Herbal leys

Where it applies

Arable, Temporary grassland, Improved grassland, Permanent grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• SSSI land is ineligible for this action
• Areas with historic or archaeological features are ineligible

What you'll do

Establish a herbal ley (a diverse mix of grasses, legumes and herbs) by early autumn, within 12 months of your start date. Keep nitrogen fertiliser low — usually no more than around 40 kg N/ha a year. Rest it from grazing and cutting for about 5 weeks between early May and late July so it can flower. Don't use the ley for storage, and only spot-treat problem weeds (no other pesticides).

Evidence to keep

• Establishment photos and the herbal ley mix used
• A dated sowing record
• Seed invoices
• Fertiliser/nutrient records showing nitrogen stayed within the limit

When

• Aug–Sep: Establish the ley by early autumn (within 12 months) (first year)
• May–Jul: Leave ungrazed and uncut for ~5 weeks between early May and late July (let it flower)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF1, PRF2, SOH1
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC1, OFC3, OFM1, OFM4, PRF1, PRF2, PRF3, SOH1
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR1, OR3, OT1, OT3