Habitat Wales Scheme: rules booklet

The Programme for Government sets out our commitments to continue supporting farmers to produce food in a sustainable way, whilst taking action to respond to the climate emergency and to help reverse the decline in biodiversity. Funding support for farmers, land managers and associated rural sectors is delivered through a flexible framework of support, with schemes – including the Habitat Wales Scheme - delivering towards the following themes:

• farm scale land management
• on farm environmental improvements
• on farm efficiency and diversification
• landscape scale land management
• woodland and forestry
• food and farming supply chains

The framework is designed to both support action in response to the challenges and opportunities available and to inform the continuing development of the Sustainable Farming Scheme, which will reward farmers for the work they do now to lower their carbon footprint, improve the environment and produce food in a sustainable way.

Further information on the themes and schemes being developed are available at: Wales Rural Network (on Business Wales).

This document includes guidance for individual farmers and for Glastir Commons Grazing Associations applying for the scheme. Please read the relevant sections for your application.

Habitat Wales is an area-based agri-environment scheme available to all eligible farmers in Wales.

The aims of the scheme are to:

• protect habitat land previously under Glastir in 2023 up to the full introduction of the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)
• introduce additional habitat land, not currently under paid management, into sustainable land management prior to SFS entry
• maintain environmental support for common land

By maintaining and bringing more land into management, the scheme will contribute to the Sustainable Land Management objectives:

1. to produce food and other goods in a sustainable manner
2. to mitigate and adapt to climate change
3. to maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide, and
4. to conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources and promote public access to and engagement with them, and to sustain the Welsh language and promote and facilitate its use. In doing so, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and to contribute to achieving the well-being goals in section 4 of the Well Being of Future Generations Act 2015

Please read the Habitat Wales rules and guidance document before submitting an Expression of Interest (EoI). If you then consider you may qualify for support under this scheme and you want to apply, please see Section D Applying for the Habitat Wales Scheme and the How to Complete booklet. 

Application period

The EoI window will open on 29 September 2023 and close on 10 November 2023, with successful applicants being offered contracts to commence on 1 January 2024. The contract will be for 12 months.

The available budget for the application window has not been confirmed. The budget will be confirmed before contracts are issued.

Any changes will be publicised via the Welsh Government website, GWLAD online and, where necessary, we will contact you directly.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if:

• you are registered with the Welsh Government and have been issued with a Customer Reference Number (CRN). Please refer to the Welsh Government website for the how to register guidance or call the RPW Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004
• you must:
  • be a primary producer of agricultural products
  • have 3 ha of eligible agricultural land registered with RPW in Wales or
  • be able to demonstrate over 550 standard labour hours

We will check if you have an eligible Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) or Glastir Organic claim to verify if you are a primary producer of agricultural products and you have 3 ha of eligible agricultural land in Wales.

If you have not submitted claims for either of these schemes or we are unable to verify the land, you must submit documentary evidence with your EoI to verify that you are a primary producer of agricultural products and that you meet either the 3 ha or 550 standard labour hours eligibility criteria.

The primary production of agricultural products includes the following farming sectors:

• arable
• beef
• dairy
• goats
• horticulture (including hydroponics and aquaponics)
• pigs
• poultry
• sheep
• apiculture

To be eligible for a contract you must have a minimum area of 0.1 ha of eligible habitat.

There is no upper limit to the area of land that can be included in the Habitat Wales Scheme, although percentage capping will be applied where larger areas have been submitted.

You are not eligible if:

• you are an Equine customer (including grazing horses)
• you are a Forestry customer (including woodland only owners)
• a group of farmers (including Producer Organisations)

Eligible land

For the land to be considered under this scheme, it must be located in Wales and must be within your management control from 1 January to 31 December 2024.

Land is under your management control if:

• you are the owner occupier
• you are a tenant who has “exclusive occupation” under either the Agricultural Tenancies Act 1995 with a Farm Business Tenancy and / or a Full Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancy
• you are a tenant with an unwritten tenancy with the same level of control as the above
• ‘Sole Grazier’ common land registered as a field parcel with RPW.

You MUST ensure that you have management control covering your contract period between 1 January to 31 December 2024.

If you do not have management control for 12 months covering 1 January to 31 December 2024, you must make arrangements to extend your tenancy to cover this period if you want to bring the parcel into the scheme.

If it is found when processing your claim for payment, you do not have management control of land entered into your contract for the whole contract period, this land will be removed from your claim and penalties may apply in certain circumstances.

The categories of land eligible for this scheme are:

1. land currently under a habitat option within a Glastir Advanced contract
2. habitat land, not currently under management in 2023, as identified by published maps on the Habitat Wales Scheme page on the DataMapWales website (excluding designated sites)
3. land managed as habitat (this land has potential to become habitat land following management)

Ineligible land

• land located outside Wales
• common Land with multiple graziers
• field parcels subject to shared grazing
• field parcels being used by another farm business to claim scheme payments (e.g. BPS) are not eligible
• developed land, e.g., permanent caravan sites, golf courses
• field Parcels less than 0.1 hectares
• land where the applicant does not have management control from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
• designated sites (e.g., SSSIs, SACs, SPAs) not currently part of a Glastir Advanced management option in 2023

Scheme requirements

Habitat Wales Classifications

Management of eligible habitat land, supported through the Habitat Wales scheme, will be based on 10 broad habitat classifications:

You will be required to maintain the land as per the requirements against the habitat classification as detailed in Annex A.

Each area of eligible habitat land will be placed within one of the broad habitat classifications.

If an area of habitat under one classification overlaps with a different Habitat classification, the overlap area will receive the classification with the higher priority as shown in the table above.

Please note HS07 Existing Trees, Scrub (including Streamside Corridors) and Woodland will include land currently subject to a management option in Glastir Advanced (as detailed in the table below) and only habitat woodland identified under NH3 (Ammonia) Sensitive Ancient Woodlands.

Glastir management options

The eligible Glastir management options have been categorised into the Habitat classifications detailed below:

Designated sites in an existing Glastir Advanced Contract

The Welsh Government has obtained the necessary consent to comply with the requirements of the Habitat Wales Scheme on designated sites currently under Glastir management.

You will not have to obtain further written consent from NRW to continue any previously agreed activity during your Habitat Wales Scheme agreement.

You will be required to adhere to the requirements of the consent issued to you for your Glastir Advanced contract for the 12-month duration of your Habitat Wales contract.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the relevant authority for the regulation of SSSIs. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it is a legal requirement to have written consent from NRW where Glastir Management Options are located on land notified as SSSI and are operations on the notified ‘Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest’ list. Within the Habitat Wales Scheme, NRW has made a Regulatory Decision that enables you to continue with the same management activities on your SSSI land as stated in the management options schedule within your Glastir Contract.

You will still be required to notify NRW in writing if you want to change any of the aspects of the activities agreed within your Habitat Wales Scheme contract or if you want to undertake new activities listed as ‘Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest.

Identified Habitat Land

Habitat land has been identified through existing habitat layers as identified by published maps on DataMapWales. For detailed information of the type and location of habitat on your holding please go to Habitat Wales Scheme on DataMapWales.

All Habitat land that meets the management control requirements must be included in your application. You do not have the option to remove habitat land which meets the eligibility requirements from the application.

Permanent Grassland to be managed as Habitat

Eligible permanent grassland to be managed as habitat (HS20) is where the land meets the definition of habitat land defined below:

• the land is permanent grassland
• the land has not been ploughed, reseeded, including sward rejuvenated through direct drilling or surface seeding, in the last 10 years
• the sward has a composition of less than 25% sown agricultural species including rye grass and white clover
• the land has received little or no input of inorganic fertiliser / farmland manure
• the land is of low productivity – no more than one cut of hay or silage taken annually
• the land has a range of different wild plants and grasses typical of the soil type. During the EoI window wild plants and grasses may not be visible within a field parcel. Applicants should make an assessment based on their knowledge and understanding of the field parcel

Whole Farm Code

The Whole Farm Code is a set of compulsory requirements. You must apply the following rules to all the land on the holding:

Do not burn vegetation on rocky areas or archaeological sites.

Protect and retain all veteran trees and mature in-field and hedgerow trees.

It is important to retain trees as they are part of the character and quality of the landscape and are valuable for wildlife, even when dead or diseased.

Do not cause damage to trees by, for example, cultivating too close to their roots or allowing herbicide sprays to drift. Cultivation must not take place beneath the tree’s canopy.

Where a dead or diseased tree – or part of tree - causes a demonstrable hazard, it may be removed. A demonstrable hazard, for these purposes, is defined as where it occurs close enough to a public or permissive right of way or public highway that falling material could obstruct the path or where it is close enough to another access route or building that falling branches could cause damage.

Trees growing on traditional farm buildings and unstable or diseased trees growing on archaeological features may also be considered to be a hazard where there is a possibility that the tree could fall and cause damage to the historical feature.

When felling a tree or part of a tree which is determined to be a hazard, photographic evidence must be retained to prove that it was a hazard and must be provided on request.

Retain traditional buildings and remnant structures.

Traditional buildings and remnant structures must be retained, regardless of condition unless they cause a demonstrable hazard.

A demonstrable hazard, for these purposes, is defined as where it occurs close enough to a public or permissive right of way that falling material could obstruct the path or where it is close enough to another access route or building that falling material could cause damage.

When removing a traditional building or part of a traditional building determined to be a hazard, photographic evidence must be retained to prove that it was a hazard and must be provided on request. 

A bat survey must have been undertaken before the structure has been removed or altered and evidence of the survey must be retained and must be provided on request.

Do not damage any Scheduled Monuments or Historic Environment Features on the holding.

Definitions of damage include any of the following:

• ground disturbance or excavation of overlying soils
• dumping or storage of material on top of the feature, including temporary storage
• removal of any material, including stones, soil, or subsoil from the feature
• visible signs of active erosion (loss and disturbance of topsoil or subsoil) caused by livestock and vehicles or other agricultural practices
• planting trees on the feature (except when replacing trees ‘like for like’ within designated parkland)
• allowing scrub to develop
• ploughing or reseeding
• displacing individual stone features

Cross Compliance

Cross Compliance is a set of compulsory requirements which applies to all your agricultural land. You are responsible for cross compliance for the entire scheme year.

You must keep land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) and meet a range of Statutory Management Requirements (SMR).

Details of Cross Compliance requirements are available on the Welsh Government website: Cross compliance 2023.

Record keeping requirements

You will be required to maintain an activity diary for each parcel of land that has been included in the contract as habitat land or eligible permanent grassland being managed as habitat land (HS20). The activity diary must, include as a minimum:

• record of any topping
• record of hay meadow closure and cutting dates
• applications of any lime
• application of any necessary pesticides
• traditional field boundary maintenance
• any activity on the habitat land in your contract on any given day of the year
• for habitat categories with grazing management requirements, you must record date livestock introduced and date livestock removed or reduced. (HS01, HS02, HS03, HS04, HS05, HS06 and HS20)

An activity diary template will be available on the Welsh Government website when the contract is issued.

If NRW consider the current management requirements are having a detrimental effect on the consented land, you will be required to agree to management changes in line with NRW requirements prior to any contract being offered.

Payment rates

The payment rates for habitats identified under the following habitat classifications:

The maximum contract value will be capped according to the following:

In reaching any tapering threshold, the highest payment rate will be maintained first.

For example, an applicant with a whole farm holding area of 500 ha submits an EoI with 300 ha of habitat land, comprised of 250 ha of HS06 Grazing Management of Open Country and 50 ha of HS07 Existing Trees, Scrub (including Streamside Corridors) and Woodland.

Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)

Land on which you claim BPS is eligible for the Habitat Wales Scheme.

Habitat Wales Scheme does not include requirements to take land out of production (i.e., stock exclusion). As such, land previously stock excluded under an EU Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme for Wales 2014 – 2020 scheme - Glastir advanced and entered into the Habitat Wales Scheme will no longer be eligible for BPS in 2024 if it remains stock excluded. BPS eligibility requirements in relation to trees / ineligible features will need to be met.

Woodland Creation schemes

Afforested land included in any of the following schemes is not eligible for the Habitat Wales Scheme:

• Glastir Woodland Creation: including Glastir Woodland Creation Premium, Glastir Creation Maintenance and Glastir Creation Premium
• Woodland Creation Grant or Small Grants Woodland Creation: including Woodland Creation Maintenance and Woodland Creation Premium

Any afforested areas under these schemes at the time of the EoI will be deducted from any available Habitat or eligible Permanent Grassland areas available to apply for.

Organic Conversion Scheme

Land currently in an Organic Conversion Scheme contract is eligible for the Habitat Wales Scheme.

Growing for the Environment

For land included under the Arable Plants classification, where cultivation and growing of an unsprayed cereal crop is permissible, this area will be removed from the Habitat Wales Scheme at claim validation where the land is also under contract for a Growing for the Environment option.

Double funding

You must not apply for the Habitat Wales Scheme if you are receiving funding for the same purpose from any other source. This would be considered double funding for the same land.

If it is established you are receiving funding from another source for the Habitat Wales Scheme, this could result in financial penalties and the recovery of payments of your Habitat Wales Scheme contract.

RPW Online

You can only complete an EoI for the Habitat Wales Scheme by accessing Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online. If you already have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) you should have received a letter informing you of your Activation Code to set up your account. If you no longer have this, please telephone the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004 (Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 17:00, Friday 8:30 – 16:30) and tell the operator your CRN. They will send you a new Activation Code.

To register your business details for the first time, you need to complete the online registration form. Please refer to the how to register guidance for further details. The vast majority of changes to business details can be done online. However, Welsh Government may require further details on any major changes. Please contact the Customer Contact Centre for further information.

Once registered, you can access your RPW Online account. The Habitat Wales EoI is available from the “Applications and Claims” section of your account. 

Agents acting on behalf of a client will need to register as a Rural Payments Wales agent. If you have yet to do this, you are advised to complete an online or paper copy Agent / Farming Union Customer Details (Wales) form immediately. The form is available on the Welsh Government website. Upon receipt of the form, we will send you an Agent Customer Reference Number (Agent CRN) and an RPW Online Activation Code. You will also need to complete an Association Authorisation Form which can be completed once you register with RPW Online, please refer to our how to register guidance.

If you have any questions about registering for RPW Online or completing your EoI, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004. They will be able to provide advice, including the digital assistance that is available to you.

Further details regarding RPW Online are available on the Welsh Government website.

Application process

The application process for the Habitat Wales scheme is in two stages.

1. an EoI submitted via RPW Online
2. following closure of the EoI window a selection process will be completed. If you are selected, a contract offer will be made to you via your RPW Online account

We will issue a maximum of 2 reminders for any outstanding draft EoIs via your RPW Online account prior to the closing date.

Please respond to any queries raised by the Welsh Government regarding your EoI promptly. Failure to respond within the given time may prevent the offer of a contract to you.

Submitting an EoI

Guidance on how to submit your EoI via RPW Online is available at https://www.gov.wales/habitat-wales-scheme-using-rpw-online-apply

Land included in the EoI

The EoI will be pre-populated with land parcels with identified habitat or where declared as permanent grassland on Single Application Form (SAF) 2023.

The parcels will be included where they are:  

• owned parcels
• rented parcels with a tenure which is current as of 25 September 2023 with full management control, parcels with a tenure code A and B, or C (where the tenancy length is 364 days or more)

Area of Permanent Pasture

Permanent grassland is defined as land used to grow grasses or other herbaceous forage naturally (self-seeded) or through cultivation (sown) and has not been included in the crop rotation of the holding for five years or longer.

Eligible Crop Codes considered for Permanent Grassland to be managed as Habitat are:

Natural Permanent features identified in a permanent grassland parcel will be included in the area of permanent Grassland. However, man-made permanent feature areas will be deducted from the eligible permanent grassland available on the EOI. The permanent features considered to be man-made are detailed below.

Land not included in the EoI

• parcels where no habitat has been identified and where the parcel was not declared as permanent grassland on SAF 2023. For example, a parcel declared on SAF 2023 with an arable crop where there is no habitat identified in the parcel will not be included
• a parcel where the tenure ended on 24 September 2023 which has not been identified as a recurring tenancy
• parcels with an unwritten tenancy (tenure code C) of less than 364 days

Eligible Land Categories in the EoI

To be eligible for category 3, applicants will be required to confirm that the potential permanent grassland on each field parcel meets all of the criteria listed below:

By including land under this category, applicants are potentially committing to the long-term habitat management of this land.

1. land currently under a habitat option within a Glastir Advanced contract:
   • eligible field parcels will be pre-identified on the EoI
   • all identified field parcels to be included in contract. There will be no option to deselect pre-identified areas
   • for areas under existing Glastir management options that are not pre-identified (Not managed as habitat), applicants have the option to submit this land within the EoI under category 3
2. Habitat land, not currently under management, as identified by published map / maps on DataMapWales (excluding designated sites)
   • all eligible areas of habitat will be pre-identified on the EoI
   • all identified habitat land to be included in contract. (No option to de-select eligible habitat land)
   • the habitat area could cover the whole field or part of a field
   • a field parcel might include one or more area of habitat, including different habitats
   • where habitat land is identified as part of a field, applicants have the option to include the remaining eligible land within a field parcel under category 3. In these instances, the whole remaining area of the field must be included
   • designated sites will not be eligible
3. Land managed as habitat (land with potential to become habitat land following management):
   • in addition to eligible areas 1 and 2, applicants can apply to include land within their EoI which they commit to management as habitat. In doing so they will be committing to maintaining the management requirements on that land
   • only whole field parcels can be included
   • for field parcels included, no changes to field boundaries can be made during the lifetime of the contract

To be eligible for category 3, applicants will be required to confirm that the potential permanent grassland on each field parcel meets all of the criteria listed below:

• the land is permanent grassland
• the land has not been ploughed, reseeded, including sward rejuvenated through direct drilling or surface seeding, in the last 10 years
• the sward has a composition of less than 25% sown agricultural species including rye grass and white clover
• the land has received little or no input of inorganic fertiliser / farmland manure
• the land is of low productivity – no more than one cut of hay or silage taken annually
• the land has a range of different wild plants and grasses typical of the soil type

By including land under this category, applicants are potentially committing to the long-term habitat management of this land.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons, applicants must meet all the following eligibility criteria:

• have an active Glastir Commons 2023 contract
• the Grazing Association has or will set up a bank account by 31 December 2024
• the Grazing Association, must have had legal status prior to signing the Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons Contract

Please note, only grazing associations with an active Glastir Commons 2023 contract will be eligible to apply for Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons. If you had a contract for Glastir Commons in previous scheme years which has since expired or been withdrawn, you will not be eligible to apply for Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons.

Commons with no existing Glastir Commons contract

Grazing associations without an existing Glastir contract will not be eligible for the Habitat Wales scheme.

We are considering further support for common land graziers, which are currently not in Glastir, to ensure they are ready and prepared for SFS. Through supporting the facilitation and development of a Commons Association, where none exists, or where the development of active management needs to be agreed.

Eligible land

The following land is deemed eligible for Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons:

• all payable land currently listed under your Glastir Commons 2023 contract, which includes:
  • land legally registered as common land under the Commons Registration Act 1965 and used by multiple graziers
  • unenclosed land used by multiple graziers concurrently which has the characteristics of common land (e.g., unenclosed upland, rough grazing etc.) and not registered under the Commons Registration Act 1965

Land included in your Glastir Commons 2023 contract cannot be removed from the EoI application for Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons unless it has become ineligible for the scheme as detailed below. 

Ineligible land

The following land is not eligible for Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons:

• land used for non-agricultural activity, including developed land, permanent caravan sites, carparks, gallops, airports, areas used for permanent storage, buildings and yards, hard standings, ponds, roads, scree / rock outcrops / boulders, un-grazed tracks, golf courses and other sporting facilities
• part field parcels
• land located outside Wales
• land with less than 1 year of management control
• land not payable under your current Glastir Commons 2023 contract

Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons Management Options

You will be required to manage the common under the same conditions as your Glastir Commons 2023 contract. This will include Common Land Management Option, any Advanced Management Options, stocking levels and any Grazing Annex currently in place as provided by NRW. You will not be able to change these requirements when entering the Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons.

The Welsh Government has obtained the necessary consent to comply with the requirements of the Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons on designated sites currently under Glastir Commons contract.

You will not have to obtain further written consent from NRW to continue any agreed activity during your Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons contract.

You will be required to adhere to the requirements of the consent issued to you for your Glastir Commons contract for the 12-month duration of your Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons contract.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is the relevant authority for the regulation of SSSIs. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) it is a legal requirement to have written consent from NRW where Glastir Management Options are located on land notified as SSSI and are operations on the notified ‘Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest’ list. Within Habitat Wales Scheme, NRW has made a Regulatory Decision that enables you to continue with the same management activities on your SSSI land as stated in the management options schedule within your Glastir Contract.

You will still be required to notify NRW in writing if you want to change any of the aspects of the activities agreed within your Habitat Wales Scheme contract or if you want to undertake new activities listed as ‘Operations Likely to Damage the Special Interest.

Option 1: management of stocking levels

Management of stocking levels is based on achieving a year-round sustainable stocking level for the land brought into the contract which includes an allowance for winter grazing. The stocking level approach for the Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons will be the same as under your Glastir Commons 2023 contract.

a. Standard stocking level approach

The maximum stocking level is calculated on a quarterly basis. The Grazing Association is committed to keeping on or below the quarterly maximum stocking levels on every day during the quarter. Please note, these stocking levels are not an average, but a maximum ceiling which cannot be exceeded on any day.

The quarterly periods are as follows:     

• 1 January to 31 March
• 1 April to 30 June
• 1 July to 30 September
• 1 October to 31 December

b. Flexible stocking level approach

An annual average stocking maximum will be provided in the contract. In addition, a summer and winter maximum average stocking rate will also be provided.

The Grazing Association may exceed either the winter or the summer average stocking level by up to 20% of the annual average stocking rate, but in doing so the Grazing Association would need to reduce the other grazing period in order to ensure that the stocking level across the whole year remains within the annual average stocking maximum.

This flexibility allows for the different grazing patterns that occur on common land, both regionally and at different altitudes across Wales.

The summer and winter periods are set as follows across the calendar year:

• winter grazing periods - 1 January to 31 March / 1 October to 31 December
• summer grazing period - 1 April to 30 September

Important note: The 20% increase on either the winter or summer stocking levels has already been calculated.

Option 2: Closed winter period

The Grazing Association must ensure the removal of all livestock from the contract land for a pre-specified period from 1 January to 31 March and 1 November to 31 December 2024. Any derogation necessary within this option to allow ‘Semi-feral Welsh Mountain Section A ponies’ that are managed through the Hill Pony Improvement Society of Wales and Cymdeithas Merlod y Carneddau to remain on the common during this period must be made on RPW Online.

Advanced Commons options

You will be required under Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons to comply with the requirements of your Glastir Advanced options on your Glastir Commons 2023 contract.  The only exception is option 402 – Controlled Burning, which is not available in Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons.  All other requirements for these options remain the same. Please see option requirements below:

Option 400 – Additional management payment: stock management

• comply with the stock management plan in your Glastir Commons 2023 contract
• a stocking diary must be kept and made available on request

Do not:

• allow stock to damage archaeological features, vulnerable soils or vegetation threatened by overgrazing / under grazing / poaching

Option 401 – Additional management payment: mixed grazing

• a minimum of 30% of the livestock units (LUs) must be grazing cattle in each calendar year
• a minimum of 15% of the livestock units (LUs) must be grazing sheep in each calendar year
• a stocking diary must be kept and made available on request

Option 411 – Additional management payment: reduce stocking

• comply with the grazing plan in the Contract detailing the additional stock reduction required
• a stocking diary must be kept and made available on request

Scheme requirements

Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons contract holders must also meet the following scheme requirements:

• comply with the requirements of Cross Compliance. Details of Cross Compliance are available on the Welsh Government website 
• comply with the Commons Code, below
• deliver the selected management option as set out in the Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons contract
• take management responsibility and control for the entire contract land to enable the obligations of the contract to be fulfilled
• where no physical parcel boundaries exist to the contract land, the boundary must be clearly identifiable on the ground from the start of the contract. Grazing Associations should determine the most appropriate method to identify external boundaries of the contract land, for example cutting a swath or the installation markers such as stones or posts can be used. There is no set distance for the positioning of the markers, but the markers must be in line of sight of each other. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to consult with organisations such as Natural Resources Wales (NRW), National Parks or Local Authorities prior to delineating the boundary of the contract land
• for those Grazing Associations who are undertaking the Management of Stocking Levels Option, they must maintain a daily stocking diary (on a spreadsheet) of livestock movements on and off the contract land
• for those Grazing Associations who are undertaking the Closed Winter Period Option, they must maintain a stocking diary (on a spreadsheet) detailing livestock movements off the contract land for the start of the closed winter period and when the livestock have been moved back on to the contract land
• maintain a record of members’ details and other active graziers on the contract land
• maintain a minimum of 80% of active graziers on the contract land throughout the contract period

An active grazier is defined as:

• commoners with rights and who turn out stock to graze the common land
• commoners who are not exercising rights of common because they have agreed to withdraw their stock under a management agreement
• commoners who have recently ceased to exercise their rights of common because, for example, of control measures during foot-and-mouth disease
• persons who graze nonregistered unenclosed land as eligible land

Commons Code

Each Grazing Association must abide by the Commons Code. Please note that some of the requirements listed below are governed by Cross Compliance:

• retain all existing traditional boundaries including earth banks, dry stone walls, hedges, and slate fencing
• retain all archaeological and historical features including earth works, standing stones, hill forts, burial mounds, hut circles, sheepfolds, and grouse butts
• retain all geological sites and rock features including cliff, rock outcrops, scree, and shingle
• do not install any new drainage or ditching or modify / reopen any existing drainage or ditching
• do not cut or remove any peat or sediment unless the applicant has the rights to do so
• do not cause rutting of the land through the inappropriate use of machinery
• burning is only permitted in accordance with Heather & Grass burning regulations. Do not burn blanket bog. Consent is required from Natural Resources Wales before undertaking any burning on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Areas (SPA)
• maintain all existing native woodland and scrub, ponds, scrapes, rivers, and streams
• ploughing, cultivation or reseeding is not permitted except on existing improved grazing or cultivated land
• applications of lime, inorganic and organic fertiliser (including manure or slag) are not permitted except on existing improved grazing or cultivated land
• comply with legal requirements relating to existing public rights of way that are on the land, including avoiding obstructing them. Access must be allowed on foot to all land identified as available for such access on the maps prepared under the Countryside Rights of Way Act, 2000
• comply with the requirements on supplementary feeding on all contract land

Supplementary feeding

Supplementary feeding is only permitted under specific or extreme circumstances. If supplementary feeding must be carried out, it must be delivered in such a way that avoids causing damage to the vegetation, soil and watercourses and includes:

• overgrazing
• nutrient enrichment
• excessive trampling of vegetation
• soil poached by grazing animals or rutted by vehicles used to transport feed
• soil erosion and water pollution

Supplementary feeding is permitted where this practice is required specifically for the welfare of livestock. Adverse weather conditions and meeting the nutritional demands of heavily pregnant animals, are likely to trigger a need for the provision of supplementary feed.

Adverse weather is defined as a period when the available vegetation is covered by snow or is subjected to continuous hard frost, prolonged drought, or prolonged heavy rainfall. Supplementary feeding will be permitted where access to forage is severely restricted during adverse weather conditions, provided it is supplied without causing environmental damage and the welfare of livestock is not compromised.

Supplementary feeding is required when the available grazing (quantity and / or quality) does not meet the nutritional requirements of the grazing animals. This could result from the increased demands of ewes during late pregnancy and early lactation compared to their maintenance requirements, from high levels of stocking and / or higher than normal lambing rates. In some circumstances, supplementary feeding can be avoided by reducing the levels of grazing and, for sheep, by removing ewes in late pregnancy (last 8 weeks before lambing) from the common. This is particularly relevant to ewes carrying more than one lamb.

Main requirements:

Only the feeds from the following list can be used on Contract Land and the ration fed should be appropriate for the category of animals being fed:

• hay (to be scattered)
• haylage (preserved grass with a dry matter content of at least 60%) (To be scattered)
• compound feed
• dried sugar beet feed (nut form only); not allowed where equines can access the supplementary feed
• feed blocks and liquid feed in suitable containers

When feeding a concentrated feed, all stock should have adequate access and be able to eat at the same time.

• move feed locations on a daily basis
• supplementary feeding sites must avoid vegetation which is sensitive to damage and nutrient enrichment. Sensitive vegetation types include:
  • blanket bog
  • heather
  • bilberry and other heaths
  • species rich grassland
  • native broadleaf woodland (where woodland contains more than 50% native species)
  • Mires
• do not feed on or next to archaeological sites, steep slopes, public rights of way and site feed locations at least 10 metres from any watercourse
• bale feeders and troughs must not be used on the contract land at any time
• remove plastic from the contract land once feed has been dispensed

Other restrictions

Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons customers should be aware that the practice of supplementary feeding may be restricted:

• under the terms of a statutory designations e.g., Sights of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
• by the landowners
• by custom as declared by Commoners Association / Group

Record keeping requirements

In line with Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons Options you will be required to keep a stocking diary. Please see details below:

Stocking diary

The Grazing Association must submit a stocking diary to be received by 14 January 2025 (date may be subject to change) showing actual stocking for the previous 12-month period.

Stocking diary templates for each option will be available on the Welsh Government website. It is recommended that Grazing Associations use the templates provided as this will speed up validation of your stocking diary and claim.

Prior to payment, administrative checks will be conducted following the submission by the Grazing Association of the stocking diary. Payments will only be made following successful validation of the commitments forming part of the contract.

The Stocking Diary must detail the following for Management of Stocking Levels options:

• detail the actual number of livestock on the Contract Land for any one day in the calendar year
• identify all individual active graziers’ stock movements on and off the contract land
• identify stock movements on and off the Contract Land including the livestock of those outside of the Grazing Association
• record animals by their categories (e.g., yearlings, dry ewes etc.) so that livestock factors are taken into account. If animals have not been recorded by categories, the Welsh Government will assume the highest Livestock Unit

The Stocking Diary must detail the following for the Closed Winter Period option:

• livestock movements off the contract land for the start of the closed winter period
• livestock movements onto the contract land after the end of the closed winter period

Livestock Units

The table below should be used to help calculate the stocking levels when completing your Stocking Diary:

Payment rates

The payment rates are:

There will be no payment for management burning (Option 402 Additional Management Payment – Control burning).

RPW Online

You can only complete an EoI for the Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons by accessing Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online. If you already have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) you should have received a letter informing you of your Activation Code to set up your account. If you no longer have this, please telephone the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004 (Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 17:00, Friday 8:30 to 16:30) and tell the operator your CRN. They will send you a new Activation Code.

The Habitat Wales Scheme - Commons EoI is available from the “Applications and Claims” section of your account. 

Agents acting on behalf of a client will need to register as a Rural Payments Wales agent. If you have yet to do this, you are advised to complete an online or paper copy Agent / Farming Union Customer Details (Wales) form immediately. The form is available on the Welsh Government website. Upon receipt of the form, we will send you an Agent Customer Reference Number (Agent CRN) and an RPW Online Activation Code. You will also need to complete an Association Authorisation Form which can be completed once you register with RPW Online, please refer to our how to register guidance.

If you have any questions about registering for RPW Online or completing your EoI, please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004. They will be able to provide advice, including the digital assistance that is available to you.

Further details regarding RPW Online are available on the Welsh Government Website.

Application process

The application process for the Habitat Wales scheme - Commons is in two stages.

1. an EoI submitted via RPW Online
2. following closure of the EoI window a selection process will be completed. If you are selected, a contract offer will be made to you via your RPW Online account

We will issue a maximum of 2 reminders for any outstanding draft EoIs via your RPW Online account prior to the closing date.

Please respond to any queries raised by the Welsh Government regarding your EoI application promptly. Failure to respond within the given time may prevent the offer of a contract to you.

Submitting an EOI

The application is to be submitted by the Grazing Association.

Guidance on how to submit your EoI via RPW Online is available at https://www.gov.wales/habitat-wales-scheme-using-rpw-online-apply

Land included in the EoI

All eligible parcels which are currently listed on your Glastir Commons 2023 contract.

Please note you are unable to delete a parcel from your EoI application. If a parcel on your Glastir Commons 2023 contract has become or will become from 1 January 2024 ineligible for this scheme, please notify Welsh Government via your RPW Online account.

Bank account details

Please note that the facility to pay Individual Members previously provided under Glastir Commons will not be available under the Habitat Wales scheme. Any existing Glastir Commons contract holder who wishes to apply for Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons will need to confirm in their EoI that they will set up a Grazing Association bank account. You will need to ensure that the Grazing Association bank account is set up and all relevant documentation (e.g., BACS form etc) is submitted to Welsh Government by December 2024. Payments to graziers will then be distributed by the Grazing Association as required.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the EoI is correctly completed, and that the information provided in support of your project is accurate.

The following sections apply to both Individual businesses and Commons Grazing Associations. Consequently, where the Habitat Wales Scheme is referenced it applies equally to the Habitat Wales – Commons Scheme.

Scoring

The scoring process is explained in Annex B.

The purpose of this scoring is to allow the Welsh Government to rank the EoIs against the funding available for the EoI window.

The minimum score for an application to be selected is 20 points.

All EoIs will be ranked according to the final score achieved and the highest scoring applications up to the budget threshold will be selected and offered a contract.

Where applications have equal scores and are of the same value and rank, the Welsh Government reserves the right to either select or reject these applications, depending on budget availability.

Where EoIs have equal scores and a different value if the budget for the scheme permits, the lowest value EoI will be selected first.

Selecting successful EoIs and contract offer

If your EoI is selected, you will be notified via your RPW Online account.

You must accept your contract within 30 calendar days of the date of the contract offer or by 31 January 2024, whichever is sooner, via the blue button on your RPW Online homepage. You must meet all the requirements of your contract from 1 January 2024.

If you do not accept the contract within the required timescale, the contract will be withdrawn.

Full details of when your contract must be accepted and when payment can be claimed will be included in the contract.

We will issue a reminder via your RPW Online account prior to the contract acceptance deadline date.

Withdrawal of EoIs

Once a business or Grazing Association has submitted an EoI, can it be withdrawn?

• yes - during an open EoI window

You can withdraw your EoI via “My Messages” in your RPW Online account; you may re-submit an EoI before the window has closed.

• yes - after an EoI window has closed BUT before the business has received the contract

You can withdraw your EoI via “My Messages” in your RPW Online account but you will be unable to amend or re-submit your EoI.

The Habitat Wales Scheme is subject to a range of relevant legislation (see Section Q). The Welsh Government and the applicant / recipient must act in accordance with that legislation.

The offer of a Habitat Wales contract is made subject to terms and conditions, which will be set out in full in your contract and include those set out below. Failure to meet the terms and conditions of the contract could result in the cancellation of your contract and / or the recovery of sums already paid, or a reduction of the amount payable.

Conditions

The award is made on the basis of statements and declarations made by you or your representatives in the EOI and the claim form and any subsequent correspondence. The making of false or misleading statements is an offence.

You must meet any legal obligations imposed and UK law.

No alterations may be made to the contract, without the written approval of the Welsh Government.

You must provide confirmation that no other public funding has been sought. If it is found that you have received public funding from another source your claim may be rejected, payments may be recovered, and penalties may be applied.

Records concerning the application and claim for this grant, must be retained for at least five years after the contract end date.

You must allow representatives of the Welsh Government, the Auditor General for Wales, or their representatives to inspect the contract land. On request, you must provide them with information and / or access to original documentation in relation to the project.

The information provided in the application and any supporting documentation is subject to the requirements of the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice on Public Access to Information, the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

You should be aware that, if successful, the Welsh Government reserve the right to publish the name of your business or company, the amount of grant you were awarded.

The information provided in the EoI is subject to the Privacy Notice. The Privacy Notice explains the Welsh Government’s processing and use of your personal data and your rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Claims

For individual farming businesses

The Habitat Wales Scheme payment is claimed via the SAF 2024. You must ensure you read and understand the Single Application Rules booklet before you submit your SAF.

Habitat Wales Scheme payments will be made following successful validation of your claim within the SAF. Payment will only be made when Welsh Government is satisfied your contractual requirements are being met. Payment will be made by electronic transfer to your bank account. Payments will commence from January 2025.

In order to receive a Habitat Wales Scheme payment, you must:

• have accepted a Habitat Wales Scheme contract within the required timescale and adhere to all the scheme requirements
• submit a SAF by 15 May 2024
• declare all agricultural and non-agricultural land on your holding on the SAF
• adhere to all contractual requirements including the Whole Farm Code and Cross Compliance
• not artificially create the conditions required to obtain the payments
• allow all land to be inspected at any time following notification by the Welsh Government or other authorised persons and provide any document or record that the Welsh Government or other authorised persons may require
• notify the Welsh Government within 30 days in the event of any changes that impact on your contract, or the land included in your Habitat Wales Scheme contract

For Grazing Associations

For Grazing Associations, a claim form will be available via RPW Online during the same claim period as SAF 2024 and must be submitted by 15 May 2024.

Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons payments will be made following successful validation of the claim form and the stocking diary (which should be submitted by 14 January 2025). Payment will only be made when Welsh Government is satisfied your contractual requirements are being met. Payment will be made by electronic transfer to the Grazing Association bank account. It is the responsibility of the Grazing Association to divide the payments to their graziers as required.

For Grazing Association Customers to receive a Habitat Wales payment you must:

• have accepted a Habitat Wales contract within 30 calendar days of the offer date and adhere to all the requirements
• submit a claim form by 15 May 2024
• submit a stocking diary by 14 January 2025
• adhere to all contractual requirements including the Commons Code and Cross Compliance
• not artificially create the conditions required to obtain the payments
• allow all land to be inspected at any time following notification by the Welsh Government or other authorised persons and provide any document or record that the Welsh Government or other authorised persons may require
• notify the Welsh Government within 30 days in the event of any changes that impact on your contract, or the land included in your Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons contract

Contract notifications

You must notify the Welsh Government within 30 calendar days of any land changes and any circumstances affecting your commitment under the scheme, and any changes to your commitments included in your Contract. Failure to do this may result in a reduction or exclusion of aid. Failure to adhere to the time period will result in a scheme breach penalty. Notification must be made using ‘Manage My Land’ on your RPW Online account.

Incorrect claims and penalties

Your claim may be reduced, and penalties may be applied where land has been over declared, a breach of the Habitat Wales scheme requirements has taken place or cross compliance requirements have not been met.

Over-declaration

Over Declaration penalties will be applied where the area declared for the Habitat Wales scheme on the Single Application Form (SAF) is more than the determined area. Penalties are calculated using the area declared on your SAF which receive the same rate of aid (referred to as crop groups). In the case of the Habitat Wales scheme, each Payment Rate is a separate crop group.

Where the area claimed for the Habitat Wales scheme exceeds the eligible area (e.g., an ineligible feature has been introduced to the contract area), if this is not declared in the Single Application Form in the relevant claim year, any grant paid on the ineligible area will be reclaimed.

If the area is more than either 3% or 2 hectares of the contract area, the area eligible for payment will be reduced by 1.5 times the difference found.

The penalty will not exceed 100% of the amounts based on the area declared.

Breaches of contract

Breaches of contract may be identified from administrative checks or on-the-spot inspections, and you will be notified via your RPW Online account if breaches are found. Where it is discovered the commitment in your contract has not been met a scheme breach may be applied, reductions and / or exclusions will be determined according to the level of severity, extent, and duration. Details of these will be set out in the verifiable standards.

Where we consider a breach to be so serious that it cannot be rectified, this may result in the termination of your contract.

The breaches are assessed against verifiable standards relating to the scheme commitments and a penalty matrix is used to determine the level of penalty to be applied. Both the verifiable standards and the penalty matrix will be published on the Welsh Government website prior to the issue of contracts. 

Breaches of Cross Compliance

You will be responsible for meeting the full Cross Compliance requirements for the full calendar year. If you fail to meet the Statutory Management Requirements or Good Agricultural and Environment Conditions requirements whether negligently or intentionally you could lose some or all of your Habitat Wales Scheme payment. In determining these reductions and exclusions, account will be taken of the extent, severity, permanence, and reoccurrence of the non-compliance.

Offences

Regulation 13 of the Rural Development Programmes (Wales) Regulations 2014 (No. 3222 (W.327)) establishes criminal offences and penalties in relation to certain aspects of rural development funding. That Regulation and those offences are applicable to the Habitat Wales Scheme. Examples of offences include knowingly or recklessly providing false or misleading information in relation to rural development funding, obstructing an inspector or official, and refusing to provide information when requested to do so.

Land changes

You must inform the Welsh Government of changes to field parcels within 30 days of the change. These changes include:

• fields not previously registered with RPW (i.e., have not previously been included on the SAF)
• fields which have been permanently divided
• fields which have been permanently amalgamated
• fields which have new boundaries
• fields which have changes to their permanent features

You must also inform the Welsh Government of changes to land occupation including changes of ownership and any tenancy agreements within the 30 days.

Please use the Manage my Land (MML) Facility via your RPW Online account to notify the Welsh Government of these changes within 30 days of the change.

Once you have signed your Habitat Wales Scheme contract, if you subsequently sell or transfer all or part of your land during the commitment period and you do not inform us, you may be subject to financial penalties and / or having to repay money you have already received.

Following the sale or transfer of part of your land, any land which you retain and is the subject of the original contract must continue to meet the minimum eligibility criteria. In the event that this does not happen, you will be required to repay all of the payments made in respect of that land with interest. If you transfer or sell any land which forms part of your contract, then you must notify the Welsh Government in writing within 30 calendar days of the event. Failure to notify the Welsh Government within this period may result in a penalty.

Contract transfers

If any land is transferred during the lifetime of the contract, you must inform the Welsh Government within 30 days of the transfer.

Requests for a Habitat Wales Scheme contract to be transferred from the business holding the contract to the business assuming control of the holding will be considered by the Welsh Government on a case-by-case basis. As a general rule we will only consider the transfer of whole holdings or the splitting and transfer of whole holdings.  We will not consider a part contract transfer for the sale / transfer of some of land which is included in the contract. For example, the giving up of a tenancy where the land only forms part of the contract.

Where a contract transfer is not agreed by the Welsh Government, the contract will be cancelled, and no payment will be made.

Where a contract transfer is approved by the Welsh Government and the land continues to meet the minimum eligibility criteria, the new occupier must continue with the commitment on the land transferred for the remainder of the contract period. The prospective occupier should be made aware of the commitment in advance of agreeing to the transfer of the land in question.

Where a contract transfer is approved by the Welsh Government, which includes land designated as a SSSI and previously under a Glastir Advanced management option, the new occupier should also notify NRW.

Acquiring additional land during the contract period

If you acquire land after your EoI is submitted this land cannot be added to your Habitat Wales contract.

Legislation changes (including changes in interpretation)

Legislation may change from time to time, and you will be required to abide by any changes to the scheme rules following notification from the Welsh Government.

Changes to scheme rules or contract

We may need to make changes to the scheme rules and / or your contract for a number of reasons. For example, we may need to update the management conditions to take account of the latest scientific advice, amend scheme rules to take account of any changes to legislation. We will publicise changes on the Welsh Government website and where necessary contact you directly.

Controls

The Welsh Government must enforce the Habitat Wales Scheme rules.

You may be selected for an inspection to verify the scheme rules are being met, including record keeping requirements. Inspections may include on farm inspections and the use of Global Positioning Systems, aerial photography, and the use of satellite imagery. Inspections will be spread over the year and will cover all the commitments and obligations which can be checked at the time of the visit.

The Welsh Government and the specialist control bodies will try to ensure inspections cause you the minimum of disruption, but some checks require visits to be unannounced, which means it may not be possible to give you notice. You may be subject to more than one visit during a calendar year.

If you refuse to allow a visit or obstruct an officer or fail to give reasonable assistance, your claim may not be paid, we may recover payments and you may be prosecuted.

Monitoring

It is a requirement that all grant awards are monitored and the effect of the grant on the business is evaluated following completion.

You must allow officials from Welsh Government, or their representatives, to carry out inspections.

Record keeping

You must keep all records and information you need to evidence you have provided complete and accurate information and have complied with your undertakings for five years.

You will also be required to:

• supply to the Welsh Government any information about your Habitat Wales Scheme contract and supply that information within the period determined by the Welsh Government
• make available to the Welsh Government, its authorised persons or its agents, all records and other information including access to computer data relating to your Habitat Wales Scheme contract. Permit the Welsh Government to remove any such document or record to take copies or extracts from them

Appeals procedure

There are no grounds for appeal if your EoI is unsuccessful

The ‘Independent Appeals Process for Rural Grants and Payments’ allows you to request a review if you feel the Welsh Government has not reached a correct decision according to the rules of the scheme.  

The appeals process consists of two stages:

• stage 1: review by RPW
• atage 2: review by an Independent Appeals Panel (if you are dissatisfied with the stage 1 response).

The Independent Panel make recommendations to the Welsh Ministers, who take the final decision, which concludes the process.

There is no charge for Stage 1 of the process, but there is a charge at Stage 2 – £50 for a written hearing or £100 for an oral hearing. These charges are repaid in full if the Stage 2 appeal is either partially or fully successful.

Appeals, including supporting evidence, must be submitted via RPW Online within 60 days of the date of the letter outlining the decision you wish to appeal against.

We welcome appeals in Welsh and will respond to any correspondence in Welsh. This will not lead to delay in processing your appeal.

Further details of the appeals process and how to submit an appeal using the online appeal form, can be obtained from the Customer Contact Centre or our website at: Rural Grants and Payments appeals: Guidance.

Complaints procedure

Complaints will be dealt with under the Welsh Government’s procedure on Complaints. Further advice on how to make a complaint can be obtained from the Complaints Advice Team:

Welsh Government
Crown Buildings
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

Tel: 03000 251378

E-mail: complaints@gov.wales

Website: Complaints about Welsh Government

You may also choose to contact the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales:

1 Ffordd yr Hen Gae
Pencoed
CF35 5LJ

Tel: 0300 790 0203

Website: Ombudsman

How we will handle any personal data you provide in relation to your grant application or request for grant funding

The Welsh Government provides a wide range of grant schemes to help deliver our policies and create a fairer, more prosperous Wales.

The Welsh Government will be data controller for any personal data you provide in relation to your grant application or request for grant funding. The information will be processed as part of our public task (i.e., exercising our official authority to undertake the core role and functions of the Welsh Government) and will help us assess your eligibility for funding.

Before we provide grant funding to you, we undertake checks for the purposes of preventing fraud and money laundering, and to verify your identity. These checks require us to process personal data about you to third party fraud prevention agencies.

If we, or a fraud prevention agency, determine that you pose a fraud or money laundering risk, we may refuse to provide the grant funding you applied for, or we may stop providing existing grant funding to you.

A record of any fraud or money laundering risk will be retained by the fraud prevention agencies, and may result in others refusing to provide services, financing, or employment to you.

In order to assess eligibility, we may also need to share personal information relating to your application with:

• Natural Resources Wales
• Animal and Plant Health Agency
• Veterinary Medicine Directorate
• Welsh Local Authorities
• Food Standards Agency Wales
• DEFRA
• Other UK Government Agriculture Offices.
• Regulatory authorities, such as HM Revenue and Customs, Local Authorities, Health and Safety Executive and the Police.

We may also share your information with organisations which deliver training, knowledge transfer and innovation advice and support on behalf of the Welsh Government for the purposes of appropriate targeting of support.

Your information, including your personal information, may be the subject of a request by another member of the public. When responding to such requests the Welsh Government may be required to release information, including your personal information, to fulfil its obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environmental information Act 2004, or the Data Protection Act 2018.

The Welsh Government will publish details of the amounts paid to Rural Support beneficiaries. Data will be published for all beneficiaries on a searchable website and will include the name and locality of the farmer / land manager and details of the amounts and schemes for which subsidy has been paid. However, for those receiving less than the equivalent of £1,250 in subsidies the name will be withheld. The data will be published annually on 31 May and remain available for two years from the date it is published. The information will be available on the Defra website at: https://cap-payments.defra.gov.uk/Search.aspx

We will keep personal information contained in files in line with our retention policy. If successful in your application, then your personal data will be kept for 7 years after the date when you, as grant recipient, are free from all conditions relating to the grant awarded and all payment have been made. If you are unsuccessful your details will be kept for one year after the date you provided them.

Under the data protection legislation, you have the right:

• to access the personal data the Welsh Government holds on you
• to require us to rectify inaccuracies in that data
• to (in certain circumstances) object to or restrict processing
• for (in certain circumstances) your data to be ‘erased’
• to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) who is the independent regulator for data protection

For further details about the information the Welsh Government holds and its use, or if you want to exercise your rights under the GDPR, please see contact details below:

Data Protection Officer
Welsh Government
Cathays Park
CARDIFF
CF10 3NQ

Email: dataprotectionofficer@gov.wales

The contact details for the Information Commissioner’s Office are:

2nd Floor, Churchill House
Churchill Way
Cardiff
CF10 2HH

Telephone: 0330 414 6421

Website: https://ico.org.uk/

Should you have any queries regarding this privacy statement please contact the RPW Customer Contact Centre.

https://gov.wales/privacy-notice-welsh-government-grants

The Habitat Wales Scheme delivers against a range of Government commitments and objectives, these are listed below along with the legislation and governance that applies.

The Habitat Wales Scheme is governed by Retained EU Law (REUL) Council Regulations No. 1305/2013, 1303/2013 and 1306/2013, Implementing Regulation No. 808/2014 and No. 809/2014 and Delegated Regulation 640/2014 and 807/2014 (all as amended from time to time).

The retained EU Law is implemented in Wales through the following domestic law (all as amended from time to time), including by the Agricultural Support (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Wales) (EU Exit) Regulations 2021/400 (W.129):

• the Rural Development Programmes (Wales) Regulations 2014/3222 (W.327)
• the Common Agricultural Policy (Integrated Administration and Control System and Enforcement and Cross Compliance) (Wales) Regulations 2014/3223 (W.328)

Funding support for farmers, land managers and associated rural sectors over the next 3 years in response to four Welsh Government strategic objectives which are:

• fostering the competitiveness of agriculture.
• contributing towards the sustainable management of natural resources as set out in Part 1 of the Environment (Wales) Act 2016
• ensuring climate resilience
• achieving a balanced territorial development of rural economies and communities including the creation and maintenance of employment

In addition, there are three cross cutting objectives for the Habitat Wales Scheme:

• climate change mitigation and adaptation
• innovation
• environment

Your project will contribute to these cross-cutting objectives. 

Your project will contribute towards the Welsh Governments cross cutting themes of:

• equality of opportunity and gender mainstreaming
• tackling poverty and social exclusion
• Welsh language

In addition, applications for the Habitat Wales Scheme will address the strategic and thematic objectives of the Welsh Government.

Activities will address at least one of the following Welsh Government priorities:

1. fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas
2. enhancing farm viability and competitiveness of all types of agriculture in all regions and promoting innovative farm technologies and the sustainable management of forests
3. promoting food chain organisation, including processing and marketing of agricultural products, animal welfare and risk management in agriculture
4. restoring, preserving, and enhancing ecosystems dependent on agriculture and forestry
5. promoting resource efficiency and supporting the shift towards a low carbon and climate resilient economy in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors
6. promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas

World Trade Organisation and Subsidy Control

1. subsidies provided under this scheme are considered to be payments under an environmental programme, which fall within the scope of Annex II of the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) and have been classified as ‘green box’
2. as such, these subsidies are exempt from the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and the interim UK subsidy control regime

Enquiries – Customer Contact Centre

For all enquiries, please contact the RPW Customer Contact Centre

Enquiries can be submitted via RPW Online at any time.

Access to Welsh Government offices for people with disabilities or special needs

If you have any special needs which you feel are not met by our facilities contact the Customer Contact Centre on 0300 062 5004. Welsh Government officials will then endeavour to make arrangements to accommodate your requirements.

Welsh Government website

For all of the latest Agricultural and Rural Affairs information, visit the Welsh Government’s website. By visiting the website, you can also sign up to receive the Rural Affairs e-newsletter which delivers the latest news directly to your e-mail inbox.

Gwlad

The Gwlad e-newsletter is the Welsh Government’s e-newsletter for farm and forestry businesses and all those involved with agriculture and rural Wales. It contains news stories, guidance, and information in an accessible, easy-to-read format. To keep informed and up to date with all the latest agriculture news and developments in future we would encourage you to sign up to receive the Gwlad e-newsletter. You can do this either at www.gov.wales/news-alerts or at Subscribe to farming and forestry news (Gwlad).

HS01 - Permanent Dry Grassland with No Inputs

Description

A range of acid, neutral, calcareous or calaminarian, mostly enclosed, semi-improved and unimproved grasslands. These grasslands have a suite of less agriculturally productive grasses and wildflower assemblages associated with the particular grassland’s soil conditions.

Aims:

To maintain the grassland diversity by grazing and / or taking hay.

To achieve a varied sward height, where a variety of native plant species, including herbs, are frequent and able to flower and produce seed.

To achieve a habitat where native animals, including invertebrates, and grassland fungi can thrive.

To restrict the growth and spread of agricultural species, such as ryegrass and white clover, so they are absent or at low cover of no more than 25% of the sward composition.

Management requirements:

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree not to:

• plough / cultivate, reseed, or improve habitat
• chain harrow or roll from 1 March to 30 September
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any new trees without prior approval
• remove any existing in-field trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the area to be poached (existing gateways, feeding, and watering areas are acceptable, providing poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime on acid, calcareous or calaminarian grassland.
• supplementary feed any livestock, except for existing hardstanding feeding areas
• cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn, except in full accordance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations (2008) and Code and prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage. You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree to:

For grazed permanent pasture

• graze to maintain a varied sward height where at least 75% of the grassland is between 5 cm and 20 cm between 15 May and 30 August
• maintain a sward height where at least 60% of the grassland is between 2 cm and 10 cm between 1 October and 31 March
• dead material should form less than 10% cover overall
• coarse / tall grasses do not dominate, apart from in patches covering no more than 5% of the grassland

For grassland managed for hay

• remove livestock by 15 May
• cut and remove a hay crop between 7 July and 30 September
• it is acceptable to make hay or haylage, but not silage
• hay / haylage should be turned at least twice before removal
• the cut material must be removed from the meadow, even if spoiled by rain
• maintain a sward height after cutting, where 75% of the grassland is between 2 cm and 10 cm until 31 October
• if spring grazing, maintain a sward height where 75% of the grassland is above 5 cm
• begin grazing the aftermath at least four weeks after the hay cut

If the area is being used to grow a crop, i.e., arable, forage or horticulture

This area must be managed under the Arable Plants category.

Management recommendations:

• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• stagger hay cutting of fields, so all flower resources on the farm are not lost in one day
• leave at least one third of margins uncut to produce flowers and seed
• neutral grassland is ideally grazed with cattle or horses rather than sheep
• recommended stocking densities:
  • Acid grassland – 0.2-0.4 LU/ha/yr
  • Calcareous grassland – 0.25-0.4 LU/ha/yr
  • Neutral grassland – 0.5-0.7 LU/ha/yr
    NB: These stocking rates are only for guidance and should be read in conjunction with the sward height outcomes, which is the target you are expected to meet in the management requirements.
• apply lime, if necessary, to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 on neutral grasslands

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• a diverse sward assemblage containing a range of native wild herb and grass species, including indicator species depending on the grassland type
• a diverse sward structure, where flowers are able to set seed

Potential derogations

Moratorium on sward height requirement due to prolonged period of adverse weather conditions e.g., drought, frozen ground, and snow cover.

HS02 - Enclosed Wetland Habitats

Description

Marshy grassland comprises a variety of native marshland plant species. Rushes and purple moor-grass are often the main dominant species, along with a variety of sedges, herbs, and grasses, which provide habitat for a range of native animals, including invertebrates.

Bog, fen, and mire communities comprise a range of wetland habitats, such as lowland raised bogs, blanket bogs, reedbeds and swamp communities, over deep peat (generally more than 40 cm). They also include flushes, which can occur on shallow peats (>5 and <40cm peat) or mineral soils.

Aims

These habitats will be managed through appropriate grazing, ideally with cattle and / or horses / ponies, with the aim of maintaining a varied age / height structure and combination of purple moor-grass, native heather species, sedges, rushes, bog-mosses, grasses, and herbs. Management should allow good levels of flowering and seeding.

Unimproved grasslands enclosed with bog, fen and mire communities should be managed in line with the habitat they are enclosed with.

Dead matter / leaf litter (dead material not attached to living plants) will not form extensive patches and is below 20% cover overall.

On areas of bog, water levels should lie close to the surface all year round to support ongoing Sphagnum moss growth and peat accumulation.  

Management requirements

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree not to:

• plough / cultivate, reseed, or improve habitat
• chain harrow or roll between 15 March and 15 July and keep a record of this in the activity diary
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides (except for spot treatment of invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate)
• plant any trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the field to be poached (existing gateways and feeding areas are acceptable, provided poached and bare areas are less than 10% cover)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock (except existing hardstanding feeding areas), but not on areas where peat is the underlying soil
• cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn or cut material on habitat land
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage or deepen any existing drainage. You must obtain prior written approval before clearing any existing in-field and boundary ditches.
• exceed the stocking rates for the field parcel on any given day
• graze wet peatlands between 1 November and 31 March

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree to:

• graze to maintain areas of marshy grassland with a varied sward height where, during the summer period (1 June to 30 August), at least 75% of the grassland (excluding rushes) is between 10 cm and 50 cm
• manage by sensitive grazing to maintain a varied sward structure with less than 10% scattered bare ground caused by stock poaching. Small areas of poaching in gateways and around watering troughs will be accepted
• on bog, fen, and mire (wet peatlands) - no grazing between 1 November and 31 March
• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• maintain a varied vegitation structure with open patches, where species such as heather and sedges are no higher than knee height and dwarf shrubs vary from young to pioneer to old and degenerate
• where present, invasive native species (e.g., bracken) should not cover more than 5% of the enclosure
• invasive non-native species (e.g., conifers, Rhododendron, Himalayan balsam, and Japanese knotweed) should not be present

Management recommendations

Lowland Bogs, Fens, and Flush / mire

• graze the habitat with cattle, ponies, or sheep to:
  • limit the spread of scrub
  • prevent taller grasses (including Molinia), rushes and sedges from becoming overly dominant; and
  • maintain or improve the balance of smaller sedges and wetland herbs and mosses
• none of the key taller components (i.e., taller grasses, sedges, and rushes) should cover more than 75% of the ground (with the exception of small patches of c. 20 x 20m) 
• on shallow peat, maintain Sphagnum bog moss cover at greater than 10% of ground cover
• where area has more than 50% Purple Moor Grass (Molinia) graze from 1 April – 31 October between 0.30 LU/ha - 0.20 LU/ha
• where area has less than 50% Purple Moor Grass (Molinia) graze from 1 April – 31 October between 0.01 LU/ha - 0.05 LU/ha
  NB: These stocking rates are only for guidance and should be read in conjunction with the sward height outcomes, which is the target you are expected to meet in the management requirements.
• wet peatlands with an already mixed cover of layers and species will only require very light grazing, with no grazing in winter 
• aim for a varied vegetation structure with frequent open patches no higher than knee height.

Marshy grassland

• recommended grazing rate: 0.2-0.4 LU/ha/yr
• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• up to a third of the area of marshy grassland can be cut / topped in one year, for example, where the sward has become too overgrown. The cut material should be removed
• hay meadow management can be used as an alternative to pasture management – follow timings of cutting and aftermath grazing under ‘Permanent dry grassland’

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• a diverse sward assemblage containing a range of native wildflower species and less productive agricultural grasses
• a diverse sward structure, where flowers are able to set seed

Potential derogations

Moratorium on sward height requirement due to prolonged period of adverse weather conditions e.g., drought, frozen ground, and snow cover.

HS03 - Coastal and Lowland Heath

Description

Lowland and coastal heath usually has a range of heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, or western gorse micro-habitats, including small patches of bare ground, rock outcrops, grass, scrub, bracken and flush.

Aims

To manage the heath to maintain dwarf shrub cover, with a varied age and height structure.

To achieve a varied sward height, where a variety of native plant species, including herbs, are frequent and able to flower and produce seed.

To achieve a habitat where native animals, including invertebrates, and grassland fungi can thrive.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• plough, cultivate, reseed, or improve the heathland and associated vegetation
• chain harrow or roll
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers, such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of existing invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the area to be poached (Existing gateways and feeding areas are acceptable provided poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock (except existing hardstanding feeding areas)
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn, except in full accordance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations (2008) and Code, which includes no burning on blanket bog, wet heath, flushes, and mires, and following prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• burn cut material on habitat land
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage. You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• graze, preferably, with cattle, equines, or sheep to maintain the balance of dwarf shrubs
• reduce grazing between 01 December and 31 March
• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, in order to prevent poaching and compaction
• create firebreaks to control planned burns of dry heath and safeguard from accidental fires or arson
• no grazing between 1 November and 31 March on wet peatlands

Management recommendations

• include cattle in grazing mix where possible, ponies may also be used
• low level pony grazing is acceptable between 01 December and 31 March
• control scrub and tree cover at present levels and prevent further encroachment
• control Invasive Non-Native Species by eradication or preventing its spread
• the stocking level should not exceed or fall below the following rates on heathland:

  LU/ha	From	To
  0.2 - 0.5	1 April	30 June
  0.1 - 0.25	1 July	31 October
  0.0 - 0.05	1 November	31 March

  NB: This stocking rate table is only for guidance and should be read in conjunction with the management aims and outcomes, with specific regard to vegetation structure and cover that are part of the targets you are required to meet in order to comply with scheme rules.

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, or western gorse collectively make up greater than 25% of ground cover
• dwarf shrub age-class / height to vary from young / pioneer to old / degenerate
• leaf litter does not form extensive patches and is <20% cover overall
• on shallow peat, bog moss (Sphagnum) greater than 10% of ground cover
• scrub / tree growth to be less than 5% of ground cover
• bare ground makes up no more than 5% of ground area
• native flora is able to flower and set seed

Potential derogations

Use of concentrate / licks

HS04 - Saltmarsh

Description

Saltmarsh is made up of salt tolerant vegetation which is within the tidal range. This vegetation includes pioneer saltmarsh plants such as samphire and common cord-grass on the boundary with the sea / tidal river which will be covered by the sea almost daily. The mid marsh will have common saltmarsh-grass and should also support a range of salt tolerant plants such as sea aster, sea spurrey and sea plantain, this part of the marsh will only be inundated on the spring tides. The upper marsh can include plants sea rush and Sea milkwort and also plants with lower salt tolerance which may also grow inland such as red fescue, creeping bent and autumn hawkbit. At these upper limits of the tidal range the saltmarsh may only be inundated by the sea just a few times a year. Saltmarsh also provides important habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates.

Aims

• there should be a variety of saltmarsh vegetation types which will reflect the position of the vegetation within the tidal range
• in the mid and upper marsh encourage / create or maintain:
  • a diverse sward with a range of herbaceous species should be present and able to flower and produce seed
  • a range of vegetation structures which can include both fine mosaics or larger patches of tall / short vegetation
• coarse / tall grasses or stands of grasses with thick layer of ‘thatch’ (dead grass) should not dominate

Management requirements

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree not to:

• modify any creeks, pans, hollows or interfere with any natural and dynamic changes such as changes due to storms or windblow
• graze between April and August where breeding redshank, snipe or lapwing have been recorded
• plough / Cultivate, Reseed or Improve the habitat
• chain harrow or Roll
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers, such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, or any other pesticides (except for spot or weedwipe treatment of invasive species or harmful weeds), where appropriate
• plant any trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or harmful weeds
• allow the area to be poached (gateways, feeding and watering areas are acceptable provided poached areas are less than 5% cover overall)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock (except existing hardstanding feeding areas)
• cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• burn or cut any vegetation or material
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage
• re-open any existing drainage.

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• maintain the sward by extensive grazing with livestock and exclude grazing where necessary to achieve the outcomes
• un-grazed marsh should not, generally, be grazed if it has been left un-grazed for over 15 years

Management recommendations

• maintain the saltmarsh by extensive grazing with livestock, including cattle grazing where possible, and exclude grazing when necessary to achieve the aims (above). Graze at up to 0.4 LSU per ha 1 March and 15 July and up to 1.0 LSU per ha for the rest of the year
• no more than 5% of the area poached by livestock (gateways and watering areas are acceptable provided that poached areas are less than 5% cover overall)

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• a range of herbaceous species are able to flower and produce seed
• shorter vegetation, between 15 cm and 5 cm tall, covers at least 20% of the marsh and stand vegetation, greater than 15 cm tall, covers at least 20% of the marsh. The range of structures include both continuous areas or fine mosaics forming a tufty sward
• coarse / tall grasses or stands of grasses with a thick layer of ‘thatch’ (dead grass) do not generally dominate

Potential derogations

Derogations could be considered if there are high levels of wild geese grazing on the marsh producing a very short turf over a wide area.

Un-grazed marsh is acceptable where access by livestock has become impractical, for example where access is not possible due to creeks.

HS05 - Coastal Vegetated Shingle and Sand Dune

Description

Sand dunes are defined as areas of coastal grasslands, wetlands or heathlands overlying sand or a sandy soil. The sand dune landforms range from small mounds to large ridges and hills of wind driven sand. All sand dune systems are different, however, there should be a range of dune types from the strandline at the seaward edge, changing in a mosaic of mobile dunes, through to semi-fixed dunes with dune grasslands and, where conditions allow, damp dune slacks. Dunes, toward the back of the system away from the shoreline, may contain heathers.

Shingle habitats can vary from bare and mobile in high energy coastal areas to stable and vegetated where the shingle has become stable allowing plants to colonise over successive years.

Aims

Sand dunes are predominantly managed through grazing, which maintains a varied sward height where a variety of native plant species, including flowering herbs, are frequent, agricultural species, such as ryegrass, are absent or at low cover and where native animals and fungi can thrive.

Shingle vegetation should remain unmodified, and the shingle substrate allowed to function in a dynamic way when natural conditions allow.

Management requirements

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree not to:

• permit coarse / tall grasses to dominate the habitat, except dune species, such as marram grass
• plough / Cultivate, Reseed, or Improve any habitat
• chain harrow or Roll at any time of the year
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any trees or scrub species
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing INNS, scrub, trees or injurious weeds
• allow the field to be poached (existing gateways and feeding areas are acceptable provided poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock (except existing hardstanding feeding areas)
• cut or top rush or weed species
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn cut material on habitat land without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• install any new drainage.  You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches
• control or attempt to control rabbits within sand dunes and shingle beaches
• remove sand or any other aggregate material from the sand dunes or shingle
• carry out dune remobilisation work, unless it is included in an approved management plan
• re-profile the shingle structure, including any ridges
• use vehicles or craft for sporting or recreational activities
• create sea defences or coast protection works, unless it is included in an approved management plan

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• graze at a stocking density between 0.1-0.3 LU/ha/year on sand dunes
• ideally, manage by grazing with cattle and or equines (Sheep, preferably, only to be used in winter) to maintain a varied sward height
• in wet hollows (dune slacks) maintain a biodiverse sward with less than 70% cover of grasses
• allow natural and dynamic coastal changes, such as changes due to storms or windblow
• contingency planning to access shingle areas by vehicles may be required under emergency circumstances
• maintain a sward with a range of heights, including both short (below 5cm) and tall (above 15cm) areas
• at least 10% bare ground / sand / pebbles present
• no increase in the area or distribution of trees and scrub

Management recommendations:

• mowing can be used when grazing is not an option for practical reasons or used to encourage stock into a previously un-grazed area. All cut material should be removed off-site
• on sand dune sites, where ragwort is prevalent, spring grazing with sheep can be useful to reduce the flowering and spread of ragwort, but it must be closely monitored

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• herbaceous, annual and perennial plants are able to flower and produce seed
• shingle substrates are able to function in a dynamic way when conditions allow

Potential derogations

Burning of coppiced hedgerow material removed following hedgerow management.

HS06 - Grazing management of open country

Description

A mixture of habitats which can comprise montane heath, upland heath, blanket bog, upland acid and calcareous grassland, limited scrub and scattered trees, streams and lakes and rocks and scree. 

Aims

To maintain the natural features of this habitat, as modified by low to medium grazing levels and without ploughing, reseeding or the addition of inorganic or organic fertilisers.

To maintain a mosaic of habitats on unenclosed land with a varied vegetation structure with open patches of species such as heather and sedges.  Western gorse should be no higher than knee height and dwarf shrubs (e.g., heather) vary from young to pioneer to old and degenerate and where 75% of the areas of wet and dry grassland have a varied sward height between 10 cm and 50 cm during the summer months.

To maintain water levels on wet bog as close to the surface all year round to support ongoing peat accumulation.

To achieve a diverse sward structure, where flowers are able to set seed.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• graze wet peatlands between 1 November and 31 March
• plough / Cultivate, Reseed, or Improve habitat
• chain harrow or Roll
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any new trees without prior approval
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the area to be poached (existing gateways, feeding areas are acceptable, providing poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock, except in extreme weather conditions for animal welfare on existing feeding and watering areas, but not on areas where peat is the underlying soil
• cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn, except in full accordance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations (2008) and Code, which includes no burning on blanket bog, wet heath, flushes and mires
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread by more than 10% of existing levels
• install any new drainage.  You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• maintain a 2m buffer zone, free from fertilisers, pesticides, and lime, around rock features

Management recommendations:

• graze with cattle and / or ponies in preference or conjunction with sheep
• remove livestock between 1 November and 31 March
• remove self-seeded conifers and Rhododendron
• mowing of firebreaks, to safeguard from accidental fires or arson

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• on shallow peat (>5 and <40cm), bog moss (Sphagnum) is greater than 10% of ground cover
• bare ground makes up no more than 5% of ground area
• agricultural species, such as ryegrass and white clover, will be absent or kept at very low cover (less than 25% cover)
• a diverse sward structure, where flowers are able to set seed.

Potential derogations

Any deviation from the above requirements.

HS07 - Existing Trees, Scrub (including Streamside Corridors) and Woodland

Maintain Wood pasture and parkland

Description

Wood pastures are the products of historic land management systems and represent a vegetation structure, rather than being a particular plant community. Typically, this structure consists of large, open-grown or high forest trees (often pollarded) at various densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and / or woodland flora. Wood pastures are defined as having a tree cover of less than 30% and the trees are of open-grown character with wide deep crowns and short trunks. The woodland understorey is sparse or absent as a result of grazing. Wood pasture often occurs in the upland fringes with mature hawthorn and rowan as the dominant tree species.

Parkland is, essentially, wood pasture that has been established as part of a designed landscape.  A number of parklands appear on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens in Wales.  They are often valued by local communities for recreation, as well as being important for biodiversity and wildlife conservation.

Aims

Wood pasture

Successful wood pasture management should maintain the tree population and maintain or improve the condition of the ground vegetation. The aims for the ground layer will depend on the vegetation present, as this may include grassland, heathland, peatland and / or bracken. This habitat is particularly important for invertebrates living in dead wood; small mammals, such as bats; lower plants, such as fungi, mosses, and lichens; and several bird species. Management should aim to maintain the resources necessary for these groups of species to thrive.

Ideally, native plants are able to flower and set seed.

Parkland

To maintain a diverse habitat and landscape feature comprising specimen broadleaved and exotic trees and lightly grazed pasture.

To retain the characteristic features of less intensively managed parkland, such as ancient trees and dead wood. This will benefit hole-nesting birds, as well as lichens, fungi, insects, and other invertebrates.

To reduce agricultural inputs on improved grassland to improve soil condition and biodiversity value of the sward.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to: 

• plough, cultivate or reseed, unless the land is already managed as part of an arable rotation
• apply any fertilizers or manure in wood pasture
• remove deadwood, including standing deadwood, unless necessary for health and safety reasons
• fell trees, unless for safety reasons
• harrow or roll
• use pesticides, except for herbicides to spot tree or weed wipe for the control of injurious weeds, (where appropriate, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS), nettles or bracken
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• plant trees, unless a derogation is received to do so
• clear out existing ditches
• burn vegetation or other materials without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• supplementary feed without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• apply lime, except for parkland, where it is deemed necessary to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 and with prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• cultivate, disturb, allow inputs and use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) beneath the tree canopy or through drift
• carry out any earth moving activities
• use for off–road vehicle for sporting or recreational activities
• construct tracks, roads, yards, hardstandings or any new structures
• store materials or machinery or use for car parking
• install any new drainage

In order to benefit these habitats, you agree to:

Wood pasture:

• retain existing scattered trees and scrub
• retain all deadwood whether standing or on the ground
• graze at levels where mature trees are not debarked and there is limited bare ground around the base of trees (<10% of trees have bare ground around their base)

Parkland:

• retain all trees, unless tree removal is necessary for safety reasons or managed under a Felling Licence or UKFS compliant management plan
• if the parkland is grazed, ensure grazing levels do not result in debarking of mature trees, there is no poaching, ground flora is retained and there is less than 10% of trees with bare ground around their base
• protect trees from damage due to cultivation, compaction, use of machinery or use of agrochemicals, including fertilisers, under the tree canopy
• where cut timber has to be moved, this should take place immediately after felling to avoid colonisation by insects or other invertebrates.
• ensure pruning or lopping is undertaken appropriately with a clean cut
• maintain the sward by grazing with cattle, horses, sheep, or deer at a rate not exceeding:
  • improved grassland        1.5 LSU/ha/yr
  • semi-natural grassland   1.0 LSU/ha/yr
  • unimproved grassland    0.7 LSU/ha/yr
• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• consult with CADW before carrying out woodland management activities

Management recommendations

For wood pasture, different stocking rates will be appropriate for the different types of ground vegetation.

Aim to stock at a rate to ensure mature trees are not debarked and there is limited bare ground by not exceeding:

Grassland: 0.6 LSU/ha/yr

Heathland: 0.4 LSU/ha Apr-June
                   0.2 LSU/ha July-Sept
                   0.01 LSU/ha Oct-March

Dense bracken: 0.1 LSU/ha/yr         

Cattle or ponies are the preferred livestock on sites with a high proportion of heathland and bracken.

Manage the ground layer with appropriate grazing levels to maintain or create a patchy or tussocky structure and to allow plants to flower.

Where the ground vegetation consists of dense bracken, grazing in the early spring (March to May) using heavy livestock (cattle or ponies) can help to reduce the dominance of bracken.

A proportion of scrub is beneficial to provide flowers and fruit. Retain existing scrub unless it is spreading to cover greater than 20% of the site area. If above this level, it is permissible to control scrub to retain the desirable features of the habitat.

Cutting / topping, for example, may be acceptable where there is particularly extensive invasion by rushes or weed species.

Chain harrowing, for example, may be acceptable to break up dense patches of leaf litter.

Supply of concentrate / licks to enable grazing where this would be beneficial to manage coarse or dense stands of vegetation.

The above management should lead to the following outcomes

Depending on whether the site is predominantly wood pasture, parkland, or a combination of both:

• undisturbed standing and fallen deadwood that will provide habitats for invertebrates
• additional semi-mature or mature trees to provide continuity of the tree population
• newly planted trees, spaced evenly with open crowns or patches of regeneration with space to allow open grown crowns to develop
• open grown scrub within the wood-pasture
• flowering trees and scrub such as hawthorn, crab apple and wild pear that will provide food and nectar sources for wildlife
• well managed unimproved or semi-improved grassland or heathland, grazed by traditional breeds of cattle in wood pasture and deer and traditional breeds of cattle in parkland
• avoid excessive poaching under trees and bare ground around the tree’s base
• well-maintained historic and archaeological features
• well-maintained historic designed landscape planting features

Potential derogations

Bracken clearance on sites dominated by dense bracken (no ground flora).

Plant trees.

Maintain traditional orchards   

Description

Traditional orchards are defined as groups of fruit and nut trees planted on vigorous rootstocks at low densities in permanent grassland and managed in a low intensity way. There are many regional variations on this theme, including apple, pear, cherry, plum, damson, and walnut orchards.

Traditional orchards are similar to wood-pasture and parkland, defined by their structure rather than vegetation type, which can include trees, scrub, grassland, ponds, walls, hedgerows, and hedgerow trees.

Prime traditional orchard habitat consists of grazed grassland with fruit trees of varying age structure, with an abundance of standing and fallen dead and decaying wood.

Aims

To encourage the maintenance and / or development of a diverse habitat and landscape feature comprising standard fruit trees, species-rich grassland, and traditional field boundaries.

To maintain the characteristic features of less intensively managed orchards such as dead wood and rot holes in the trees.  This can support mosses, lichens, and fungi, as well as invertebrates, birds and mammals.

To maintain the grassland to retain or encourage species typical of neutral grassland, where native plants are able to flower and set seed.

To safeguard traditional varieties of fruit tree, especially those local to the area.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• prune out mistletoe (sustainable harvesting is acceptable)
• plough, cultivate or re-seed
• roll or chain-harrow
• install any new drainage
• use any herbicides or pesticides unless in line with IPM. Cutting is an acceptable method of weed control
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing, injurious weeds
• use any inorganic fertilisers. Well-rotted farmyard manure (stored for at least twelve months) may be applied at a rate of no more than 10 tonnes / ha once every two years. No other organic fertilisers including slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure are acceptable
• apply any basic slag, calcified seaweed, wastepaper sludge or other off farm wastes
• supplementary feed without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• burn, without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• use tar oil washes, as these reduce the wildlife value of the orchard trees, without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• retain all existing fruit trees
• prevent damage to trees from livestock or machinery
• retain all deadwood in the orchard (unless it is diseased) 
• manage the grassland using:
  • low intensity grazing so that mature trees are not debarked, and the sward remains above 5 cm over 90% of the area, or
  • by cutting and removing between 2 and 5 times a year
• coarse / tall grasses do not dominate, other than in small patches and field edges.

Management recommendations:

• if maintaining the grassland by light grazing, stock at a rate not exceeding 0.75 LSU/ha/yr. Graze at levels where mature trees are not debarked and there is no bare ground around the base of trees
• if maintaining the grassland by cutting, aim to cut at a frequency that allows plants in the sward to flower but does not allow coarse tussocky grasses or brambles to spread. The cut material must be removed after cutting
• adopt Integrated Pest Management approaches to manage trees with the minimum of chemical inputs
• lime may be applied if necessary to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 on parkland
• prune the fruit trees, where necessary, to maintain a reasonable level of health and productivity and to prevent trees becoming vulnerable to windthrow
• any fallen dead wood or pruned timber should be stacked in a semi-shaded location within the orchard. Only diseased wood may be removed or burnt
• maintain patches of brambles and nettles but don’t allow them to spread by cutting, where necessary
• replanting is desirable in any large gaps using standard or semi-standard trees (only use M25, MM111 or MM106 root stock) at a minimum spacing of 9 metres.  Use stock of local provenance and old varieties wherever possible
• formative pruning of overgrown and under-managed trees is desirable

The above management should lead to the following outcomes

Both old trees (those showing veteran features) and younger trees are present to respectively provide primary habitat and secure longevity of the orchard and maintain its status as in excellent condition.

Dead and decaying wood is present to benefit wildlife.

Older trees, exhibiting veteran features, will have deadwood within the trees themselves, which may be considered standing deadwood.  A uniform young age structure and / or no deadwood habitat with little or no scrub encroachment will lead to the orchard being in a good condition.

Potential derogations

It may, occasionally, be necessary to remove severely damaged or diseased trees. These should be replaced.

Paths through the orchard may be cut more frequently.

Maintain Scrub (including streamside corridors)

Description

Scrub is vegetation dominated by shrubs of usually less than 5 m tall and may be a developing or climax habitat. The woody species involved are diverse, but the commonest species are likely to include blackthorn, hawthorn, gorse and elder.

Well-managed scrub supports a range of wildlife, providing nectar, seeds, fruits, shelter and nest sites for invertebrates, birds, and mammals. It also offers suitable habitat for many flowering plants. Scrub of varied age, species and structure supports the widest range of wildlife.  Scrub will include areas of blackthorn, hawthorn, rowan, and willow species.

Streamside corridors created under and maintained in Glastir Entry and Glastir Advanced.

Aims

To retain all existing areas of native scrub on coastal slopes, riverbanks, sand dunes, limestone cliffs, valley bottoms and in the uplands.

Ideally, native plants are able to flower and set seed.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• install any new drains or open out existing ditches without prior approval
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers
• apply any basic slag, lime, calcified seaweed wastepaper sludge
• supplementary feed within areas of scrub
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing, injurious weeds
• burn, without prior notification and agreement on RPW Online

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• if in a grassland habitat category, graze at a rate not exceeding that set for the underlying grassland
• if the scrub is currently un-grazed, maintain / retain this management
• retain all standard trees scattered through the scrub

Management recommendations

Where dense flowering shrub occurs, it may be beneficial to create openings in the scrub to reduce the area of scrub, whilst increasing the flowering surface area for the benefit of pollinating invertebrates.

Cutting, to prevent spread of scrub, is acceptable management.

The above management should lead to the following outcomes

A landscape-scale habitat mosaic providing a diversity of vegetation structure and a transition between woodland and grassland, as well as an individual component in its own right.

Potential derogations

Scrub can be permanently removed for permitted archaeological reasons.

Scrub removal may be permitted where it is spreading on to a habitat of higher conservation priority.

Woodland

Description

For the purposes of this scheme, woodlands will comprise those under contract in Glastir Advanced in 2023 and ammonia sensitive woodlands shown on DataMapWales.

Aims

To maintain existing ancient semi-natural and other semi-natural woodland.

To ensure livestock levels do not damage trees and ground flora within woodlands.

Woodland habitat is particularly important for invertebrates; small mammals, such as bats and dormice; lower plants, such as fungi, mosses, and lichens; and many bird species. Management should aim to maintain the resources necessary for these groups of species to thrive.

To consider how these woodlands can be managed for biodiversity, wood products, recreation and livestock management.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• remove any deadwood, including standing deadwood, unless necessary for health and safety reasons
• knowingly cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing injurious weeds
• supplementary feed within the woodland
• use plant protection products except for the control of invasive species or managing identified tree pests and diseases
• carry out unapproved earth moving activities within the woodland
• use the woodland for unapproved off-road vehicle activities
• construct unauthorised new tracks, roads, yards, loading bays / stacking areas or any new structures within the woodland

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• adhere to any UKFS compliant management plan, where applicable
• retain all trees in woodland unless tree removal is necessary for safety reasons or managed under a Felling Licence or UKFS compliant management plan  
• if a woodland is grazed, ensure grazing levels do not result in debarking of mature trees, there is no poaching, ground flora is retained and there is less than 10% of trees with bare ground around their base
• protect trees from damage due to cultivation, compaction, use of machinery or use of agrochemicals, including fertilisers, under the tree canopy
• retain open spaces within the woodland
• ensure pruning or lopping is undertaken appropriately with a clean cut
• deadwood, whether standing or on the ground, is retained, unless removal is necessary for health and safety reasons

Management recommendations:

• in grazed woodlands, encourage native ground flora to develop through appropriate grazing levels
• allow natural regeneration of trees within the woodland where appropriate

The above management should lead to the following outcomes

The woodland is maintained and / or managed to benefit the flora and fauna within it, as well as natural regeneration of trees. Ideally, there is an opportunity to consider the long-term management of the woodland in readiness to participate in the Sustainable Farming Scheme, where woodlands will be required to be managed in line with the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS).

Potential derogations

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety, and human and animal welfare reasons.

HS08 - Arable plants

Description

Native arable plants associated with existing and previous arable cultivations have been recorded in these fields from 2000 to 2017. These fields could be under an arable rotation or grassland.

Aims

To maintain the diversity of arable plants in Wales, which are the most endangered group of native plants in Wales. Further information regarding Section 7 priority habitats in Wales can be found on Biodiversity Wales.

Management requirements

Where a spring-sown arable crop (no maize) will be established in 2024:

• cultivation should be carried out between 1 March and 15 May
• crop should be sown between 1 March and 15 May
• crop can be established through ploughing, traditional cultivations and drilling or minimum tillage
• the crop must be harvested on or after 1 August or 14 weeks after sowing, whichever is the latest
• maintain a minimum 2m grass buffer strip adjacent to a hedge, earth bank or watercourse
• only the following crops are acceptable: Barley, Wheat, Oats, Triticale, Rye, unless permission for alternative is requested and approved on RPW Online

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to: 

• use pesticides or mechanical weeding. Fungicides can be used if applied to the seed before sowing
• sow maize
• undersow the crop

Post harvest:

• use the area to store any materials
• carry out any burning

Where an existing arable crop will be harvested in 2024

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree: 

• not to use pesticides or mechanical weeding
• not to desiccate the crop prior to harvesting
• to maintain a 10m unharvested strip next to one boundary until 1 August.

Where grassland will be retained or established in 2024

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to: 

• carry out any cultivation before 1 March
• use any pesticides, except for the spot treatment of injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any new trees without prior approval
• remove any existing in-field trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new, or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• use the are to store any materials
• carry out any burning
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage.  You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• arable plant seed bed is retained (grassland retained and existing arable crop)
• arable plants are able to flower and set seed (spring sown arable crop established)

Potential derogations

Establishment and harvesting dates due to prolonged unfavourable weather conditions.

If the fields are planted in 2023 with a crop other than arable or grassland.

HS09 - Inland rocks and scree

Description

This category comprises natural rock features, such as cliffs, ledges, smaller rock exposures and scree slopes, as well as rocky outcrops. However, it does not include limestone pavement and maritime cliffs.

Rock outcrops and screes support a diverse range of plant communities. Some forms are dominated by bryophytes and lichens and have only a sparse cover of vascular plants, such as Sedum. Other distinctive types are characterised by dry heath or a high cover of fern species, such as parsley fern, or tall herbs, such as greater woodrush. The vegetation composition is heavily influenced by rock type. Base-rich rocks, such as limestone, support a completely different species assemblage to acidic outcrops.

Many rock habitats, especially cliff faces, rock ledges, gorges and boulder fields are inaccessible to grazing animals and are unmanaged. This inaccessibility provides a refuge for many vascular plants sensitive to grazing, including native trees and numerous local and rare species. Fine screes and gently sloping rock outcrops are more accessible, and grazing may keep the vegetation in check. Burning can affect the more heather-rich rock faces.

Rock and scree habitats include a wide range of rock types varying from acidic to highly calcareous. They are particularly prominent and distinctive features of the heavily glaciated landscapes of Snowdonia in north-west Wales.

The main threats to rocks and scree come from overgrazing livestock, atmospheric pollution, erosion through recreational use, climate change, invasive species, and feral goat populations.

Aims

To maintain the area of rocks and scree and encourage a diverse suite of associated lower and vascular plant species, with occasional native scrub and tree species.

Management requirements

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree not to:

• extract rock or scree
• burn vegetation on rock or scree areas
• plough / cultivate, reseed, or improve habitat
• chain harrow or roll
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• plant any new trees without prior approval
• remove any existing in-field trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the area between rocks to be poached (existing gateways, feeding, and watering areas are acceptable, providing poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime
• supplementary feed any livestock
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn, except in full accordance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations (2008) and Code and following prior notification and agreement on RPW Online
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• permit scrub to spread
• install any new drainage. You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditches

In order to benefit this habitat, you agree to:

• manage livestock at sufficient levels to prevent overgrazing
• maintain a 2m buffer zone, free from fertilisers, pesticides and lime, around rock features

Management recommendations:

• management to prevent the establishment or spread of invasive species, such as bracken, rhododendron, and non-native trees (the presence and natural regeneration of willows, rowan and juniper should be welcomed)

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• levels of associated flora are maintained or expanding

Potential derogations

Removal of rocks for the maintenance of traditional dry-stone walls on your holding.

HS20 - Manage land as habitat

Description

You may offer one or more grassland fields to manage land as habitat. This land should have the following attributes:

• the land is permanent grassland
• the land has not been ploughed or reseeded, including sward rejuvenated through direct drilling or surface seeding, in the last 10 years
• the sward has a composition of less than 25% sown agricultural species including rye grass and white clover
• the land has received little or no input of inorganic fertiliser / farmyard manure
• the land is of low productivity – no more than one cut of hay or silage taken annually
• the land has a range of different wildflowers and grasses typical of the soil type
• the land has a range of grassland species spread throughout the field
• fields sown with a conservation mixture may be considered, providing prior approval is sought on RPW Online

Aims

To increase the grassland diversity by grazing and / or taking a hay cut.

To achieve a varied sward height, where a variety of native plant species, including herbs, become more frequent and able to flower and produce seed.

To achieve a habitat where native animals, including invertebrates, and grassland fungi can thrive.

To restrict the growth and spread of agricultural species, such as ryegrass and white clover.

Management requirements

For all land in this habitat classification, in order to benefit these habitats, you agree not to:

• plough / cultivate, reseed, or improve habitat
• chain harrow or roll from 1 March to 30 September
• apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as farmyard manure, slurry, sewage sludge or chicken manure
• apply any herbicides, insecticides, molluscicides or any other pesticides, except for spot treatment of invasive species or injurious weeds, where appropriate
• take silage
• take more than one cut of hay per year
• plant any new trees without prior approval
• remove any existing in-field trees
• cause or allow the establishment of new or the spread of existing Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds
• allow the area to be poached (existing gateways, feeding, and watering areas are acceptable, providing poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)
• apply lime on acid, calcareous or calaminarian grassland
• supplementary feed any livestock, except for existing hardstanding feeding areas
• cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year
• spread any material
• store material or machinery
• infill natural hollows or reprofile natural variations of terrain
• burn, except in full accordance with the Heather and Grass Burning Regulations (2008) and Code and prior notification on RPW Online
• construct any new tracks, roads, yards, hard-standings or structures
• install any new drainage.  You must obtain prior written approval before clearing out existing ditchesi

In order to benefit this habitat classification, you agree to:

For grazed permanent pasture:

• graze to maintain a varied sward height where at least 75% of the grassland is between 5 cm and 20 cm between 1 June and 30 August
• graze to between 2 cm and 10 cm between 1 October and 31 March
• dead material should form less than 10% cover overall
• coarse / tall grasses do not dominate, apart from in patches covering no more than 5% of the grassland

For grassland managed for hay:

• remove livestock by 15 May
• cut and remove a hay crop between 7 July and 30 September
• it is acceptable to make hay or haylage, but not silage
• hay / haylage should be turned at least twice before removal
• the cut material must be removed from the meadow, even if spoiled by rain
• maintain a sward height after cutting, where 75% of the grassland is between 2 cm and 10 cm until 31 October
• if spring grazing, maintain a sward height where 75% of the grassland is above 5 cm
• begin grazing the aftermath at least four weeks after the hay cut

Management recommendations

These recommendations suggest additional management actions to benefit the habitat:

• remove livestock if ground conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction
• neutral grassland is ideally grazed using a mixture of cattle or horses and sheep
• apply lime, if necessary, to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 on neutral grasslands
• stagger hay cutting of fields, so all flower resources on the farm are not lost in one day
• leave at least one third of margins uncut to produce flowers and seed

The above management should lead to the following outcomes:

• a diverse sward assemblage where flowers are able to set seed and containing a range of native wildflower species and less productive agricultural grasses with mainly a red clover component where clover occurs
• a diverse sward structure, with a range of vegetation heights and thicknesses throughout the year

Potential derogations

Moratorium on sward height requirement due to prolonged period of adverse weather conditions e.g., drought, frozen ground, and snow cover.

To include fields sown with a conservation mixture.

This section is split into two sections, one for Individual businesses and another for Commons. You should refer to the section that applies to you.

Individual businesses

Points scoring for Glastir Advanced habitat options, habitats not in Glastir Advanced and land offered to manage as habitat on individual holdings

For applicants currently in Glastir Advanced, certain existing Glastir Advanced habitat options will be used to score the holding for habitat.  For applicants whose land is not currently in Glastir Advanced in 2023 and / or have offered land to manage as habitat, the following habitat layers, presented on Habitat Wales Scheme on DataMapWales, will be used with their relevant multiplier scoring points:

Habitat scoring will be carried out as follows

Habitat layer score = Area of the Habitat layer in the parcel x points (i.e. the multiplier points for the appropriate category - 850/300/20)

Objective layer score = Sum of (Area of Objective Layer Overlap x Objective Layer Points)

Total Habitat Score = Sum of Habitat scores ÷ Holding Area

Total Parcel Score = Sum of Parcel scores ÷ Total Field Size of scored parcels

Total Application Score = Total Activity Score + Total Parcel Score

Additional scoring points where Glastir Advanced habitat options, habitats not in Glastir Advanced and land offered to manage as habitat on individual holdings overlay objective layers

The following objective layers, with their relevant scores, will be used to enhance the Glastir Advanced habitat options, habitats not in Glastir Advanced and land offered to manage as habitat score where a parcel or part of a parcel overlays one or more of the following objective layers on Habitat Wales Scheme on DataMapWales:

Objective layer scoring will be carried out as follows

For each parcel: Area of Objective Layer Overlap over the individual field parcel (C) * Objective Layer Points (D).

Summed objective score of Parcel [Objective layer] scores (Total E) / Total Field Size of scored parcels (Total B)

Final Score

The final score is the Total Habitat Score (328.55) + the Summed Objective  Score (3118.00 / 48.10 = 64.82) = 393.37.

Commons

Points scoring for habitat on eligible commons

For applicants currently in Glastir Commons, the following habitat layers, presented on Habitat Wales Scheme on DataMapWales, will be used with their relevant multiplier scoring points:

Habitat scoring will be carried out as follows

Priority and scoring for objective layers

For Habitat Wales Scheme – Commons scoring, the first part of the process will be carried out using the payable area (ha) from your Glastir Commons contract in 2023, as follows:

Total Commons Payable Area x Multiplier scoring points (2000) = Payable Area Score

For example:

300ha Glastir Commons land with 284ha payable area

Score = 284 x 2000 = 568,000

The second part of the process will establish the objective layer points, as follows:

Objective score = Sum of (Area of Objective Layer Overlap x Objective Layer Points)

For example:

Total Application Score = Payable Area Score (e.g. 568,000) + Sum of Parcel scores (43,062.60) ÷ Total field size of all commons area (300) = 2,036.88 points.