Understanding Payment Rates and Financial Support for Hedgerow Projects in England

Hedgerows are the living threads that weave together England’s rural tapestry, providing shelter and resources for wildlife, supporting soil health, and defining the character of the countryside. To encourage landowners and farmers to establish, maintain, and restore these vital natural assets, several grant schemes offer financial support tailored to different hedgerow activities. Understanding the payment rates for these activities is key to planning your project budget and ensuring that you maximise the available financial support.

This article provides a detailed breakdown of the payment rates for hedgerow-related activities under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). It also explores additional funding for capital items like fencing or tree guards, helping landowners structure project costs and plan for the long-term management of their hedgerows.

Payment Rates for Hedgerow Projects Under Countryside Stewardship

The Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CS) is one of the primary sources of funding for hedgerow projects in England, offering several tiers of support for activities such as planting, laying, coppicing, and maintenance. Payments are typically made per metre of hedgerow work carried out, with additional funding available for specific capital items.

Hedgerow Planting and Establishment

Hedgerow planting is supported through capital grants under Countryside Stewardship, which provide financial assistance to establish new hedgerows or fill in gaps in existing ones.

• Payment Rate: £11.60 per metre for planting new hedgerows.
• What’s Covered:
  • Establishing a continuous line of shrubs and trees.
  • Ground preparation, including soil improvement and weed control.
  • Planting disease-resistant species that support local biodiversity.

Hedgerow Laying and Coppicing

Laying and coppicing are traditional hedgerow management techniques that rejuvenate growth and improve the structure of mature or overgrown hedgerows. These practices help maintain dense, bushy hedgerows that provide excellent habitat for wildlife.

• Payment Rate: £9.40 per metre for coppicing and £9.50 per metre for laying.
• What’s Covered:
  • Cutting back mature hedgerows to encourage new growth.
  • Laying hedgerows along the ground to create a thicker base and promote dense growth.
  • Tools and materials required for traditional hedgerow management.

Hedgerow Gapping Up

Gapping up involves filling in gaps in an existing hedgerow to restore its integrity and connectivity. It is particularly useful for older hedgerows that have thinned out over time.

• Payment Rate: £9.50 per metre for gapping up.
• What’s Covered:
  • Planting new trees and shrubs in gaps.
  • Ground preparation and site maintenance.
  • Installing protective measures like fencing to support new plants.

Hedgerow Maintenance and Annual Management

Annual management payments help landowners maintain hedgerows through activities like rotational cutting and applying best practices to ensure hedgerows remain dense and healthy.

• Payment Rate: Annual payments depend on the length of hedgerows maintained, with variations based on the type of management undertaken.

Payment Rates for Hedgerow Activities Under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)

The SFI offers a range of options that support hedgerow management, focusing on encouraging sustainable practices that enhance biodiversity and contribute to environmental goals. Payments are made annually based on specific actions and the length of hedgerow managed.

1. CHRW1: Assess and Record Hedgerow Condition

This option provides funding for assessing and recording hedgerow conditions, promoting awareness and best practices in hedgerow management.

• Payment Rate: £5 per 100 metres for one side of the hedgerow.
• What’s Covered:
  • Assessing hedgerow health and structure.
  • Recording key features like gaps, species diversity, and overall condition.
  • Using assessment data to inform future management plans.

2. CHRW2: Manage Hedgerows

Supports traditional hedgerow management practices, such as cutting and shaping, to promote wildlife-friendly, bushy hedgerows.

• Payment Rate: £13 per 100 metres for one side of the hedgerow.
• What’s Covered:
  • Rotational cutting schedules to maintain dense growth.
  • Managing hedgerow height and width to provide varied habitats for different species.
  • Avoiding cutting during bird nesting season to protect wildlife.

3. CHRW3: Maintain or Establish Hedgerow Trees

Encourages the planting and maintenance of hedgerow trees to support biodiversity and enhance the visual character of the landscape.

• Payment Rate: £10 per 100 metres for both sides of the hedgerow.
• What’s Covered:
  • Planting native hedgerow trees at suitable intervals.
  • Maintaining existing hedgerow trees by removing deadwood and promoting healthy growth.
  • Protecting young trees from browsing or damage.

Additional Financial Support for Capital Items and Biosecurity Measures

In addition to the payment rates for hedgerow planting and management, various grants provide funding for capital items and biosecurity measures to support the long-term health and maintenance of hedgerows.

Protective Fencing and Tree Guards

Installing fencing and tree guards is essential to protect young hedgerow trees and shrubs from browsing by livestock or deer. Capital grants can help cover the costs of these protective measures.

• Payment Rate:
  • Fencing: £4.90 per metre for standard fencing installation.
  • Tree Guards: Funding varies based on material and size, with rates typically covering up to 70% of the cost.

Biosecurity Measures

Grants under schemes like the Tree Health Pilot Scheme provide funding for biosecurity capital items, such as cleaning stations, access control, and signage, to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

• Eligible Items:
  • Cleaning stations for tools, machinery, and footwear.
  • Access restrictions to infected areas.
  • Biosecurity signage to inform visitors and contractors.

How to Calculate Payments and Plan Project Budgets

Planning a hedgerow project requires a clear understanding of the payment rates and the activities you intend to carry out. To structure your project budget effectively, consider the following steps:

1. Calculate Total Length of Hedgerows Involved
   Begin by calculating the total length of hedgerows that will be planted, managed, or restored. Payment rates are typically per metre or per 100 metres, so this will form the basis of your financial calculations.
2. Select Relevant Activities and Apply Payment Rates
   Choose the activities you plan to undertake (e.g., planting, coppicing, or management) and apply the corresponding payment rates. If you are applying for multiple actions, ensure that they do not overlap in eligibility.
3. Include Additional Capital Items
   Factor in additional costs for capital items like fencing, tree guards, or biosecurity measures. These costs can significantly impact the overall budget, but relevant grants can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Maximise Funding by Combining Schemes
   Explore opportunities to combine different schemes, such as using Countryside Stewardship for hedgerow establishment and SFI for ongoing management. This can increase total funding and provide comprehensive support for your hedgerow project.

Structuring Long-Term Hedgerow Management Plans

Creating a long-term management plan for hedgerows ensures that your project remains financially viable and ecologically beneficial over time. Key elements to include in your plan:

• Rotational Cutting Schedules: Establish a rotational cutting schedule to maintain dense growth and provide varied habitats.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Regular monitoring and record-keeping are essential for meeting the requirements of different grant schemes.
• Biosecurity and Health Management: Implement biosecurity practices and health management to protect against pests and diseases.

Understanding payment rates and planning project budgets are crucial steps in successfully managing hedgerow projects in England. By leveraging the financial support available through schemes like Countryside Stewardship and SFI, and by incorporating additional funding for capital items, landowners can ensure their hedgerows remain healthy and contribute to the sustainability of the rural landscape.

For more detailed guidance on hedgerow grants and assistance in structuring your project plan, sign up to Grant to get tailored advice and resources specific to your hedgerow management needs.

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