4–12m grass buffer strip on arable and horticultural land

Where it applies

Arable, Horticultural, Temporary grassland, Permanent crops

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• Must be additional to the legally required 2m buffer strips next to hedgerows

What you'll do

Establish a grass buffer strip 4–12m wide (on average per parcel) along arable or horticultural land, within 12 months of your start date — sow a grass mix (e.g. timothy, cocksfoot, red fescue) into a firm, weed-free seedbed, or let it regenerate naturally. After the bird breeding season, in late summer, cut up to half the width along the crop edge to vary the habitat, and remove the cuttings where you can. Don't apply fertiliser, manure or pesticides (only spot-treat problem weeds), and don't use it for access, turning or storage.

Evidence to keep

• Photos of the established strip with its parcel reference
• A dated sowing record (seed mix and date)
• A dated late-summer cutting record
• Seed invoices

When

• Sep–Oct: Establish within 12 months (autumn ideal) (first year)
• Aug–Sep: Cut up to half the width in late summer, after the bird breeding season

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC3, OFC4, OFC5, OFM4, OFM5, OFM6, PRF2
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC3, OFC4, OFC5, OFM4, OFM5, OFM6, PRF2
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CSW17, CSW19, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR3, OR4, OR5, OT3, OT4, OT5