SW Grass Buffer Strips provide a natural habitat for insects, including pollinators, and capable of reducing the risks from surface runoff water.
Ideal for areas at high risk of runoff, such as strips beside a watercourse or on natural drainage pathways, by establishing and managing grass buffer strips to protect soil and water
SW Countryside Stewardship mixtures are ideal for areas at high risk of runoff by establishing and managing grass strips to protect soil and water.
Mixture breakdown
SW Grass Buffer Strips
Kg/acre
Variety
Type
7.50
AberNiche
Festulolium
2.50
Comer
Timothy
2.50
Markus
Smooth Stalked Meadow Grass
2.50
Laura
Meadow Fescue
2.50
Maxima
Strong Creeping Red Fescue
2.50
Donata
Cocksfoot
20.00
Sowing instructions
Rate
20.00kg per hectare
Time
1st March to 15th September
Process
Remove any subsoil compaction where seedbed preparation is required. Control weeds and cut regularly in the first 12-24 months of establishment.
Requirements
SW1 Requirements: • Establish or maintain a 4 to 6m wide grass buffer strip during the first 12 months. • Once established, cut between 1 and 3m of the strip next to the crop edge every year after 15th July. • Do not remove fallen timber; stack where obstructing management of buffer strip. • Keep photographs of the strip.
SW3 Requirements: • Establish or maintain a dense grassy area during the first 12 months. • Once established, cut the entire area every year after 15th July. • Exclude all livestock from the strip.
SW4 Requirements: • Establish or maintain a 12 to 24m wide grass buffer strip during the first 12 months. • Once established, cut 6m next to the crop edge every year after 15th July. • Do not remove fallen timber; stack where obstructing management of buffer strip. • Keep photographs of the strip. • Exclude all livestock from the strip.
Common requirements to SW1, SW3 and SW4: • Do not apply fertilisers or manures. • Do not use pesticides, except for herbicides to weed wipe or spot treat injurious weeds, invasive non-native species, nettles or bracken. • Do not use for animal or vehicle access (SW3, SW4). • Exclude all livestock from the strip (SW3, SW4). • Keep records of all field operations including associated invoices. • Keep photographs of the strip (SW1, SW4).
