4–12m grass buffer strip on improved grassland

Where it applies

Temporary grassland, Improved grassland, Permanent grassland

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) on improved grassland, within 12 months of your start date — sow a native grass mix or let it regenerate naturally. Keep an intact grass sward all year (no tracks or compaction); graze it or cut it (but not for hay or silage), ideally cutting up to half the width and staggering cuts. 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 strip against the parcel boundary
• An establishment record with dates
• Dated management records (grazing or cutting)
• Seed or contractor invoices

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF2, WBD7
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF2, WBD7
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CSW17, CSW18, CSW19, CSW20, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR1, OR3, OT1, OT3, SW10