their theadvisor
surfacewill
of the
jointly
roadsubmit
from scouring
a claim
forwater.
by payment Drains
eachalong
yeartracks
on a anddateroads
of their
carrychoosing
large volumes
between of
May 15th
water. Veryand often,
Julythis
31st.
is directed
The claim intois watercourses
made on theand Annual
can
Claim FormtoHHP5.
contribute a rapidTheincrease
claim shall
of flow
include
in receiving
the habitat
channels.
scores
for each “field” and confirmation that the approved actions
have been blocking
Complete delivered.of drains is rarely practical as the water
13.1 In theoverflow
may case of commonages
onto the road,the damaging
Hen Harrier
its surface
Project and
Team
be lost.
will
assess
The discharge
the habitatof water
quality from at the
leastdrain
twice canover
be the
managed
contractby
9
period and
directing it calculate
into vegetated
payments. areasAinpayment
preference claim
to channelling
is required
if there
it directistoa claim
streams.
for This
payment is achieved
for supporting
by cuttingactions.
notches at
10
13.2 Late claims
regular intervals
will not
along
be the
accepted.
drain. Partial blockage of roadside
drains may also be an option if it facilitates the establishment
Note
of vegetation
9: and slows the velocity of water in the drain.
Claims
This canfor
be aHabitat
useful strategy
Quality where on Commonages
complete blocking
can only couldbe
madetothrough
lead damage to onetheHentrackHarrier
surfaceProgramme
by scouringAdvisor.
or whereThe an
same field
increase in score
the water
will level
applycouldto allresult
participating
in the track
farmers
surface
for
the commonage.
being submerged. Claims for Actions on Commonages can
only be made where there is co-operative action. Payments
for actionspoints
Discharge can beshould
madecut to one
in ator
least
more 1 every
participants
20m along subject
the
to agreement
drain. The maximum betweenlength theof Hen
roadwayHarrier
draining
Project
directandinto
thea
Programme
stream or river
participants
should not onexceed
the Commonage.
30m.
Notelocation
The 10: of drains to be blocked must be mapped on
GLAM.
Due to the seasonal issues affecting the assessment of
habitats, late claims cannot be accepted.
23
256. WATER PROVISION
Livestock need drinking water. The provision of additional
water sources may be required:
• where it is needed to support the use of livestock to
deliver environmental services in fields without a reliable
water source.
• to stop damage to watercourses caused by cattle drinking
from them or wading through them.
• where the preservation of a vulnerable river bank requires
that access by livestock be prevented, an alternative
water point may have to be supplied.
The provision of a clean supply of fresh drinking water for
livestock is critical for the targeted grazing of breeding Hen
Harrier SPAs, while clean water benefits everyone in the local
community. The lack of a reliable water source can lead to
under grazing, increased vulnerability to wild fire and a higher
risk of abandonment. Under-utilisation of some parts of the
farm during a drought can increase pressure on other fields
leading to localised overgrazing or forced grazing of silage
ground. Inappropriate access by livestock to water channels
can also have a negative impact on the water resource
resulting in eutrophication and a loss of biodiversity.
Upland streams are prone to dramatic variations in flow and
as a result there may be insufficient water to meet livestock
needs at critical times. In other situations, water resources
may be reliable but are prone to pollution from overuse by
livestock.
26
215. ISSUING OF PAYMENTS
Payments will be made by electronic funds transfer.
• Payments will be made once administrative (including on
site audits of claims) checks are complete.
• The payment process in respect of Habitat Quality
and Supporting Actions delivered will commence in
September each year.
• Hen Harrier Payments will commence in the Spring of
the following year.
To facilitate the issue of payments, the participant must
inform the Hen Harrier Project of their banking details and
any changes to these throughout the contract. This can be
Pasture pumps can ensure that animals have a
done
constantby completing
supply the Bank Details Form (Form HHP3,
of fresh water.
Appendix 1). The Hen Harrier Project may be required by the
Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to deduct sums
from annual payments towards the settling of debts owed
Addressing these issues by investing in water infrastructure
by the participant to the Dept. of Agriculture, Food and the
can protect water resources and increase the farmers capacity
Marine.
to optimally manage grazing lands.
Supporting actions supported under this measure include:
• water troughs
• pasture pumps
• solar pumps
• ram pumps
• water pipes
• rainwater harvesting
• storage tanks
25
27The location of water infrastructure must be mapped on
GLAM. This includes the location of pumps, storage tanks and
water troughs as well as routes for pipelines.
7. IMPROVED FARM ACCESS
The scattered parcels found on many breeding Hen Harrier
SPA farms make the provision of vehicular access tracks a
high priority for many farmers. A well-constructed track can
facilitate an appropriate grazing regime and help ensure the
ongoing management of areas which are at the risk of partial
or total abandonment. This will increase the farmers capacity
to positively manage the farm for the delivery of ecosystem
services leading to higher scores and payments.
In areas that also have SAC designation, actions under this
measure may require screening for appropriate assessment.
Applications in these areas should be submitted as early as
possible.
Actions supported under this measure:
• use of a mulcher or a heavy-duty flail mower to open
areas of scrub;
• construction or improvement of roads and trackways
including culverts; and,
• gates.
28
217. Note:
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
In cases
The derogation
of fraudulent,
from the serious
requirement
or repeated
for a treeoverclaims
felling licence
for
payment,
does not extend
the Project
to thisManager
measure.can If trees
terminate
need tothebe contract.
removed
Where
to improve
the participant
access, thenhasthe
notparticipant
submitted amust claimobtain
for payment
a tree
or an annual
felling licence.works
The HenplanHarrier
by December
Project Officer
31st thewillHen
advise
Harrier
the
Project mayondeem
participant how toa obtain
contract
this.as abandoned. After one
months notice in writing to both the participant and their
8. advisor, the
GRAZING INFRASTRUCTURE
Project Manager may terminate an abandoned
contract. or temporary electric fencing will enable the
Permanent
farmer to better manage the range of habitats on the farm
18. CLAWBACKS
and to improve fire resilience by spatially targeting grazing
Overpayments
at the correct timeto aofparticipant,
year in peatlands.
irrespective
Actions
of cause
supported
will
be recovered
under this measure:
from future payments. If an action is paid on
•andpermanent
it subsequently
fencing
becomes
(no dualclear payment
that the action
with TAMS
was not is
delivered
permitted);
or where co-funded investments are not kept in
•placetemporary
for the duration
electric of
fencing;
the contract,
and, the sums paid out will
•be deducted
gates. from future payments.
19. The location of
BIODIVERSITY AUDIT
proposed or enhanced tracks or roads or
Participating
gates must befarms
mapped may
on GLAM.
be selected for an independent
biodiversity audit in any year of the Programme. This shall be
carried out by an independent expert external to the project.
These audits are to inform the development of the project
and for reporting purposes. They are independent of the
habitat quality verification process and will have no impact
on payments.
27
299. PHEASANT FEEDERS
Modern farming practices are so efficient that very few seeds
and weeds are left behind after harvesting. This leads to a
lack of available food during winter, often referred to as the
‘hungry gap’, reducing the breeding success and survival of
many farmland birds.
The installation of feeders can support seed eating birds
which form a substantial part of the Hen Harrier prey base.
Feeders consist of a barrel with a sealable lid and a hole
cut in the base. The hole is covered by a plate attached to a
metal coil. Pheasants can access grain by touching the spring.
Spilled grain will be available to small birds and rodents.
Feeders must be:
• located on the South or West side of a hedge;
• located more than 100m from houses;
• installed in groups of three, 3-5 m apart;
• fenced off to protect feeders from livestock;
• mounted on a stand and anchored securely to prevent
them being knocked over;
• kept stocked with grain from December to April;
• sites for feeders can be moved every year;
• If moved the new location must be described on the
annual works plan; and,
• If kept in the same place strim the grass around the
feeders before feeding starts.
30
222. The location
participant of each
must group
authorise
of feeders
a Henmust
Harrier
be Programme
mapped on
(CONT) AdvisorAstocertification
GLAM. act on theirofbehalf
the delivery
and toofhave
actions
access
is outside
to data
of
concerning
the normal period
their for
farm
the use
andoftheir
Pheasant
participation
feeder, the advisor
in the
Programme.
is not requiredThistoauthorisation
certify delivery requires
of this the
action.
submission
HHP Project
of a
signed form
Officers will to
carry
theout
Dept.
random
of Agriculture,
inspectionsFood
during
and the feeding
Marine.
This must
season to verify
be done delivery
prior toofthe
thisadvisor
supporting
assessing
action.
their farm in
the first summer in the Programme.
23. RIGHT OF ENTRY
Participants confirm the right of the Hen Harrier Project Team
to make such visits to their lands as are necessary for the
monitoring of Hen Harrier and predator or prey species or for
the verification of payment claims. The Hen Harrier Project
will attempt to give reasonable notice to participants before
visits. Access for nest protection purposes will be negotiated
with individual participants as required.
24. APPEALS
Participants have the right to appeal decisions made by the
Hen Harrier Project in respect on field scores and claims for
payment on actions. A participant who wishes to make an
appeal must notify the Project Manager in writing within one
month of the disputed decision. The appeal will be considered
by an Appeals Committee.
29
3110. CUTTING RIDES THROUGH SCRUB
While scrub is a valuable habitat for Hen Harriers and many
of their prey species, its value can be optimised through
management. Encroachment of scrub onto grassland can be
controlled by cutting if required. Increasing the surface area
of a large block of scrub provides more edges and a linear
feature for Hen Harriers to hunt along as well as opening
access for livestock. It can also act as a firebreak.
Action:
This action should be considered on large areas of scrub with
a low habitat score (• The accidental destruction of livestock buildings on the
farm;
• An outbreak of disease affecting all or part of the livestock
on the farm; or,
• The disposal or vacation of land to satisfy a court order
or legal settlement in cases of marital breakdown.
26. DEROGATIONS
26.1 Terms and Conditions. Derogations from these terms and
conditions will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.
An application to the Project Manager for a derogation must
be made in advance and in writing and must establish that a
Scrub is an important foraging habitat on farmland
variation of the normal procedures would in the exceptional
for Hen Harrier.
circumstances of the case deliver a conservation benefit.
26.2
11. Specifications.
FUEL / FIRE BREAKS Applications for a derogation from the
specifications
Wildfires are for a Supporting
a serious threatAction must
to farm be in writing
enterprises andand
to
must
wildlifeaccompany
habitats. the
ThisAnnual
measure Works Planup
breaks requesting approval
the continuity of
for
fuelthat action.
in the landscape, increasing resilience to wildfires by
breaking up areas of flammable vegetation into smaller
27. CHANGES
blocks. ThisTO CONTRACT
helps limit the spread of fires and can assist the
The Hen Harrier
emergency servicesProgramme
by slowingContract canoutbreaks.
or stopping be amended for
Burning
the
has following reasons.
a significant negative impact on peatland scores. Where
27.1 Changes
a firebreaktohas
Land
been Area. Changes
installed to the
negative contract
marks area will
for burning are
permitted provided:
only be applied on the side where a fire occurred. Two types
12
•of fire
Additional
breaks/ owned lands
fuel breaks areare declared in
supported onthe
that years
Hen BPS
Harrier
application and the annual claim form (HHP5). In these
Programme:
• cases, the Fuel
Grazed Hen Breaks
Harrier Project Team will amend the
• FarmWillow
Plan and allocate Potential Habitat Points to the
Firebreaks
additional lands.
31
33Grazed Fuel Breaks
These are used in upland habitats with high fire risk, e.g. areas
with excessive Purple Moor Grass dominance/ tall Heather
(average height > 30cm). As fire spreads fast through tall/
dry vegetation, the aim of this action is to create a barrier
to the spread of fire by reducing the presence and height of
flammable vegetation. It achieves this by using livestock to
manage the vegetation along a planned fuel break connecting
less flammable areas. It may also be of assistance to the fire
services in fighting wild fire outbreaks.
A grazed fuel break creates a strip of short vegetation with
minimal litter in the winter. This reduces the dominance of
flammable vegetation and connects less vulnerable areas, e.g.
lakes/ grasslands, woodlands. They reinforce existing barriers
to the spread of fire, e.g. roadways or watercourses.
A grazed fuel break must:
• be least 30m wide on flat terrain. On slopes the width
must be increased, the steeper the slop the wider the
firebreak;
• be fenced off with at least a temporary electric fence
from June 1st until July 31st. If a permanent fence is used
it must be marked with fence markers;
• be grazed by cattle or ponies during the period June 1st to
July 31st. Stocking rate is dependent on terrain but must
be adequate to reduce the height of Purple Moor Grass
to•Thegrazing
Hen Harrier
can Project
continue is based
beyond in: July 31st if required to
keep vegetation height short. Water for livestock must
be available during 2theOran
grazing
Point period. Feed blocks to
support animals diet can Main
be St
provided. Vegetation can be
strimmed/ flail cut from
Oranmore
September to February; and,
• be cleared of gorse and Co.other
Galwayflammable vegetation.
29. Willow Firebreak
INFORMATION AND DATA PROTECTION
Dataaim
The concerning
of this individual
action is to
applicants
create awill barrier
only be
to used
the spread
for the
purpose
of springthat
wildfires.
it was collected
This is achieved
for and will
by beestablishing
kept confidential.
a thick
Where aHedge
Willow signedthat
contract
can shade
is notout returned
Purple to Moor
the Grass
Hen Harrier
under
Project
its canopy.
within
Rising
1 month
sap inofthe
theWillow
offer, thein applicants
spring makes
file on
it less
the
GLAMS mapping
vulnerable to burning.
system
A total
will be
of 60%
deleted.
of the payment is made
in the year of planting, with the remaining 40% two years
The Hen
later following
Harrier Project
certification
will, as of
partestablishment.
of its reportingThis
obligations
action
to thenot
may Dept.
be available
of Agriculture,
on SACFooddesignated
and thesites.
Marine,
Please
inform
discuss
the
Department
with your Project
of payments
Officer. made to individual applicants.
Willow
The HenFirebreak
Harrier Project
locations
reserves
musttheberight
on thin
to use
peats
anonymisedTo certify planting the willow firebreak must have:
• 8 plants or 10 cuttings/m in a double row. Hormone
rooting powder can be used to aid rooting of cuttings;
• small amounts of a low Nitrogen fertiliser, i.e. 7:6:17 can
be used to aid establishment;
• rows to be 1m apart;
• the new Firebreak needs to be protected from stock by a
permanent post and wire fence (3 strands of barbed wire.
If the site is grazed by sheep a sheep wire fence topped
with a single strand of barbed wire must be used). If this
fence has been grant aided under the TAMS scheme the
payment rate will be reduced accordingly;
• gorse must be removed along the line of the fire break;
and,
• fences must be marked with fence markers in accordance
with the specifications for that action.
Aftercare
The young trees must be protected from excessive
competition with grasses and other plants for two years after
planting. Failed plants must be replaced, and the protective
fence maintained in a stockproof condition. Young Willow
Plants must be coppiced after one growing season. Plants
should be cut back to no higher than 15 cm.
36
2Certification of Establishment
To certify establishment:
• there must be at least 6 willow plants established per
metre;
• 90% of willow plants must have been coppiced;
• no gaps greater than 1m;
• stockproof protective fencing must be in position and fit
for purpose; and,
• no gorse may be present along the line of the fire break.
The locations of fire breaks/fuel breaks should be mapped
on GLAM. Certification of establishment can be delayed
until three years after planting if this is required to reach
the standard required for certification that the firebreak
has established. This is only permitted if it does not extend
beyond the participants contract period.
3712. FLAIL MOWING
Flail mowing may be the only practical method of opening
up sites that are at risk of abandonment. It is a useful
technique for bringing abandoned and overgrown sites back
into management. To be effective it must be followed up with
grazing. It is not available for the control of very dense rushes
on GLAS farms due to dual payment issues. Flail mowing is
preferable to the use of an excavator as disturbance to the
soil profile is minimal. It is safer than burning and promotes
rapid recovery of vegetation as cut material is reduced to fine
particles. The nature of the terrain (slope, access, the presence
of gullies and rocks, and so forth) will dictate the specific
machinery to be used. Flail mowing of broadly rectangular
or square patches, is not desirable. Maximising the amount
of edge helps to disperse grazing pressure and reduce the risk
of localised overgrazing of the regenerating scrub or heather.
Patches should vary in size and be elongated or convoluted
in shape.
Flail Mowing of Heather
Vigorous heather stands cut in February or late March may
recover and flower in the August after cutting. Late winter/
spring cutting is preferred over late autumn/early winter
as this reduces desiccation damage, allows much better
regeneration, and reduces risk of erosion of soils exposed to
winter conditions. Flail mowing may be used to create fire
breaks in heather before controlled burning.
38
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