Multi-species winter cover crop

Where it applies

Arable, Horticultural, Temporary grassland, Permanent crops

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line

What you'll do

Sow a cover crop of at least 2 species from 2 or more plant families (e.g. brassicas, legumes, cereals/grasses, herbs) that you won't harvest, early enough — usually late summer or early autumn — to be well established and protect the soil over winter. Don't apply fertiliser or manure to it, and don't destroy it before winter ends, except up to 6 weeks before drilling an early-sown spring crop.

Evidence to keep

• Photos of the established cover crop
• A dated sowing record (mix and date)
• Seed invoices
• A record of when you destroyed it

When

• Aug–Oct: Establish in late summer/early autumn (within 12 months) (first year)
• Dec–Feb: Keep it growing over winter (~Dec–Feb)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, AHW5, AHW10, AHW11, CIPM3, CIPM4, OFC3, OFC4, OFM4, OFM5, PRF1, PRF2, PRF4, SOH1, SOH3
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, AHW5, AHW10, AHW11, CIPM1, CIPM3, CIPM4, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFA6, OFC3, OFC4, OFM4, OFM5, PRF1, PRF2, PRF3, PRF4, SOH1, SOH2, SOH3
• SFI 2023: IPM1, IPM3, IPM4, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAB5, CAB11, CAB14, CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CHS3, CHS9, CSP9, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSW17, CSW19, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: AB5, AB11, AB14, HS3, HS9, OP5, OR3, OR4, OT3, OT4