Rural Payments and Services

Gabion baskets are metal-mesh rectangular baskets which are filled with stones once positioned, making them straightforward to construct.

They are used to create a structure designed to hold back soil and prevent land slippage, or to stabilise slopes against erosion.

Any land is eligible.

Gabions must be under or close beside an upgraded or new path.

Gabion baskets should be:

• based on a level, hard base
• bedded on soil loosened and raked level, or a bed of raked sand
• basket filled with selected stone laid and built-up to avoid sagging or movement
• crushed rock and fines rammed into cracks to firm-up the fill to level surfaces
• water led-off path at suitable intervals, including cut-off drains as needed
• finished off with turf laid along the path edge
• brush soil into stonework and seed, to help stabilise and give a more natural look

You can claim £100 per cubic metre.

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• the gabion structure is based on a level, hard base
• basket filled with stone and there is no sagging or movement
• crushed rock and fines have been rammed into cracks to firm-up the fill to level surfaces
• water is led-off path at suitable intervals, including cut-off drains as needed
• the gabion structure has been finished off with turf laid along path edge
• soil has been brushed into stonework and seeded, to help stabilise and give more a natural look (an invoice check may be carried out)