BE1: Protection of in-field trees on arable land

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the protection of in-field trees on arable land option.

From:
Rural Payments Agency and Natural England
Published
2 April 2015
Last updated
4 January 2024 — See all updates
Grant type:
Option
Land use:
Arable land, Trees (non-woodland) and Uplands
Tiers or standalone items:
Higher Tier and Mid Tier
Funding (per unit per year):
More than £500

How much will be paid

£553 per hectare (ha)

Where to use this option

It’s available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier and Higher Tier on part parcels, only on:

  • arable land
  • temporary grassland
  • trees (dead or alive) at least 30 centimetres (cm) diameter at breast height (DBH)

Where this option cannot be used

On a group or line of 4 or more trees whose canopies overlap.

You can locate the following options and supplements on the same area as this option.

How this option will benefit the environment

If successful, trees will be protected from agricultural operations and kept as important features in the local landscape. Tree roots will be protected from damage by cultivations with a fertiliser-free grass buffer. Undisturbed standing and fallen deadwood will provide habitat for invertebrates.

Aims

If you’re selected for a site visit, we will check that delivery of the aims is being met and the prohibited activities have not been carried out. This will ensure the environmental benefits are being delivered.

Throughout the year there will be trees surrounded by a naturally regenerated grass buffer, protected from damage by livestock and wild animals. Tree guards will be managed to prevent any damage to growing trees. The grass buffer radius will be determined by the tree diameter at breast height.

Tree diameter at breast height (DBH) Sward radius Area per tree
30cm to 99cm 10m 0.03ha
100cm to 199cm 20m 0.12ha
200cm or more 30m 0.28ha

Fallen branches will remain in the option area. Trees that die or fall will remain in their position.

Prohibited activities

To achieve the aims and deliver the environmental benefits, do not carry out any of the following activities.

  • Apply any fertilisers or manures
  • Apply any lime
  • Plough, cultivate or re-seed
  • Use supplementary feed
  • Harrow or roll
  • Use pesticides, except for herbicides to spot-treat or weed-wipe to control nettles, bracken, injurious weeds or invasive non-natives
  • Remove any tree limbs, including lower limbs, or mature ivy growth
  • Carry out any drainage works, including modifying existing drainage, without written permission before any work takes place

On your annual claim you will be asked to declare that you have not carried out any prohibited activities.

To assist you in achieving the aims and deliver the environmental benefits for this option, we recommend that you use best practice.

We recommend that you:

  • protect trees from damage by livestock and wild animals
  • make sure tree guards do not damage growing trees

Once established, manage the sward:

  • make sure that no more than 5% is covered in weeds or bare ground
  • only cut to control woody growth

Keeping records

Where there is uncertainty about whether the aims of the options have been delivered, we will take into account any records or evidence you may have kept demonstrating delivery of the aims of the option. This will include any steps you’ve taken to follow the recommended management set out above. It’s your responsibility to keep such records if you want to rely on these to support your claim.

  • Field operations at the parcel level, including associated invoices
  • The diameter at breast height (DBH) for each tree
  • Photographs of trees entered into the option
  • Photographs of the sward buffer

Additional guidance and advice

The following advice is helpful, but they are not requirements for this item.

Storing fallen branches

Do not cut fallen branches into pieces, stack in piles:

  • with one pile in a sunny spot and one in a shady spot
  • not too high, to stop the timber drying out
  • with as much timber as possible in contact with the ground

Setting tree guards

Do not attach tree guards to the trees as this can damage them.

Using pesticides

Avoid damaging the trees when spot-treating or weed-wiping. Use chemical as a last resort, as they can damage root fungi in the soil and trees depend on fungi for future good health.

Controlling livestock damage

To prevent livestock damage:

  • provide a different shelter with water to attract animals away from trees
  • fence off trees to stop animals rubbing and stripping bark or trampling the base

If you use fences, place them at the edge of the option area.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

This option can form part of an IPM approach to prevent the establishment of pests, weeds and diseases. If successful, appropriate and within proximity of cropped areas, these may limit the need for the use of Plant Protection Products and enhance wildlife and biodiversity on your holding. Read information on IPM at AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Integrated Pest Management and LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Further information

Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier and Higher Tier including how to apply.

Updates to this page

Published 2 April 2015
Last updated 4 January 2024 + show all updates

  1. Update to how much will be paid

  2. New payment rate from 1 January 2022.

  3. Additional guidance and advice section updated - this option can form part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to prevent the establishment of pests, weeds and diseases.

  4. Option updated for agreements starting 1 Jan 2022

  5. The Keeping records section has been updated

  6. Updated for 2017 applications.

  7. Information updated for applications in 2016.

  8. First published.

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