Standard Margins and Areas

STEPS-PRO2

 

  • £300 per hectare per year
  • Annual payments
  • 4 Year Agreement

Why is this good for water quality?

This option aims to protect watercourses by buffering them from field operations such as spray drift and fertiliser applications.

Dense vegetation slows surface water flow, allowing sediment to settle and improve infiltration which helps to protect waterbodies from pollution.  

Why is this good for my farm?

Margins help protect field edges from compaction and machinery damage, helping to preserve soil structure.

They also support insect biodiversity, enhancing natural pest control.

Option Specification:

Evidence Requirements:

Evidence to Apply 

Evidence to Claim 

Maps - of the planned margin and also the total field area  

Photos - showing the established area  

Photos - showing the area where the work is being undertaken 

Seed invoices/label - to show the mix used (if appropriate) 

Agreed seed mixture evidence or image to show natural regeneration  

Annual data collection form  

EA ALERT tool mapping to show location of watercourses being protected or overland flow being disrupted  

 

What should I do if I want to apply?

If you would like to apply: