The species-rich GS8 seed mix contains a range of legumes, grasses and flowering plants for use in establishing a priority grassland in less fertile soils
These grasslands can include ditches, drains, rivers, paths and grazed woodland. It benefits important species bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths, birds and bats.
GS8 Creation of Species-Rich Grassland establishes a priority grassland comprising a range of important plant species.
Countryside Stewardship GS8
The GS8 seed mix also benefits priority species including pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths, plus birds and bats.
Mixture breakdown
GS8 Creation of species-rich Grassland
Kg/acre
Variety
Type
2.00
Comer
Timothy
1.25
AberBite
Perennial Ryegrass Late Tetraploid
1.25
AberWolf
Perennial Ryegrass Intermediate Diploid
3.13
Iliade
Soft Leafed Tall fescue
1.25
Bornito
Sheeps Fescue
0.50
Donata
Cocksfoot
3.13
Milky-Max SAS Premium
Lucerne
0.50
Tonic
Plantain
0.25
Yarrow
Yarrow
0.50
Sheeps Parsley
Agricultural Sheeps Parsley
0.20
Burnet
Agricultural Burnet
0.75
Leo
Birdsfoot Trefoil
0.05
Wild Carrot
Wild Carrot
1.38
Avisto
Red Clover
1.38
AberDai
White Clover Medium Leaved
17.50
Sowing instructions
Rate
17.50kg per hectare
Time
1st March to 15th September
Process
Choose a less fertile site where soil phosphorus is low, and the sward and soil seed bank are not dominated by aggressive plant species or injurious weeds. Sow an agreed seed mix or add extra plant species to an area of natural regeneration if necessary.
Requirements
1. Establish a flower-rich grassland in year 1 2. Maintain it as a permanent grassland by grazing, hay cutting or both. 3. Maintain a range of plant heights suitable for insects, birds and other priority species. 4. Maintain a continuous cover, particularly over any historic features. 5. Minimise manure, fertiliser, pesticide or supplementary feed. 6. Control undesirable plants. 7. Do not plough, cultivate or re-seed after the grassland has established unless agreed with Natural England. 8. Do not harrow, roll or allow scrub or bracken to encroach on historic or archaeological features. 9. Take care not to disturb breeding birds or damage nests. 10. Keep records of all field operations including associated invoices, grazing activity and input used, plus a standard soil analysis carried out within the last five years. Photographs are also required.
