Guidance

Environmental Stewardship agreements: addendum to 2nd, 3rd and 4th edition Environmental Stewardship handbooks

Published 6 December 2023

Applies to England

If you are a farmer or land manager and claimed rural payments between 2005 and 2023, you had to follow a set of rules called cross compliance. These rules end at midnight on 31 December 2023. 

Regulations will continue to protect the environment, and animal health and welfare. Compliance will be monitored by the existing statutory bodies and regulated in a fair, proportionate, and consistent way. This means, wherever possible, we will work with you to get it right and give you opportunities to self-correct before we need to take any formal action.

You must continue to comply with domestic legislation. You can find more information about this in the following:

Rules for all agreement holders

The removal of cross compliance will only have limited impact on the way you manage your agreement. You must continue to comply with legal requirements around certain farming activities to protect people, livestock and the environment. These rules are set out in the Rules for farmers and land managers.

There are a small number of cross compliance rules that do not have the same requirements in English law. These cross compliance rules are:

• certain rules on hedgerows and other field boundaries
• watercourse buffer strips
• soils

You will need to consider if they affect options in your agreement.

Hedgerows        

Existing hedgerow legislation continues to apply. Protections are in place for nest-building and young birds, and for the sheltering places of wild animals. You must not remove hedgerows without contacting your local planning authority first.

We have consulted on hedgerow protections including:

• whether to have a ‘buffer strip’ 2 metres from the centre of a hedgerow to protect its structure, and
• not cutting during the bird rearing season

We will publish our response to the consultation and more guidance on this page in the coming weeks. 

Stone walls, earth and stone banks

Stone walls, earth and stone banks that have been created or maintained through a Stewardship option, must remain in place and be subject to the terms of your existing agreement. 

In addition, you will need to consider any other legal obligations, for example if there are planning protections in conservation areas for certain boundary features. Your local planning authority will provide more information and you should contact them before you take any action. 

Water buffer strips

You must consider the legal requirements around the protection of watercourses and waterbodies. 

The Farming rules for water prevent the use of manure and fertiliser close to a water course. You must take all reasonable precautions to prevent pollution from land management and cultivation practices, such as spraying pesticides.

Unless it is set out in the ES option management requirement as part of your agreement, there is no longer a need to maintain a green cover on land either:

• within 2 metres of the centre of a watercourse
• from 1 metre on the landward side of the bank

However, use of grass buffer strips continues to be one of the many important actions you can take to prevent water pollution and meet the Farming Rules for Water requirement.

Soils

The Farming rules for water continue to require reasonable precautions to be taken, which will prevent soil erosion such as establishing cover crops and grass buffer strips.

Main changes to handbooks

We have updated the terms and conditions of your agreements to reflect the end of cross compliance. Previous editions of HLS Handbooks are not being updated (which include Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) Organic ELS (OELS) and Uplands ELS (UELS) in 2008 (2nd edition), 2010 (3rd edition), and 2013 (4th edition) and the changes and updates are set out in the tables in this document.

ES is closed to new applicants. This update to the handbooks applies only to those customers already holding an existing ES Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement.

The following sections of the handbook, originally provided to support your agreement, have been changed.

They replace those previously described, and are effective from 1 January 2024.

The main changes to the handbooks are described in this section with either:

• the amended text section replacing the text in your original handbook or
• we have removed all references to cross compliance

2008

These amendments are to the following sections of the 2008 ELS, OELS, UELS and HLS handbooks.

Handbook	Heading (where applicable)	Amended text
Section 1.1.2 ELS, OELS & UELS	ES in the wider context	Section has been deleted as no longer relevant or applicable.
Section 1.1.5 HLS	What will I be required to do?	What will I be required to do? In applying for, and being accepted into HLS, you will be agreeing to: - adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions in this, and the ELS or OELS handbook, across the whole holding – this also applies to HLS only agreements. You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 1.2.2 ELS, OELS	What will I be required to do if I apply?	What will I be required to do if I apply? In applying for and being accepted into ELS, you will be agreeing to: - adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this handbook and comply with the other additional requirements contained in section 1.5. You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 1.3.2 HLS	Cross compliance management and Higher Level Stewardship options	You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 1.5.1 ELS, OELS & UELS	Cross compliance	You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 5.2 ELS, OELS & UELS	Penalties that can apply to breaches of your agreement	Delete the following sentence: 4. Where the requirements of cross compliance are not being followed. See section 5.2.3.
Section 5.2.3 ELS, OELS & UELS	Breaches of Cross Compliance	Delete this section as it is no longer relevant or applicable.
EB1/OB1 – Hedgerow management on both sides of a hedge ELS, OELS and UELS	Combining OELS/ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	Combining OELS/ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements Follow the procedure below when you are measuring your OELS/ELS hedgerow, ditch and buffer strip options, to make sure you comply with OELS/ELS requirements. You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow or watercourse. This requirement also applies to all land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse.
EB2/OB2 – Hedgerow management on one side of a hedge ELS, OELS and UELS	Combining OELS/ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	Combining OELS/ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements Follow the procedure below when you are measuring your OELS/ELS hedgerow, ditch, and buffer strip options, to make sure you comply with OELS/ELS requirements. You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures, or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow or watercourse. This requirement also applies to all land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse.
EB6/OB6 – Ditch management ELS, OELS & UELS		Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank-side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met.
EB7/OB7 – Half ditch management ELS, OELS & UELS		Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank-side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met.
EE2 – 4m buffer strips on cultivated land OE2 – 4m buffer strips on rotational land EE3 – 6m buffer strips on cultivated land OE3 – 6m buffer strips on rotational land EE5 – 4m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE5 – 4m buffer strips on organic grassland EE6 – 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE6 – 6m buffer strips on organic grassland ELS, OELS & UELS	Options for Buffer strips and field margins	Options for Buffer strips and field margins Buffer strip options in ELS must not overlap with: - land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow.
HR4 Supplement for control of invasive plant species HLS		This supplement supports the regular management of particularly severe infestations of invasive species, such as rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed, which are damaging a feature of interest. It is eligible on all habitat management options except the arable options. This supplement cannot be used for controlling weeds listed in the Weeds Act 1959, for the control of bracken or gorse (for which there are other specific options). The HR4 supplement is not available for control of rushes, since rush management is costed into relevant base option payments. The only exception to this is option HL8, where this supplement may be available for a limited period.

2010

These amendments are to the following sections of the 2010 ELS, OELS, UELS and HLS handbooks

Handbook	Heading (where applicable)	Amended text
Section 1.1.4 ELS, OELS, UELS, HLS	What will I be required to do?	What will I be required to do? Adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this handbook, and to comply with the other additional requirements contained in Section 1.6
Section 1.3.9 HLS	Heather and Grass Burning	Heather and Grass Burning The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2007 and the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 explain what you can and cannot do when carrying out controlled burning of permitted vegetation on your farm. Natural England is responsible for enforcing the Regulations. The Heather and Grass Burning Code 2007, which was developed by Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in consultation with industry partners, outlines good practice for burning heather and grass on your farm. The Code aims to describe a standard of good practice and raise awareness of the new laws, helping burners to burn safely and in ways that can benefit wildlife. If heather or grass burning is part of your HLS agreement, your adviser will discuss and agree a burning plan with you and whether you need a licence. Where your burning plan is agreed with Natural England as part of an Environmental Stewardship agreement, this plan will take precedence over the Heather and Grass Burning Code if the two disagree. A link to further information on this subject is provided in Appendix 2.
Section 1.3.16 ELS, UELS and HLS	Land used to claim payments under the SPS may be entered into ELS.	Delete this paragraph as it is no longer relevant or applicable.
Section 1.3.17 OELS	1.3.17 Single Payment Scheme (SPS)	Delete this paragraph 1.3.17 as it is no longer relevant or applicable.
Section 1.5.2 ELS, OELS, UELS and HLS	What penalties can be applied?	Delete item 4 - Where the requirements of cross compliance are not being followed. Delete the Breaches of Cross Compliance paragraph
Section 1.6.1 ELS, OELS, UELS and HLS	Cross compliance	You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
EB1/OB1 – Hedgerow management on both sides of a hedge EB2/OB2 – Hedgerow management on one side of a hedge ELS, OELS, and UELS	Combining ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	Follow the procedure below when you are measuring your ELS hedgerow, ditch and buffer strip options, to make sure you comply with OELS/ELS requirements. You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures, or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a watercourse. This requirement also applies to all land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse.
EB6/OB6 - Ditch management EB7/OB7 - Half ditch management ELS, OELS and UELS		Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met.
EB8/OB8 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB1 Hedgerow management) EB9/OB9 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB2 Hedgerow management) EB10/OB10 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB3 Enhanced hedgerow management) ELS, OELS and UELS	Combining ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a watercourse. This requirement also applies to land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a water course. Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met. Combined hedge and ditch management options EB8 (incorporating EB1 hedgerow management) EB9 (incorporating EB2 hedgerow management) EB10 (incorporating EB3 Enhanced hedgerow management)
EC24 - Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land OC24 - Hedgerow tree buffer strips on rotational land EC25 - Hedgerow tree buffer strips on grassland OC25 - Hedgerow tree buffer strips on organic grassland ELS, OELS and UELS		These options are only available adjacent to hedgerows entered into an ELS hedgerow management option (EB1, EB2, EB3, EB8, EB9 or EB10), which also have on average at least one eligible tree per 100 m. For example, a hedgerow of 400 m would need to have at least four eligible trees along its length. Eligible trees are those that are native species, standing within 1 m of a hedgerow and over 30 cm diameter at breast height.
EE2 - 4m buffer strips on cultivated land OE2 - 4m buffer strips on rotational land EE3 - 6 m buffer strips on cultivated land OE3 - 6 m buffer strips on rotational land EE5 - 4m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE5 - 4m buffer strips on organic grassland EE6 - 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE6 - 6m buffer strips on organic grassland EE9 - 6m buffer strips on cultivated land next to a watercourse OE9 - 6m buffer strips on rotational land next to a watercourse EE10 - 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse OE10 - 6m buffer strips on organic grassland next to a watercourse ELS, OELS and UELS	E Options for buffer strips	E Options for buffer strips Where to locate buffer strips Other considerations Buffer strip options in OELS and ELS must not overlap with: - land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow;…
EJ5/OJ5 – in-field grass areas to prevent erosion and run off ELS, OELS and UELS		Carrying out a Soil Risk Assessment and writing a soil management plan is a good starting-point for identifying potential problems. The measures you adopt as a result of this may go some way to preventing erosion and run-off, but you may also need to consider other options.
EJ9 – 12m buffer strips for watercourses on cultivated land ELS, OELS and UELS		This option is available on arable or rotational land adjacent to ditches, rivers or streams where it can intercept and remove sediment, organic material, nutrients and chemicals carried in run-off water. These buffer strips must not overlap with land within 2m of the centre of a hedgerow.
OJ9 – 12m buffer strips for watercourses on rotational land ELS, OELS and UELS		This option is available on arable or rotational land adjacent to ditches, rivers or streams where it can intercept and remove sediment, organic material, nutrients and chemicals carried in run-off water. These buffer strips must not overlap with land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow.
UX2/UOX2 – Upland grassland and arable requirements ELS, OELS and UELS		You must comply with the following: - Do not supplementary feed within 6 m of the top of a bank of a watercourse (as defined in the Glossary). This requirement must not overlap with land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse. - Do not apply any fertiliser, or boom spray herbicides, within 6 m of the top of a bank of a watercourse. Selective control of weeds is permitted using weed wipers and/or spot treatment. This requirement must not overlap with the land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse and, within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZ), any NVZ requirements. The spreading of organic manures within 10 m of surface water is already restricted within the NVZ Action Programme and the Code of Good Agricultural Practice.
UL21/UOL21 – No cutting strip within meadows ELS, OELS and UELS		…These uncut areas must be located in fields that are mown each year. They must not overlap with a public right of way.
HR4 Supplement for control of invasive plant species HLS		This supplement supports the regular management of particularly severe infestations of invasive nonnative species, such as rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed, which are damaging a feature of interest. This supplement cannot be used for controlling weeds listed in the Weeds Act 1959, for the control of bracken or gorse (for which there are other specific options). The HR4 supplement is not available for control of rushes, since rush management is costed into relevant base option payments. The only exception to this is option HL8, where this supplement may be available for a limited period.

2013

These amendments are to the following sections of the 2013 ELS, OELS, UELS and HLS handbooks

Handbook	Heading (where applicable)	Amended text
Section 1.1.2 ELS, OELS & UELS	Benefits of ELS and Uplands ELS for farmers and land managers	Benefits of ELS and Uplands ELS for farmers and land managers ELS rewards farmers and land managers for the adoption of environmental land management practices on their land. The scheme makes two payments for each year of the agreement. It can complement your existing farm practices. You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 1.2.4 ELS, OELS & UELS	What are you agreeing to do?	What are you agreeing to do? …follow the scheme Terms and Conditions contained in this handbook and comply with the other additional requirements listed (see Section 5 for details).
Section 1.2.5 HLS	What are you agreeing to do?	What are you agreeing to do? Adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this handbook and the ELS or OELS handbook. In particular, comply with the additional requirements contained in Section 5.5.
Section 2.10 ELS, OELS & UELS	Managing your land for cleaner water and healthier soil	Managing your land for cleaner water and healthier soil What you can do to ensure cleaner water and healthier soil Managing your land for cleaner water and healthier soil: Carrying out a Soil Risk Assessment and writing a soil management plan is a good starting-point for identifying potential problems. The measures you adopt as a result of this may go some way to preventing erosion and run-off, but you may also need to consider other options. You should always try to tackle the source of any problems. Where this is not possible you should aim to slow the pathway, and finally consider how to protect the water body.
Section 5.2.1 ELS, OELS & UELS	What are you agreeing to do?	What are you agreeing to do? …follow the scheme terms and conditions contained in this handbook, and comply with the other additional requirements listed (see Section 5 for details).
Section 5.2.3 HLS	What are you agreeing to do?	What are you agreeing to do? …Adhere to all the scheme terms and conditions contained in this handbook, and the (Uplands) ELS or (Uplands) OELS handbook, and comply with the other additional requirements contained in Section 5.5.
Section 5.4.9 HLS	Heather and Grass Burning	Heather and Grass Burning The Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2007 and the Heather and Grass etc. Burning (England) Regulations 2021 explain what you can and cannot do when carrying out controlled burning of permitted vegetation on your farm. Natural England is responsible for enforcing the Regulations. The Heather and Grass Burning Code 2007, which was developed by Natural England and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in consultation with industry partners, outlines good practice for burning heather and grass on your farm. The Code aims to describe a standard of good practice and raise awareness of the new laws, helping burners to burn safely and in ways that can benefit wildlife. If heather or grass burning is part of your HLS agreement, your adviser will discuss and agree a burning plan with you and whether you need a licence. Where your burning plan is agreed with Natural England as part of an Environmental Stewardship agreement, this plan will take precedence over the Heather and Grass Burning Code if the two disagree. A link to further information on this subject is provided in Appendix 2.
Section 5.4.14 ELS, OELS & UELS	For further details of SPS codes…	The following sentence is no longer applicable or relevant. …For further details of SPS codes, please refer to the SPS Handbook and any supplements or contact the RPA (see Appendix 2 for details). For details of how the cross compliance rules apply to ELS, see Section 5.5.1.
Section 5.5.1 ELS, OELS, UELS & HLS	Cross compliance	Cross compliance You must comply with all applicable domestic law. In particular, note that while cross compliance no longer applies, the majority of cross compliance rules are also requirements under domestic legislation.
Section 5.7.2 ELS, OELS, UELS & HLS	What penalties could be applied?	Delete item 4 – Where the rules of cross compliance are not being followed. Delete breaches of cross compliance paragraph. These are no longer applicable or relevant
EB1/OB1 – Hedgerow management on both sides of a hedge EB2/OB2 – Hedgerow management on one side of a hedge ELS, OELS & UELS	Combining ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a watercourse. This requirement also applies to all land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse.
EB6/OB6 – Ditch management EB7/OB7 – half ditch management ELS, OELS & UELS		Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank-side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met.
EB8/OB8 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB1 Hedgerow management) EB9/OB9 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB2 Hedgerow management) EB10/OB10 – Combined hedge and ditch management (incorporating EB3 Enhanced hedgerow management) ELS, OELS & UELS	Combining ELS hedgerow management with cross compliance requirements	You must not cultivate or apply fertilisers, manures or pesticides to land within 2 m of the centre of a watercourse. This requirement also applies to all land within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse. Any dredgings or spoil must be spread evenly across the adjacent field, at least 2 m from the centre of the ditch and 1 m from the top of the bank and the bank-side vegetation re-established by natural regeneration. Wherever practicable, avoid disposing of dredgings or spoil on areas managed under Environmental Stewardship. If it is spread on land managed under an Environmental Stewardship option, you must make sure the management requirements for the option are still met. Combined hedge and ditch management options EB8 (incorporating EB1 hedgerow management for landscape) EB9 (incorporating EB2 hedgerow management for landscape) EB10 (incorporating EB3 Enhanced hedgerow management for landscape and wildlife)
EC24 – Hedgerow tree buffer strips on cultivated land OC24 – Hedgerow tree buffer strips on rotational land EC25 – Hedgerow tree buffer strips on grassland OC25 – Hedgerow tree buffer strips on organic grassland ELS, OELS & UELS	Options for hedgerow tree buffer strips	Options for hedgerow tree buffer strips These options are only available adjacent to hedgerows entered into an ELS hedgerow management option (EB1, EB2, EB3, EB8, EB9, EB10 or EB14), which also have on average at least one eligible tree per 100 m. For example, a hedgerow of 400 m would need to have at least four eligible trees along its length. Eligible trees are those that are native species, standing within 1 m of a hedgerow and over 30 cm diameter at breast height. These buffer strips must not overlap with land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow or watercourse (and within 1 m or the top of the bank of a watercourse).
EE2 – 4m buffer strips on cultivated land OE2 – 4m buffer strips on rotational land EE3 – 6m buffer strips on cultivated land OE3 – 6m buffer strips on rotational land EE5 – 4m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE5 – 4m buffer strips on organic grassland EE6 – 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland OE6 – 6m buffer strips on organic grassland EE9 – 6m buffer strips on cultivated land next to a watercourse OE9 – 6m buffer strips on rotational land next to a watercourse EE10 – 6m buffer strips on intensive grassland next to a watercourse OE10- 6m buffer strips on organic grassland next to a watercourse ELS, OELS & UELS	Other considerations	Other considerations Buffer strip options in OELS and ELS must not overlap with: - land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow
EJ9 – 12m buffer strips for watercourses on cultivated land ELS, OELS & UELS		This option is intended for land adjacent to ditches, rivers or streams where it can intercept and remove sediment, organic material, nutrients and chemicals carried in run-off water. These buffer strips must not overlap with land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow. This option is only available on arable or rotational land that has been identified (and recorded on your FER) as at risk of soil erosion or run-off.
OJ9 – 12m buffer strips for watercourses on rotational land ELS, OELS & UELS		This option is intended for land adjacent to ditches, rivers or streams where it can intercept and remove sediment, organic material, nutrients and chemicals carried in run-off water. These buffer strips must not overlap with land within 2 m of the centre of a hedgerow. This option is only available on arable or rotational land that has been identified (and recorded on your FER) as at risk of soil erosion or run-off.
UX2/UOX2 – Upland grassland and arable requirements ELS, OELS & UELS	…You must comply with the following:	You must comply with the following: - Do not supplementary feed within 6 m of the top of a bank of a watercourse (as defined in the Glossary). - Do not apply any fertiliser, or boom spray herbicides, within 6 m of the top of a bank of a watercourse. Selective control of weeds is permitted using weed wipers and/or spot treatment. This requirement must not overlap within 1 m of the top of the bank of a watercourse and, within Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs), any NVZ requirements. The spreading of organic manures within 10 m of surface water is already restricted within the NVZ Action Programme and the Code of Good Agricultural Practice, see Appendix 2 for details. …Retain existing areas of native scrub (except on archaeological features) by: -no supplementary feeding within or adjoining these areas; -no application of fertilisers or manures within these areas; and -no application of herbicides and pesticides except for the spot treatment of weeds.
UL21/UOL21 – No cutting strip within meadows ELS, OELS & UELS		This option is designed to improve habitats for small mammals, invertebrates and birds in meadows by leaving uncut areas. These can be strips against boundaries, awkward field corners, or infield areas such as damp hollows as these are key habitats for nesting and foraging wading birds. These uncut areas must be located in fields that are mown each year. They must not overlap with a public right of way.
HR4 Supplement for control of invasive plant species HLS		This supplement cannot be used for controlling weeds listed in the Weeds Act 1959, for the control of bracken or gorse (for which there are other specific options) or where it must comply with other domestic legislation.