Rural Payments and Services

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The aim of this item is to benefit existing permanent grassland habitats which currently have a low level of diversity of grass and flower species by over-sowing with a wildflower seed mixture.

Permanent grassland is eligible.

You should not include areas of land covering rocks, scree, water, dense bracken etc. We will check this using the same approach we use to check land for the Basic Payment Scheme.

Assessing your land eligibility

You must combine this item with one of the following management options:

• Species-rich Grassland Management
• Habitat Mosaic Management

You must identify on a map the location of the proposed grassland restoration.

• you must over-sow the area with a wildflower meadow mix to restore the species rich sward. The mix must include at least 15 per cent by weight of mixed Scottish native flowers, unless you receive prior approval as part of the application process
• the seed must be of UK origin
• you must begin restoration by 1 June in the first year of your contract
• you must maintain a diary

You can claim £514.15 per hectare.

The inspectors will check:

• the location and extent of the work
• you have sown the area with a wildflower meadow mix to establish a new sward. The mix must include at least 15 per cent by weight of mixed Scottish native flowers, unless you receive prior approval as part of the application process. This will involve an invoice check
• the seed was of UK origin, unless you have prior approval. This will involve an invoice check
• you have begun restoration by 1 June and established the grassland in the first year of your contract
• you have maintained a diary

Supporting guidance is available for this item.

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