Guidance

Rural payments: land use codes 2023

What land use codes to use in 2023 when declaring land in a rural payments application such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and Countryside Stewardship (CS).

Applies to England

When farmers apply for a rural payment scheme, they must use the codes on this page to declare what they use their land for.

To search the lists on this page, click ‘CTRL’ and ‘F’ and type in the term or code you’re looking for.

There are codes for:

  • agricultural land
  • non-agricultural land
  • Countryside Stewardship options with multiple crops

There are also some codes you must not use for BPS.

Read more about BPS 2023.

Agricultural land

Land use codes for agricultural land are given below for:

Permanent grassland and permanent grassland buffer strips

Land use Code Description
Permanent grassland PG01 All land you are planning to count as permanent grassland for BPS. You can include strips and margins of permanent grassland under the main land use of the parcel and they do not need to be separately identified.

Permanent crops

Land use Code Description
Permanent crops other than nursery crops and short rotation coppice TC01 Permanent crops are crops that occupy the land for 5 years or more (other than permanent grassland) and nursery crops and provide repeated harvests. They include nursery crops short rotation (code NU01) and short rotation coppice (code SR01).

Multi-annual/perennial crops include:

Almonds
Apples
Apricots
Artichoke
Asparagus
Avocados
Bilberries
Blackberries
Blueberries
Cherries
Chestnuts
Citrus fruit
Cranberries
Currants
English Chamomile
Figs
Gooseberries
Grapes
Guavas
Hazelnuts
Hops
Hyssop
Lavender
Loganberries
Macadamia nuts
Mangos
Mangosteens
Melissa
Mint
Miscanthus
Mulberries
Papayas and Locust beans
Peaches
Pears
Pecans
Pineapples
Pine nuts
Pistachios
Plantains
Plums
Raspberries
Reed canary grass
Rhubarb
Rosemary
Sloes and Quinces
Walnuts
Yarrow

Other fruits under the genus ‘Vaccinium’ are also permanent crops

Includes flower crops such as:

Agrinomy
Autumn Hawk-bit
Betony
Bladder Campion
Bluebell
Bulbous Buttercup
Cats Ear
Clustered Bellflower
Coltsfoot
Common Daisy
Common Mallow
Common Sorrel
Cowslip
Creeping Buttercup
Dandelion
Devils-bit Scabious
Drop wort
Field Scabious
Garlic Mustard
Great Burnet
Greater Hawk-bit
Greater Knapweed
Greater Mullein
Heartsease
Hedge Woundwort
Hoary Plantain
Kidney Vetch
Lady’s Bed Straw
Lawn Chamomile
Lesser Knapweed
Meadow Buttercup
Meadow Cranesbill
Meadow Vetchling
Meadowsweet
Musk Mallow
Nettle Leaved Bellflower
Ox-Eye Daisy
Purple Loosestrife
Purple Toadflax
Ragged Robin
Red Campion
Ribwort Plantain
Salad Burnet
Self Heal
Small Scabious
St. John’s Wort
Vipers Bugloss
Water Avens
White Campion
Wild Angelica
Wild Garlic
Wild Primrose
Wood Avens
Yellow Flag Iris
Yellow Toad Flax
Nursery crops NU01 Nursery crops are areas of young woody plants grown in the open air, on soil in greenhouses, or under polytunnels for later transplantation.

They include:

Vine and root stock nurseries
Fruit tree and berry nurseries
Ornamental nurseries
Mixed nurseries of forest trees (except those for the holding’s own requirements grown in woodland)
Nurseries of trees and bushes for planting in gardens, parks, at the road side and on embankments

Nursery crops do not include Christmas trees unless they are grown in nurseries for later transplantation.
Short rotation coppice SR01 Short rotation coppice includes areas planted with tree species that consist of woody, perennial crops, the rootstock or stools remaining in the ground after harvesting, with new shoots emerging in the following season. The initial tree planting must have been planted after the year 2000 .

The eligible species for short rotation coppice are:

Alder (Alnus)
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
Birch (Betula)
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Hornbeam (Carpinus spp)
Lime (Tilia cordata)
Poplar (Populus spp)
Sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
Willow (Salix spp)

Arable land: temporary grassland, fallow land, and arable buffer strips

Land use Code Description
Temporary grassland TG01 All land you are planning to count as temporary grassland for BPS. You can include the areas of strips and margins of temporary grassland under the land use code you are using for the main land use of the parcel and they don’t need to be separately identified.
Land lying fallow FA01 All land you are planning to count as fallow land for BPS.

Wild bird mixes can be coded under a number of different land use codes, as long as in your individual example matches the criteria, for example:

a) as a mixed crop if there is an area where a seed mixture is sown, it doesn’t matter what crops are included in the mix.

b) as fallow land when it is land which has no crop production or grazing on it, but is maintained in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation.

These must be an un-harvestable mix of at least 2 crops that support wildlife and pollinators (advisers from the ‘Championing the Farmed Environment’ can help farmers choose). Wild-bird seed mixes should be an area with a balanced combination of small-seed bearing crops, for example Barley, Triticale, Kale, Quinoa, Linseed, Millet, Mustard, Fodder radish, Sunflower. This will benefit over-wintering birds.

Pollen sources and nectar sources should be in an area with a mixture of nectar-rich plants, for example Red clover, Alsike clover, Bird’s foot trefoil, Sainfoin, Musk mallow or Common knapweed. This will benefit nectar feeding insects like butterflies and bumble bees.

Arable land: arable crops

Land use Genus Species Code Description
Aster (Chinese) Callistephus - AC97 -
Aubergine-type arable crop Solanaceae Solanum melongena AC46 Includes Aubergine and Eggplant
Banana squash- type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucurbita maxim AC53 Includes Banana squash and Buttercup squash
Barley (spring)- type arable crop Hordeum Spring variety AC01 Includes
Feed barley,
Malting barley,
Two row barley,
Six row barley
Barley (winter)- type arable crop Hordeum Winter variety AC63 Includes
Feed barley, Malting barley, Two row barley, Six row barley
Basil-type arable crop Ocimum - AC02 Includes all Basils
Beet-type arable crop Beta - AC03 Includes
Beetroot,
Chard,
Field beet,
Fodder beet,
Mangolds,
Redbeet,
Sugar beet
Borage-type arable crop Borago - AC04 Includes Borage
Brown mustard- type arable crop Brassicaceae Sinapsis alba AC37 Includes Brown mustard; Use AC38 for White or Yellow mustard
Buckwheat-type arable crop Fagopyrum - AC05 Includes Buckwheat
Butternut squash-type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucurbita moschata AC54 Includes Butternut squash, Cheese pumpkin
Cabbage (spring)-type arable crop Brassicaceae Brassica oleracea - spring variety AC34 Includes Broccoli,
Brussels sprouts,
Cabbages,
Calabrese,
Cauliflower,
Chinese kale,
Kale,
Kohlrabi,
Red cabbage,
Savoy cabbage,
White cabbage
Cabbage (winter)-type arable crop Brassicaceae Brassica oleracea - winter variety AC70 Includes Broccoli,
Brussels sprouts,
Cabbages,
Calabrese,
Cauliflower,
Chinese kale,
Kale,
Kohlrabi,
Red cabbage,
Savoy cabbage,
White cabbage
Camelina-type arable crop Camelina - AC73 Includes Camelina,
gold-of-pleasure,
false flax
Canary seed-type arable crop Phalaris - AC06 Includes Canary seed
Carrot-type arable crop Daucus - AC07 Includes Carrot
Celery-type arable crop Apium - AC08 Includes Celeriac,
Celery
Chicory-type arable crop Chichorium - AC09 Includes Chicory,
Endive,
Italian chicory,
Radiccio
Chilli-type arable crop Solanaceae Capsicum baccatum AC48 Includes chilli peppers
Coriander-type arable crop Coriandrum - AC71 Includes Coriander
Corn chamomile- type arable crop Anthemis arvensis - AC77 Includes Corn chamomile
Corn cockle-type arable crop Agrostemma - AC78 Includes Corn cockle
Corn flower-type arable crop Centaurea - AC79 Includes Corn flower
Corn gromwell- type arable crop Buglossoides (also known as Lithospermum) - AC72 Includes Corn gromwell
Corn marigold- type arable crop - - AC80 Includes Corn marigold
Crambe-type arable crop Brassicaceae Crambe maritima AC39 Includes Crambe,
Seakale
Cress-type arable crop (excluding Watercress) Brassicaceae Lepidium sativu AC89 Includes Garden Cress. Use CW01 for Watercress
Cucumber-type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucumis sativus AC56 Includes Cucumber
Daffodil-type arable crop Narcissus - AC10 Includes all daffodils
Dill-type arable crop Anethum - AC11 Includes Dill
Echium Boraginacae - AC91 -
Evening primrose-type arable crop Oenothera - AC12 Includes Evening primrose
Fennel-type arable crop Foeniculum - AC13 Includes Fennel
Field forget-me- not-type arable crop Myosotis - AC82 Includes Forget-me-not
Fox-glove-type arable crop Digitalis - AC83 Includes Fox-glove
German chamomile-type arable crop Matricaria - AC76 Includes Chamomile,
German Chamomile,
Hungarian Chamomile,
Kamilla,
Wild Chamomile,
Scentless Mayweed
Gladioli Glasiolus - AC90 -
Hay rattle-type arable crop Rhinanthus - AC84 Includes Hay-rattle
Hedge bedstraw- type arable crop Galium - AC85 Includes Hedge bedstraw
Hemp-type arable crop Cannabis - AC14 Includes Hemp
Horseradish-type arable crop Brassicaceae Armoracia rusticana AC42 Includes Horseradish (Cochlearia armoracia)
Japanese pie squash-type arable crop Cucurbitaceae Cucurbita argyrosperma AC51 Includes Japanese pie squash
Larkspur Consolida - AC98 -
Lettuce-type arable crop Lactuca - AC15 Includes Butterhead lettuce,
Cos lettuce,
Iceberg lettuce,
Lettuce,
Romaine lettuce
Linseed (spring)- type arable crop Linum Spring variety AC16 Includes Flax,
Linseed
Linseed (winter)- type arable crop Linum Winter variety AC64 Includes Flax,
Linseed
Maize-type arable crop Zea - AC17 Includes Corn, Maize, Sweetcorn
Melon-type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucumis melo AC57 Includes Melons other than Water melon
Millet-type arable crop Echinochloa - AC18 Includes Millet
Mixed arable crop - group 1 Variable Variable AC58 Mixed arable crop - you can mark up to 5 different mixed crops on your land as different crops.
Mixed crop - group 2 Variable Variable AC59 description as crop group 1
Mixed crop - group 3 Variable Variable AC60 description as crop group 1
Mixed crop - group 4 Variable Variable AC61 description as crop group 1
Mixed crop - group 5 Variable Variable AC62 description as crop group 1
Mustard-type arable crop Brassicaceae Sinapsis alba AC38 Includes White or Yellow mustard; use AC37 for Brown mustard
Nigella Nigella - AC99 -
Oats (spring)- type arable crop Avena Spring variety AC19 Includes
Feed oats,
Naked oats,
Porridge oats,
Quaking oats
Oats (winter)- type arable crop Avena Winter variety AC65 Includes
Feed oats,
Naked oats,
Porridge oats,
Quaking oats
Oca-type arable crop Oxalis - AC75 Includes Oca,
New Zealand Yam
Oilseed (spring)- type arable crop Brassicaceae Brassica napus (spring variety) AC36 Includes
Industrial rape,
Oilseed rape,
Swede
Oilseed (winter)- type arable crop Brassicaceae Brassica napus (winter variety) AC67 Includes
Industrial rape,
Oilseed rape,
Swede
Onion-type arable crop Ilium - AC20 Includes
Chives,
Garlic,
Onions,
Leeks,
Scallions,
Shallot,
Spring Onions
Oregano-type arable crop Origanum - AC21 Includes
Oregano,
Marjoram
Parsley-type arable crop Petroselinum - AC22 Includes All Parsleys
Parsnip-type arable crop Pastinaca - AC23 Includes Parsnips
Pepper-type arable crop Solanaceae Capsicum annuum AC47 Includes
Bell pepper,
Chilli pepper
Phacelia-type arable crop Phacelia - AC74 Includes Phacelia
Poppy-type arable crop Papaver - AC81 Includes Poppy and Corn poppy
Potato-type arable crop Solanaceae Solanum tuberosum AC44 Includes
Early potato,
Maincrop potato,
Seed potato; use AC28 for Sweet potato
Quinoa-type arable crop Chenopodium quinoa - AC87 Includes Quinoa
Radish-type arable crop Brassicaceae Raphanus sativus AC41 Includes Radish
Rocket-type arable crop Brassicaceae Eruca sativa AC40 Includes Rocket
Rye (spring)-type arable crop Secale Spring variety AC24 Includes Rye (spring)
Rye (winter)-type arable crop Secale Winter variety AC68 Includes Rye (winter)
Rygrass (Italian)
(Solanum sisymbriifolium)
Lolium - AC100 -
Sage-type arable crop Salvia - AC25 Includes
Clary sage,
Sages
Siam pumpkin- type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucurbita ficifolia AC52 Includes
Siam pumpkin,
Seven year melon
Sorghum Sorghum - AC92 -
Spelt Wheat Triticum Spelta - AC96 If you are applying online use Samphire AC96.
Spinach-type arable crop Spinacia - AC26 Includes Spinach
Squash-type arable crop Cucurbitacae Cucurbita pepo AC50 Includes
Pumpkins,
Squashes,
Marrows,
Zucchini,
Courgettes
Strawberry-type arable crop Fragaria - AC27 Includes Strawberry
Sticky Nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) Solanum - AC93 -
Sunflower-type arable crop Halianthus - AC88 Includes Sunflower
Sweet potato- type arable crop Ipomoea - AC28 Includes Sweet potato; use AC44 for Potato
Sweet William Dianthus - AC94 -
Teasel-type arable crop Dipsacus - AC86 Includes Teasel
Thyme-type arable crop Thymus - AC29 Includes all thymes
Tobacco-type arable crop Solanaceae Nicotiana tabacum AC43 Includes Tobacco
Tomato-type arable crop Solanaceae Solanum lycopersicum AC45 Includes Tomato
Tree chilli-type arable crop Solanaceae Capsicum pubescens AC49 Includes Tree chilli
Triticale (spring)- type arable crop - Spring variety AC30 Includes Triticale (spring)
Triticale (winter)- type arable crop - Winter variety AC69 Includes Triticale (winter)
Tulip-type arable crop Tulipa - AC31 Includes all tulips
Turnip-type arable crop Brassicaceae Brassica rapa AC35 Includes
Bok choi,
Chinese cabbage (Pak choi),
Turnip,
Turnip rape
Wallflower Erysimum - AC95 -
Water melon- type arable crop Cucurbitacae Citrullus lanatus AC55 Includes Water melon
Watercress – arable crop under water Brassicaceae Nasturtium officinale CW01 Includes Watercress
Wheat (spring)- type arable crop Triticum Spring variety AC32 Includes
Biscuit wheat,
Common or Bread wheat,
Durum wheat,
Einkorn,
Feed wheat,
Red wheat
Wheat (winter) - type arable crop Triticum Winter variety AC66 Includes
Biscuit wheat,
Common or Bread wheat,
Durum wheat,
Einkorn,
Feed wheat,
Red wheat
Yam-type arable crop Dioscorea - AC33 Includes Yam

Arable land: leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crops

Land use Genus Species Code Description
Bird’s foot trefoil-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Lotus - LG10 Includes Bird’s foot trefoil
Chickpea-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Cicer - LG01 Includes Chickpea.
Clover-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Trifolium - LG14 Includes clovers and some trefoil.
Cowpea-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Vigna - LG09 Includes
Black eye peas,
Cowpeas.
Fenugreek-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Trigonella - LG02 Includes Fenugreek.
Field beans (spring)-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Vicia Spring variety LG03 Includes
Broad beans,
Field beans,
Vetch.
Field beans (winter)-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Vicia Winter variety LG20 Includes
Broad beans,
Field beans,
Vetch.
Green beans-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Phaseolus - LG04 Includes
French beans,
Green beans,
Haricot beans,
Runner beans.
Lentil-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Lens - LG05 Includes Lentils.
Lucerne-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Medicago - LG11 Includes
Lucerne (Alfalfa),
Black medic .
Lupin-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Lupinus - LG06 Includes Lupin..
Mixed crop Predominant Variable Variable LG15 Mixed crop, the leguminous crops are predominant. You can mark up to 5 different mixed crops made up of a legumes predominant mix on your land. Please note, these land use codes will show as ‘leguminous only’ on the online system.

Mixed crop Predominant Variable Variable LG16 description as Mixed crop Predominant
Mixed crop Predominant Variable Variable LG17 description as Mixed crop Predominant
Mixed crop Predominant Variable Variable LG18 description as Mixed crop Predominant
Mixed crop Predominant Variable Variable LG19 description as Mixed crop Predominant
Pea (spring)- type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Pisum Spring variety LG07 Includes
Feed pea,
Mange tout,
Marrow fat pea,
Snap pea,
Snow pea,
Vining pea.
Pea (winter)- type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Pisum Winter variety LG21 Includes
Feed pea,
Mange tout,
Marrow fat pea,
Snap pea,
Snow pea,
Vining pea.
Sainfoin-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop - - LG13 Includes sainfoin.
Soya-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Glycine - LG08 Includes
Soya bean,
Soybean.
Sweet clover-type leguminous and nitrogen-fixing crop Melilotus - LG12 Includes sweet clover.

Dual use

If you are in a ‘dual use’ situation with another BPS applicant – the other applicant has the land at their disposal for BPS and you have the same area of land under your management control for an agri-environment or woodland scheme agreement - you must agree the land-use code for the land parcel with the other claimant to make sure it is compatible with both BPS and CS / ES agreements. Once this is agreed, the land-use code should not be changed unless you both agree with the change.

Then, you need to do one of the following if you are:

  • Claiming BPS on the land parcel: claim on the land parcel. The person who is not claiming BPS on the land parcel, but applying for BPS on other land, should make sure that they do not activate the land parcel for payment. If they apply online, use the ‘activate less BPS area’ screen to show the ‘eligible area’ as 0.0000. If they apply on paper, declare the area in column C8 as 0.00ha.

  • Claiming Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship and someone else is claiming BPS on the same area: if you are claiming BPS on other land parcels and applying online, use the ‘activate less BPS area’ screen so you do not activate the land parcel for payment on your BPS application. Or, if you are applying on paper, declare the area in column C8 as 0.00ha.

Agricultural land under agri-environment schemes

If you have agricultural land which is under your management control for a Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship agreement, and at your disposal for BPS, use the appropriate codes to tell us about this land.

If you have agricultural land which is under your management control for a Countryside Stewardship or Environmental Stewardship agreement and is not at your disposal for BPS, read the information above about ‘Dual use’.

Non-agricultural land

Non-agricultural areas and features on otherwise eligible land

You can tell us about non-agricultural areas and features on agricultural land using land use codes.

You also need to tell us about these features on any non-agricultural land you have that is eligible for BPS – read the ‘Non-agricultural land under certain agri-environment or woodland scheme agreements’ below for more information.

Declare BPS permanent non-agricultural areas or features using the land use codes below.

If you haven’t already told us about any permanent non-agricultural areas or features, fill in an RLE1 form and send it to us together with a sketch map. If you’ve already told us, but we haven’t mapped it yet – you don’t have to tell us again. If you are in any doubt about the permanence of a feature, you are advised to fill in an RLE1 form and send it to us together with a sketch map.

Land use Code Description
Non-agricultural area or feature which is temporary and likely to change over time (ineligible area) NA02 An area of land which is normally agricultural but the intensity, nature, duration, and timing of non-agricultural activity significantly interferes with agricultural activity.

Examples:

- an area which is taken out of agricultural use due to temporary utility or transport works but will later revert to land that is used primarily for agricultural activity.

- Compost or muck heaps that are in place for less than 3 years and not stored in the land parcel on which they are to be used, or the amount stored is not appropriate for that land parcel. Heaps that are in the same place for 3 years or more should always be treated as permanent non-agricultural features.

- An area used for turf production for fuel for less than 3 years. Areas used for turf production for fuel for 3 years or more should always be treated as permanent non-agricultural features.

- Machinery (on grass or bare soil) if it has been stored in the same place for more than a year but less than 3 years. Machinery stored for 3 years or more should always be treated as a permanent non-agricultural feature.

- An area used for peat production for less than 3 years. Areas used for peat production for 3 years or more should always be treated as permanent non-agricultural features.

- an area in which the non-agricultural activities referred to in the BPS: scheme rules for 2023 occur on the land for more than 28 days in the calendar year.
Airstrip/airports MT05 Airstrip – a stretch of land which has been cleared so that light aircraft can take off and land. The area is defined by the edges of the landing strip.

Grass air strips which are only used for part of the year on land which is normally agricultural should be declared as agricultural land.

Airport – an area of land where aircraft land and take off and which provides facilities for handling passengers, air freight and servicing aircraft.
Non-utilised Bank PL01 This code should only be used for banks which are inaccessible or not protected under cross compliance.

A bank is a raised linear feature that is artificially constructed and predominantly made up of earth. A bank can have a vegetated, bare earth or stone surface.
Bog IW07 An area of land that is normally waterlogged throughout the year and consists of spongy moss and peat. Bogs most often occur in low lying flat areas with poor drainage, and in upland areas of high rainfall.
Boulders RO03 An area of large, rounded rocks that are weathered or water-worn and have a diameter that is greater than 0.2 metres.
Bracken, heather and heathland HE02 Bracken - this code should only be used for an area of bracken which is not kept in a state suitable for grazing or is in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant.

Grazeable bracken in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

Bracken is an area covered predominantly by a type of fern (Pteridium aquilinum) found together with other species in heathland or hill sides. See also ‘Scattered bracken or heather’.

Heather - this code should only be used for an area of heather which is not kept in a state suitable for grazing.

Grazeable heather should be coded as permanent grassland.

Heather is an area covered predominantly by common heather and various species of the Cassiope or Erica genus. See also ‘Scattered bracken or heather’.
Cliff CF01 A feature representing a steep rock face, most commonly occurring where the land meets the sea. Cliffs may be semi-natural, in the case of disused mineral workings, or manmade in the case of rock faces resulting from construction activity.
Farm building AB01 A building used for livestock husbandry, cultivation or the storage of crops, feed and machinery, and associated residences, i.e. farmhouses.
Farmyard AB09 The open ground, generally of hard standing or compacted earth, surrounding farm buildings.
Fen, marsh and swamp IW06 An area of low and flat waterlogged land.
Gallop NT01 A track with a grass or manmade surface that is used for horses to gallop on when being trained for horse racing. Grass gallops can exceptionally be considered part of the agricultural area of a land parcel but only if the applicant can prove that the non-agricultural activity does not significantly interfere with agricultural activity.
General Utility UT06 A type of permanent infrastructure on land that is not covered by other utility classifications. Examples include water tanks and butts.
Glasshouse, including polytunnels AB06 This code should be used for glasshouses on a hard standing. For BPS, also use this code if the glasshouse is being used to grow ineligible crops.

A horticultural building constructed largely of glass, which is on a hard standing or used to grow ineligible crops.

The area of a glasshouse that is on a natural surface and is being used to grow eligible crops should be declared using the land use of the eligible crops.
Golf course RL04 Bunkers, greens, fairways and areas of rough that are part of the playing course. Includes putting greens and driving ranges.

Golf courses can exceptionally be considered part of the agricultural area of a land parcel but only if the applicant can prove that the non-agricultural activity does not significantly interfere with agricultural activity.
Hard standing HS01 A manmade, open ground surface built using aggregate, concrete-type construction materials.
Heap HE03 A permanent pile of farm produce or refuse, for example straw, manure, compost, hay or silage. A heap is permanent if it has been kept at the same location for 3 years or more.
Intertidal habitats MW04 An area of sand or mud uncovered at low tide.
Mineral extraction site MS04 A site used for mineral extraction. Includes both currently operational and disused sites.
Peat production CM01 This code should only be used for an area of land which is permanently used for peat production. An area of land is permanently used for peat production if the production has taken (or will take) place for 3 years or more.

Peat production is an area of land used for peat extraction.
Pond WF03 An area of fresh water, often artificially constructed, which is smaller than a lake. Includes artificially created scrapes which are winter feeding areas for wading birds.
Railway MT04 Steel bar or continuous line of bars laid on the ground, usually forming a track used for the movement of trains.
Reed bed MW03 This code should only be used for reed beds which are not kept in a state suitable for grazing or are in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant.

Grazeable reed beds in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

A reed bed is an area of tall, stiff marsh or water grass of various kinds.
Residential dwelling, house NR01 Residential dwellings, including domestic outbuildings.
Residential garden WO17 A garden making up part of a residential dwelling.
Road MT03 A metalled or surfaced way that is clearly marked, permanent and forms part of a wider road network with, for example, road markings, road names or road numbers.
Rocky outcrop RO04 A protrusion of rocks above the ground in a conspicuous form.
Sand dunes CF03 An area of sand dunes (ridges of sand created by the wind).
Saline habitats MW05 A coastal area with a sodium chloride content of at least 0.5%.
Salt marsh MW01 This code should only be used for salt marshes which are not kept in a state suitable for grazing or are in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant.

Grazeable salt marsh in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

Salt marsh is an area of coastal grassland which is frequently inundated by the sea.
Scattered bracken or heather NF02 Scattered bracken - areas of bracken which are scattered in a land parcel, are not kept in a state suitable for grazing or are in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant.

Scattered bracken which is grazeable and in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

Scattered heather - areas of heather which are scattered in a land parcel and are not kept in a state suitable for grazing.

Scattered heather which is grazeable should be coded as permanent grassland.

This code should be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scattered features - mixed NF08 This code can be used for a combination of more than one type of the scattered features described in this table.

This code should only be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scattered manmade features NF07 Any manmade features which are scattered in a land parcel.

This code should be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together – have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as notional features.
Scattered natural features NF06 Natural features that are scattered in a land parcel, are not kept in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation, are not protected under cross compliance, and are not included under any other land use codes.

This code should only be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scattered rock NF01 Any naturally occurring scattered elements of a rocky nature. Includes small outcrops, areas of shingle or scree, small boulders, etc.

This code should only be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scattered scrub NF03 This code should only be used for patches of scrub which are scattered in a land parcel and are not kept in a state suitable for grazing or are in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant.

Includes patches of scrub which are too dense to be grazed.

Scattered scrub which is grazeable and in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

This code should only be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scattered water features NF05 Any naturally occurring scattered elements of a watery nature. Includes small ponds, springs, etc.

This code should only be used only for scattered features within a land parcel which are too small to map individually but which – when added together - have a combined area of 0.01 ha or greater.

Scattered features are also referred to as ‘notional features’.
Scree RO02 A mass of loose stones on the side of a steep rock face.
Scrub WO25 This code should only be used for scrub which is not kept in a state suitable for grazing or is in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage are not predominant. Includes scrub which is too dense to be grazed.

Grazeable scrub in an area where grasses and other herbaceous forage remain predominant should be coded as permanent grassland.

Scrub is an area of shrubs and bushes, including Rhododendrons, Gorse, Briar and Broom. See also ‘Scattered scrub’.
Shingle IW05 An area of small, rounded pebbles.
Stone wall BB01 This code should only be used for stone walls which are not protected under cross compliance.

Stone walls protected under cross compliance should be coded using the land use code for the main land use of the parcel.

A stone wall is a wall structure built with stones, traditionally with loose field stones and mortar.
Solar panels UT01 An area taken up by solar panels and solar panel arrays.

Land parcels which contain solar panels are ineligible for BPS. If the panels are concentrated in one end of a field, the rest of the land can be eligible if the 2 areas are registered as individual land parcels and separated by a permanent boundary.
Sports and recreation RL03 An area of land used for permanent sports and recreational activities.
Storage area SA02 An area of bare earth that is used for storage purposes. Includes storage of farm-related machinery, hay bales, etc.
Structure ST05 A manmade structure that is not described under any other land use code. Examples include animal shelters or polytunnels on a hard standing.
Tidal areas MW02 Tidal areas other than salt marshes.
Track - natural surface NT03 This code should only be used for a natural, unsurfaced track or path which is not used as part of the agricultural activity carried out on the land parcel or is part of a transport network entering and exiting the land parcel.

Natural paths and tracks which are used as part of the agricultural activity carried out on the land parcel and are not part of a transport network entering and exiting the land parcel should be coded using the land use code for the main land use of the parcel.
Manmade track (Metalled) MT01 A metalled or surfaced way that is clearly marked and permanent. Includes any manmade surface, such as areas of asphalt, concrete and gravel.
Turf production CM02 This code should only be used for a site which is permanently used for the production of turf for fuel. A site is permanently used for the production of turf for fuel if the production has taken (or will take) place for 3 years or more.

Turf for later replanting will be considered part of the agricultural area of the land parcel and should be coded as either permanent grassland or temporary grassland.

Turf production is a site used for the production of turf, a surface layer of earth containing a dense growth of grass and its roots.
Vegetated shingle CF02 An area of water-worn pebbles which supports growth of vegetation.
Watercourse - ditch, drain or dyke WF01 This code should only be used for a drain, ditch or dyke which is inside the land parcel and is not part of the parcel boundary.

A drain, ditch or dyke is an artificial channel used to carry excess water from low-lying areas.
Watercourse - river or stream (Rivers and Streams Type 2) IW02 This code should only be used for a river or stream which:

- is inside the land parcel and is not part of the parcel boundary.

- is less than 4 metres wide over the majority of its length.

A river or stream is a body of water flowing in a definite channel towards the sea, a lake or into another river.
Watercourse - river or stream (Rivers and Streams Type 3) IW03 This code should only be used for a river or stream which:

- is inside the land parcel and is not part of the parcel boundary

- is greater than, or equal to, 4 metres wide over the majority of its length

A river or stream is a body of water flowing in a definite channel towards the sea, a lake or into another river.
Water treatment works UT07 A site where water is treated and supplied.
Woodland WO12 An area of woodland preventing agricultural activity. Includes areas where the density of the trees prevents the growth of vegetative under-storey needed to support agricultural activity. Use this code for newly planted woodland that does not meet the BPS eligibility rules.

Non-agricultural land under certain agri-environment or woodland scheme agreements

Non-agricultural land used with entitlements to claim for SPS in 2008 and currently in certain options under an Rural Development Programme agreement, Countryside Stewardship agreement or the National Forest Changing Landscapes Scheme, the Woodland Carbon Fund or the HS2 Woodland Fund can still be eligible for BPS. Refer to the BPS: scheme rules for 2023 for further information.

For details on how to claim BPS on these land areas and the appropriate land use codes to use on your BPS application you should also read the Guidance on agri-environment agreements (CS and ES). For BPS or for woodland schemes, you should read Forestry Commission guidance ON42. The guidance will also provide details about the appropriate land cover for these areas and tell you if you need to submit an RLE1 and sketch map to change the land cover.

Other non-agricultural land under these schemes that was not used with entitlements to claim for SPS in 2008 is not eligible for BPS. However, if you apply for BPS, you still need to enter it on your application using the appropriate non-agricultural land use code as cross compliance applies to this land

Code Land use
RD01 Non-agricultural land, for example woodland creation maintenance, that was used with entitlements to claim for SPS in 2008 and is at your disposal, remains eligible for BPS because it is under a suitable agri-environment or woodland agreement, including the National Forest Changing Landscape Scheme, the Woodland Carbon Fund or the HS2 Woodland Fund.

Codes you must not use

There are some land use codes which appear in the Rural Payments service which you should not use in your BPS application.

The table below shows which codes not to use, and which to use instead.

Code What code to use instead
AB03 - Animal shelter on bare soil You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
AS01 – Archaeological site Use the code which best describes the land which the archaeological site is on.
BF01 - Stone wall protected under cross compliance You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
BF02 - Hedge protected under cross compliance You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
BF08 - Bank You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
BF16 - Fence You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
BF11 - Half Hedge Greening code no longer in use
BF12 - Adjacent hedge Greening code no longer in use
BF15 - Buffer strip Greening code no longer in use
CA01 - Catch Crop Greening code no longer in use
CA02 - Cover Crop Greening code no longer in use
ES01 - Real estate services This code does not relate to land and is for RPA use only.
IW01 - Rivers and streams less than 4 metres in width and forming part of a boundary (type 1) You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
IW11 - Drain/Ditch/Dyke less than 4 metres in width and forming part of a boundary You don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in.
NF04 - Scattered trees If the area with scattered trees in is eligible, you don’t need to declare it as a separate ‘land use’ with its own land use code. Instead, include its area within the main land use of the parcel it is in. If the area with scattered trees in is ineligible, use the code ‘WO12 – Ineligible woodland’.
PL02 If the area is eligible, use one of the following:
FA01 – Fallow

PG01 - Permanent Grassland

If the area is ineligible, use the relevant code from the ‘Ineligible areas and features on otherwise eligible land’ list above.

Codes for Countryside Stewardship options with multiple crops

Countryside Stewardship option Description Code(s) to use for BPS
AB1 Nectar flower mix Record as per rest of field cropping
AB3 Beetle banks Record as per rest of field cropping
AB4 Skylark plots Record as per rest of field cropping
AB5 Nesting plots for lapwing and stone curlew FA01
AB6 Enhanced overwinter stubble FA01
AB8 Flower rich margins and plots Record as per rest of field cropping
AB9 Winter bird food AC58 to AC62 or FA01
AB11 Cultivated areas for arable plants FA01
AB15 Two year sown legume fallow TG01 for years not in arable cropping
AB16 Autumn sown bumblebird mix AC58 to AC62 in the years when the mix is established
WD3 Woodland edges on arable land Record as per rest of field cropping
HS2 Take historic and archaeological features out of cultivation TG01 and then PG01 after 5 years
SW1 4 to 6 metre buffer strip on cultivated land Record as per rest of field cropping
OP2 Organic wild bird seed mixture AC58 to AC62
SW3 In-field grass strips Record as per rest of field cropping
SW4 12 to 24 metre watercourse buffer strips on cultivated land Record as per rest of cropping
SW6 Winter cover crops As per the rest of the field cropping during the period 1 May to 30 June
WT2 Buffering in-field ponds and ditches on arable land Record as per rest of cropping

Updates to this page

Published 11 January 2023

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