In-field grass strips

Where it applies

Arable, Temporary grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• Land you identify as being at risk of soil erosion or surface runoff — keep evidence

What you'll do

Establish grass strips across the slope within an arable field to slow run-off and trap sediment, within 12 months. Keep an intact grass sward with no vehicle or stock damage, cut the whole strip in late summer after the bird breeding season, and don't apply fertiliser, manure or pesticides (only spot-treat injurious weeds). This is a limited-area action — it counts toward the 25% cap.

Evidence to keep

• Photos of the established strip with its parcel reference
• A dated establishment record
• A dated late-summer cutting record
• Seed invoices

When

• Sep–Oct: Establish within 12 months (autumn ideal) (first year)
• Aug–Sep: Cut the whole strip 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, 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, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CSW17, CSW19, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR3, OR4, OT3, OT4