Beetle banks

Where it applies

Arable, Temporary grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• Areas with historic or archaeological features are ineligible

What you'll do

Establish a raised earth ridge across a large arable field and sow it with fine-leaved and tussock-forming grasses, within 12 months, to harbour predatory insects and nesting birds. Maintain the bank with no fertiliser, manure, lime or pesticides (only spot-treat problem weeds).

Evidence to keep

• Photos of the established beetle bank with its parcel reference
• A dated establishment record (grass mix and date)
• Seed invoices

When

• Sep–Oct: Establish within 12 months (autumn ideal) (first year)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC3, OFC4, OFM4, OFM5, PRF2
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC3, OFC4, OFM4, OFM5, PRF2
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR3, OR4, OT3, OT4