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      GS8 Creation of species-rich Grassland

      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.

      GS8 Creation of Species-Rich Grassland mix example

      A species-rich grassland mix containing a range of legumes, grasses and flowering plants.

      • Timothy
      • Perennial Ryegrass Late Tetraploid
      • Perennial Ryegrass Intermediate Diploid
      • Soft Leafed Tall Fescue
      • Sheeps Fescue
      • Cocksfoot
      • Lucerene
      • Plantain
      • Yarrow
      • Agricultural Sheeps Parsley
      • Agricultural Burnet
      • Birdsfoot Trefoil
      • Wild Carrot
      • Red Clover
      • White Clover Medium Leaved

      The following features may be included in a species-rich grassland:

      • Ditches, dykes, drains, rivers and streams less than 4 m wide
      • Temporary water
      • Permanent water less than or equal to 0.1 ha*
      • Natural, unsurfaced roads, tracks, paths and bridleways (as long as the other requirements are met)
      • Bracken
      • Scree, rock outcrops and boulders up to 0.1 ha
      • Grazed woodland and scrub with grass underneath that livestock can access*
      • Small areas of other habitat types, such as reedbeds*

      *At the discretion of Natural England

      GS8 Creation of Species-Rich Grassland is eligible for a payment of £428 per hectare for 10 years under the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement.

      Find out more: DEFRA Countryside Stewardship grants

      Ask an expert

      Ask a Germinal expert if you have any questions about DEFRA Countryside Stewardship mixtures.

      How to create a species-rich grassland successfully

      • 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