CAP REFORM AND GREENING In 2015 the new round of Common Agricultural Policy reforms were implemented, including seeding options for Ecological Focus Areas (EFA). A major part of this legislation is the requirement for an Ecological Focus Area (EFA) equal to 5% of the claimed area. This requirement can be met in a number of ways including the establishment of catch or cover crops, wild bird seed mixtures on fallow land and provision of buffer strips. For all of these, the rules governing choice and mixture are very similar to the existing stewardship schemes. Updates for 2018 can be found on our website at www.bartholomews.co.uk. or www.gov.uk/guidance/bps-2018 In addition to this guide we have also produced a supplement for roots, greening, catch and cover crops. This explores these options in more detail and the range of seeds available to comply with them. We have tried to keep what can become an unnecessarily complicated subject as straightforward as possible. If you have difficulty finding what you need or would like to discuss your options further, please do not hesitate to contact us. Key Countryside Stewardship Codes AB1- Nectar Flower Mix. Establish in blocks or strips between 15 th March – 30 th April or 15 th July – 30 th August. Should contain short term nectar rich plants and perennial wild flower pants. Suggested sowing rate minimum 12kg/ha. AB8 – Flower Rich Margins. Establish a flower rich margin between 15 th March – 31 st May or 15 th July – 15 th October. Should contain grasses and perennial flowering plants. Suggested sowing rate minimum 20kg/ha. AB9- Winter Bird Food. Establish between 1 st March – 15 th June. Should contain a mix of cereals, brassicas and other plants, i.e.: barley, triticale, quinoa, linseed etc. Include Kale for 2yr mixes. AB16 – Autumn Sown Bumble Bird. Establish as soon as possible after harvest & before 7 th September. Should contain a mix of flowering and seed bearing plants.
3 Gamecover & Environmental 2018
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