Ministerial foreword

Bringing you this document is truly a landmark moment for Welsh agriculture.

What you’re reading, our Sustainable Farming Scheme, supports farmers in Wales to produce world class, high-quality, food whilst caring for the environment, tackling and adapting to climate change and building resilience for those who will work and care for this precious land in the years to come. 

Our ambition is to see a thriving and confident agriculture sector in Wales, that is built around innovation and growth, to rise to the challenges we face and make most of the opportunities available.

This document is the product of collaboration. We have listened to a range of views and brought forward something we believe works for you, the agricultural industry and meets the needs of everyone in Wales.

We would like to thank those who responded to consultations and attended meetings across the length and breadth of Wales. We are grateful to all members of the Ministerial Roundtable and supporting Working Groups for their input, and to farmers who have hosted Ministers and officials on their farms. 

We’ve listened, and we’ll continue to listen as we evolve and strengthen this scheme in the coming years. 

We recognise no two farms are the same, so we’ve worked hard to ensure the scheme is accessible and available to all. It offers flexibility to accommodate different farming types and systems and is truly accessible to tenant farmers and to new and young entrants that have access to land.

You’ll see from this document that we’ve reduced the complexity of the scheme by reducing the number of Universal Actions. We’ve also listened and revised our position on trees and in a number of other areas to make sure the actions are achievable by all. 

Change is never easy and often daunting. This scheme is a big change from the existing Basic Payment Scheme, but it is a change we believe will be good for farming, for food production and for the environment. 

We hope the majority of farmers join the scheme. We firmly believe it will provide stability whilst helping farm businesses to be more resilient and productive by improving soil health, animal health and welfare, managing pests on your land and developing new skills and knowledge on a range of subjects to support your business.

The people of Wales value farmers and farming communities, that’s clear to see.

They understand the role farmers play in nurturing and protecting the land and the Welsh language, putting high-quality, world-renowned food on our tables while working to protect and restore the fragile habitats that exist here in this beautiful country.

But we know more needs to be done. Extreme wet weather and higher risk of drought, which are impacting on you as farmers, are signs that the climate and nature emergencies are already here. 

The people of Wales want to know that the money that we’re investing in the future of Welsh agriculture is bringing the benefits they want to see. They want us to back Welsh farming, and they also want to see soils protected, water quality in our rivers improved, access to the countryside maintained and nature supported to thrive.

With this in mind, the scheme represents a new agreement between the people of Wales and our farmers and landowners. 

This is not just a scheme for farmers, this is a scheme for the whole of Wales - A whole farm, whole nation approach.

These are challenging times for rural communities where farming is not solely a livelihood, it is a way of life. 

The scheme will support a thriving, productive, sustainable farming industry in Wales to underpin these communities. 

Investing in our soils and rivers, in the health of our livestock, and in our habitats and woodlands is all part of facilitating our future food producing capacity. The scheme is designed to build the resilience of farming, climate and nature, together. 

The Universal Layer, along with the Optional and Collaborative Actions, will support farmers to do more for their business; improving productivity, efficiency and putting them in a stronger proposition to face increasing consumer demands. This is alongside doing more for nature and our countryside.

Our intention is for the Universal Layer in 2026 to have the same level of funding as BPS this year. We are making this significant investment to provide stability for farmers so you can produce food sustainably and to support continued innovation and progression within the industry. 

We firmly believe in this scheme. 

What you see before you is a government supporting the future of farming and food production, doing it in a way which will help you to tackle and adapt to the impacts of climate change, improve the environment and protect our countryside for generations to come.

Executive summary

This document includes a description of the Sustainable Farming Scheme which will begin on 1 January 2026. This is not a consultation. This document lays out the scheme requirements and intended payment rates, so you know what is required if you choose to enter the Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026. 

This is the start of a new long-term programme to support the agricultural industry in Wales. The Sustainable Farming Scheme has been designed to support farmers in the ongoing sustainable production of food, at the same time as addressing the climate and nature emergency. This is crucial to protect our future food producing capacity.   

We have been asked to provide the detail of the scheme, so this is a long document. While it is beneficial for you to understand the whole structure of the scheme, there may be some elements which do not apply to you so you may choose not to read some sections.   

In our opening chapter we summarise the background behind the design of the scheme. We confirm the overall structure of the scheme including the Universal, Optional and Collaborative Layers underpinned by a set of scheme requirements. We have summarised some of the changes we have made through the process of scheme design in partnership with the agricultural industry.  

In Chapter 2 we confirm the eligibility criteria for those who wish to join the scheme, and the land that can be included in the eligible area of the scheme. 

In Chapter 3 we confirm the scheme requirements which underpin the scheme. This includes the SFS Regulatory Baseline made up of a set of existing regulations most of you will be familiar with. The scheme requirements also include a ‘Universal Code’ which is a framework of non-regulatory requirements designed to protect soils, biodiversity, trees, and landscape features. There is a scheme requirement to have habitat making up at least 10% of every farm, and for every farm to undertake a farm level carbon baseline. 

Chapter 4 contains the detail of the 12 Universal Actions each farm business will be asked to meet. For every action we have included a description of the intended benefits, the specific activities you are asked to undertake, and information on deadlines and the evidence required to prove each action has been delivered. There is no choice in the Universal Actions you are asked to complete, however there are some actions which do not apply to every farm.   

Chapters 5 and 6 introduce the voluntary Optional and Collaborative Layers of the scheme. There will be a broad range of actions you can choose from, and they have been grouped into a series of themes to explain the reason for including them.   

Chapter 7 outlines the support we will be providing for common land both to individual graziers, and to groups of graziers as a collaborative action. If you do not use, or hold rights on common land, you may choose not to read this chapter.

Chapter 8 outlines the payment structure and payment rates available for the Universal Layer of the scheme. Payments for the Optional and Collaborative Layers of the scheme will be published with the application process. 

The administration of the scheme is laid out in Chapter 9. The includes registration and application via RPW Online, and the validation, payment and appeals processes. 

Chapter 10 contains a description of how Welsh Government will monitor and evaluate the overall impact of the scheme. This chapter does not contain any information you need to be aware of to participate within the scheme, so you may choose not to read it. 

Chapter 11 contains the information you need if you choose to claim the Basic Payment Scheme in 2026 instead of joining the SFS. This includes detail of how BPS will be tapered through the transition period.   

Chapter 12 describes the additional legislation needed to allow the Welsh Government to administer the scheme. This chapter does not contain any information you need to be aware of to participate within the scheme, so you may choose not to read it. 

This document also contains several technical annexes. These include a breakdown of additional technical details of some of the scheme requirements and individual Universal Actions.   

Chapter 1: introduction

This document provides you with the information you need to prepare for the start of Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026. It has been redesigned following our 2023 consultation, with input from the farming unions and other stakeholders. It has been designed to be accessible to all farmers. 

From 2026 you will have the choice to enter the Sustainable Farming Scheme or remain with the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) which will be phased out by 2029. 

Detailed scheme guidance will be published later in 2025 including the definitive technical notes setting out all the scheme requirements, scheme actions, and evidence required for the scheme. 

The Sustainable Farming Scheme, referred to as the ‘SFS’ or the ‘scheme’ for the remainder of this document, will be Welsh Government’s primary mechanism to support farmers, land management and sustainable food production from 2026 onwards. 

The SFS will begin on 1 January 2026 with the application available on the Single Application Form (SAF) via Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online from March until 15 May.   

The scheme is designed to support the production of safe, high-quality food in Wales. This is a vital part of our culture and shapes our identity. 

Our ambition to keep farmers farming and managing the land they know best is stronger than ever. We do not need to make a choice between producing food or protecting the environment, they are the same. Food production takes place within the environment and the environment provides the conditions and resources needed to produce food. 

These resources are however limited, and we need to start rebuilding them. 

We are already experiencing more intense seasonal patterns such as the exceptionally dry spring this year which has impacted forage and crop establishment. This seasonal disruption is becoming the norm, whether that be dry, wet or windy conditions, and many farmers see the need to adapt to protect livelihoods and those of future generations. 

To improve the sustainability of our food and farming systems, we need to improve sustainability from an economic, environmental, and social perspective. To improve sustainability means to support farms to become more resilient. More resilient farms can reduce their risks and recover quicker from environmental and economic disruption. 

For example, compacted soils with low levels of organic matter are not resilient. During prolonged dry conditions there is no organic matter to hold on to moisture so grass growth will be difficult to achieve. During prolonged wet conditions, the soil is unlikely to be able to absorb much water or regulate the flow of water. This is more likely to lead to flooding and the loss of soil – one of the most important resources on your farm. 

By improving soil structure and building levels of organic matter, your soils will be better able to absorb and manage water, and therefore your pasture will be more resilient, reducing reliance on bought in feed. For this reason, the first Universal Action in the scheme is to help you improve soil health – which begins with soil testing. This means that if you are not already testing, you can have a better understanding of your soils, and from there you can make informed decisions to improve soil health. This in turn underpins all our ambitions for food production, nature and climate.         

By improving the resilience of your soils, your habitats, the health of your livestock and crops, and the resilience of your business through the Universal Actions, your overall sustainability will improve. This benefits you, your family, and the whole industry when those actions are multiplied across farms all over Wales.  

To become more resilient and sustainable, the industry needs to be constantly aware of changes and adaptable to new risks or opportunities. The scheme is designed to be flexible, providing you with the foundations needed to respond to these risks and opportunities in the context of increasingly unreliable conditions.  

This document describes a scheme which has been designed to help improve the overall sustainability of your farm business.

It contains the detail of the scheme requirements including the Universal Actions you will need to meet to receive Welsh Government support in the future. The Universal Payment is designed to provide a stable level of income for all farms in the scheme. This stability will provide you with the opportunity to do more through Optional and Collaborative Actions. 

To recognise the integrated farm level approach needed to be resilient and based on early feedback to support the family farm, we designed the SFS as a whole farm scheme. We will retain the three-layered structure described in previous consultations including Universal, Optional and Collaborative Layers.

These three layers will sit above the SFS Regulatory Baseline and a Universal Code. The Universal Layer will operate on a calendar year and comprises of 12 Universal Actions, referred to as UAs from now on. Farmers in the scheme will be required to meet all 12 UAs, if they are relevant to their individual farm, to receive the Universal Payment. 

You may choose to go further and build upon these UAs by undertaking Optional Actions (OAs) to deliver more targeted action. There may also be opportunities for you to work in a coordinated way with other farmers and undertake Collaborative Actions (CAs), for example to help deliver outcomes at a landscape scale, which are not possible to deliver on a single farm. There will be additional requirements and payments available for these actions.   

The scheme is underpinned in law by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023, referred to as the ‘Act’ from now on, including the four Sustainable Land Management (SLM) objectives established in the Act:

to produce food and other goods in a sustainable manner

to mitigate and adapt to climate change

to maintain and enhance the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide, and

to conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources, and promote public access to and engagement with them, and to sustain the Welsh language and promote and facilitate its use

The SLM objectives are interlinked and must be considered together. They recognise that to protect our future food producing capacity and valuable culture and landscape, we must address the causes and impacts of the climate and nature emergencies. They also reflect the growing consumer demands of the food production system. 

Contributing towards achieving these objectives will take time and we will need to be flexible and adaptable throughout the delivery of the scheme, from establishing what works well, to where we need to provide more focus or respond to practical issues you might experience. 

This final version of the scheme has been shaped by ongoing industry feedback, including your responses to several consultations and two phases of co-design. More recently, we have worked in partnership with stakeholders, primarily through the SFS Ministerial Roundtable. 

The Roundtable is supported by Working Groups who considered various technical aspects of scheme design, and the Carbon Sequestration Evidence Review panel who undertook an evidence review of additional or alternative actions which may be suitable for inclusion within the scheme and have the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon. See Annex 9 for stakeholder membership. 

The scheme has changed considerably through this process of engagement and collaboration. For example, we initially proposed developing two separate schemes (Business Resilience and Public Goods) which evolved into a single five-year contract for each farm. However, feedback from our vital tenancy sector highlighted how the scheme would not be accessible to them, so we created the Universal Layer and single year declarations. Since the last consultation we have reduced the number of UAs from 17 to 12, simplifying the offer. We have removed the scheme requirement for 10% tree cover on each farm. By moving towards an approach which incentivises you to plant trees and hedges, using a tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan, with generous financial support for planting available in the Optional Layer, we believe we can achieve a better outcome for all, in line with the scheme level ambition of planting at least 17,000ha of new trees across Wales by 2030. We have developed this new approach with help from the Trees and Hedges Stakeholder Delivery Group (membership at Annex 9).  

These changes have been made to provide a scheme which is accessible to all, recognises the positive actions you are already undertaking and provides actions you can take through all the layers of the scheme to do more for your business. 

This document is not a consultation. Whilst we have come a long way from our original proposals, we also recognise the scheme will evolve over time reflecting any new priorities or evidence, introducing additional Optional or Collaborative Actions, and responding to any operational issues we may encounter during scheme delivery. As the scheme is supported by Welsh legislation, and because of the layered structure of the scheme, it is possible to amend individual aspects when needed. Also, while we need supporting legislation, we intend that this will provide a framework for the controls and administration, against which all future Welsh Government support, such as the SFS can operate.        

The remainder of this document lays out the eligibility criteria, the scheme requirements, the individual scheme actions, the Universal Payment, and the administrative processes by which the scheme will be run. 

Chapter 2: scheme eligibility

The SFS is not entitlement-based and there is no requirement to retain Basic Payment Scheme entitlements to access the scheme.

Our approach to scheme eligibility remains focused on active farmers. We have designed the scheme to remove barriers and support farmers who provide multiple benefits to society, including the sustainable production of food. To be eligible for the Universal Payment, you must:

undertake agricultural or ancillary activities on agricultural land (as defined by the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023. Ancillary activities refer to actions such as processing products derived from agriculture, or taking action on land used for agriculture in relation to nature conservation or to mitigate and adapt to climate change   

have at least three hectares of eligible agricultural land in Wales or be able to demonstrate more than 550 standard labour hours

have exclusive occupation and management control of the land for at least 10 months of the calendar year

You or the controlling partner(s) must be carrying out agricultural or ancillary activities in your own or farming business’s name at your own risk. 

You must be able meet all SFS eligibility requirements and meet the scheme requirements including the SFS Regulatory Baseline, Universal Code and Universal Actions. We accept that in some instances, some Universal Actions may not be applicable to you, or that tenancy agreements may mean you are not able to achieve some of them. 

Individuals or organisations who own land which is not used for agriculture or are not involved in ancillary activities may not be eligible for funding under the Universal and Optional Actions. They may be eligible for support under Collaborative Actions delivering against SLM objectives, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The SFS Universal Layer is a whole farm scheme.

All available and eligible land must be declared on the annual Single Application Form (SAF), including landscape features such as scrub, scree, woodland, bracken, and other categories where relevant. 

The following features should also be recorded on the SAF, but are not eligible, and will not count towards the three eligible hectares needed to enter the scheme.

Description codeCrop
Ponds (ineligible)    ZZ30 (over 1 ha)  
Rivers and streams     ZZ31  
Buildings/yards   ZZ89  
Hardstandings     ZZ92  
Roads     ZZ94  
Tracks (ungrazed)    ZZ97  
Non-agricultural activities    NO1  

Tenant farmers have been core to the design of the Universal Layer of the scheme. Several UAs have been amended, or have variations built in to ensure tenants can access the scheme. For example, if the tenant has full access and management control of the woodlands as part of their tenancy, they are eligible for the full Universal Payment, including the whole farm payment and the woodland maintenance payment. 

If the tenant has access to the woodlands, but the trees/timber are retained by the landowner, the tenant would be eligible for the whole farm payment, but not the woodland maintenance payment. 

See Chapter 8 for a full description of the Universal Payments.   

Options within UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land should be compatible with farm tenancies. As they are temporary habitats, it would be unreasonable for a landowner to deny a tenant access to the SFS based on the need to include a temporary habitat within an ongoing crop rotation.

We would encourage you to work with your landowner where possible to identify where Optional Actions completed by you, such as tree planting and hedgerow restoration, can provide mutual benefit.

If you are a cross-border farm business you must be able to meet the eligibility criteria, Universal Actions and scheme requirements on your land in Wales. 

We are not able to pay on land outside of Wales and therefore cannot take account of land you may farm outside of Wales in any of the scheme requirements. This includes considering whether you have enough habitat to meet the scheme requirement for 10% habitat on each farm.  

We understand that you carry out some farm management practices on a whole farm basis and will take this into account. For example, if you carry out an Integrated Pest Management assessment across your whole farm, we will not require you to undertake a separate assessment for your land in Wales for UA2: Integrated Pest Management. 

Chapter 3: scheme requirements

The SFS is a whole farm scheme. It includes a Universal Layer, containing a set of Universal Actions (UAs) which generate a Universal Payment. Additional SFS payments will be available in the Optional and Collaborative Layers for those farmers who choose to go above and beyond the Universal Layer. 

This three-layered structure is built upon a set of scheme requirements, as follows:

the SFS Regulatory Baseline includes a set of regulations, already set out in law, which will apply specifically to the scheme. The baseline is made up of regulations previously included in Cross Compliance which you will be familiar with. Other existing regulations covering public access and the control of invasive non-native species are also included. Farmers in the scheme will be supported by Regulatory Guidance which set out the obligations which need to be met to receive SFS payments. See Annex 1 for a full list of regulations which make up the SFS Regulatory Baseline
 

a Universal Code which is the framework of non-regulatory requirements which all farmers in the SFS must adhere to. The Universal Code includes requirements designed to protect soils, biodiversity and habitats, trees, and landscape features. The Universal Code should be considered alongside the UAs designed to maintain and enhance these features. See Annex 2 for more detail on the Universal Code

One of the non-regulatory requirements is for at least 10% of each farm to be actively managed as habitat to benefit biodiversity alongside food production. This is an important element of the scheme to help Welsh Government achieve our biodiversity targets and tackle the nature emergency.

This will be based on the amount of existing semi natural habitat on your farm (excluding common land). 

The total of the following areas will be used to determine the 10%:

all existing semi natural habitat as defined under UA5: Habitat maintenance

established broadleaved woodland

hedges in good condition that provide significant value for biodiversity (see hedgerow description in the Universal Code in Annex 2)

habitats established since 2022 such as streamside corridors, ponds, woodland and hedges
 

If you have insufficient existing habitat, you must create additional temporary habitat to achieve the 10%. See UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land in Chapter 4 for the choices available to you.

Any new permanent habitat created under the Optional or Collaborative Layers of the scheme will count towards the 10% once it is established.

Any land changes may impact whether you have 10% habitat in an individual year, so you need to consider the amount of habitat on an annual basis.   

The Universal Layer requirements set out in the Universal Actions. Each UA is described in Chapter 4 which includes the aims and benefits, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed. You will need to undertake all UAs applicable to you and your farm in each year. However, there are some UAs which will not apply to all farms. For example, arable only farms will not need to complete UA12: Animal health and welfare. 

The following annexes provide further detail on some actions but full scheme guidance, and supporting technical notes for UAs will be published later this year:

Annex 5: UA5: Habitat maintenance

Annex 6: UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land

Annex 7: UA9: Woodland maintenance

Annex 8: UA11: Historic environment

Voluntary Optional and Collaborative Actions will come with a set of requirements which relate specifically to the activity being supported. Separate guidance, outlining these requirements and their relationship with Universal Actions will be produced as each action becomes available from 2026 onwards. 

Chapter 4: the Universal Layer

The Universal Layer is comprised of 12 Universal Actions. This list has been reordered compared to versions you may be familiar with from previous consultations. 

The Universal Actions are:

To participate in the SFS you will need to undertake all Universal Actions (UA) applicable to you and your farm. There may be some UAs which will not apply to you;

UA1 is not applicable if your agriculturally improved land has not previously received or may not receive inputs (natural and artificial) or lime

UA2 is not applicable if plant protection products are not used on your land

UA6 is not applicable if you have enough existing habitat to meet the scheme requirement for 10% of your farm to be habitat

UA7 is not applicable if your farm does not contain a designated site such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

UA8 is not applicable if your farm does not have any hedgerows, although hedgerows are found on most farms in Wales

UA9 is not applicable if you have no existing woodland

UA11 is not applicable if you do not have any historic features

UA12 does not apply to you if you are an arable or horticulture business with no livestock

Your Universal Payment will represent the costs of undertaking these actions and the social benefits which comes from the sustainable production of food. The payment methodology is set out in more detail at Chapter 8.

The information in this Chapter provides you with detail to know what the UAs mean for you and your farm. This information includes;

the aims and benefits of each Universal Action

a description of who needs to complete them

specificrequirements

the deadline for completion

the evidence you will be required to keep proving that the action has been completed

how you can start preparing yourself

links, if relevant, to further Optional and Collaborative themes you may be interested in

There is additional technical information for some Universal Actions contained in the annexes accompanying this document. However, the full scheme guidance and technical notes to be published later this year will contain the definitive version of each UA. 

These UAs have been designed to benefit your farm business as well as your wider community. Some of the UAs are designed to provide you with baseline information on different aspects of your farm. To meet the requirements of the UA you are only required to complete (or create) the baseline information, but we encourage you to use this to inform your decisions, so you can achieve the multiple benefits the UAs are designed to provide. 

For most UAs we have included a reference to associated Optional or Collaborative themes. You may be eligible for further support under these Optional and Collaborative Actions to put the UA into practice.   

Everything begins with soil. All our ambitions for food production, nature recovery, water quality, flood risk and locking up carbon to help address the climate emergency depend on healthy soil. Soil is the second most important thing on your farm after you the farmer.

This Universal Action is designed to support regular soil testing to provide you with baseline soil information to help inform management decisions such as the quantity of inputs required. 

Soil testing gives you the information you need to make soil husbandry decisions for the benefit of your crops and pasture. This could involve targeting inputs to balance soil indices and to prevent waste, or changing cropping and cultivation patterns to improve soil structure. 

A healthy soil structure and thriving soil microfauna supports better root growth and helps regulate moisture levels to benefit yields, while reducing the need for irrigation and chemical inputs. It also helps reduce soil and nutrient loss, which is a cost to you.

Securing and where appropriate, building soil organic matter increases the amount of carbon locked up and helps to regulate water flow which can reduce the risk of flooding. 

More targeted soil inputs can also benefit air and water quality.    

All farm businesses with agriculturally improved land as described below.

This action involves soil testing of your agriculturally improved land which has previously received or may receive inputs (natural and artificial) or lime. This should be all pasture not classified as habitat as part of UA5: Habitat maintenance.

To complete this action we are asking you to undertake soil testing on at least 20% of this improved land per year, which means all relevant land is tested in a five-year cycle. It is acceptable to test more than 20% per year if you prefer. You will need to collect soil samples using a standard procedure which will be included in the technical notes. 

The minimum range of testing required includes Potassium (K), Phosphorous (P), Magnesium (Mg), pH, and Soil Organic Matter.

Test results must be recorded on RPW Online. This helps to support the national monitoring programme, but the test results will not be used for any other purpose and will not be used to identify individual farms i.e. we will aggregate the data. 

If you are unfamiliar with interpreting soil testing results, you may opt for a break in soil testing in your second year in the scheme to ensure you have time to interpret and act upon your first set of results. There will be advice and guidance available through Farming Connect to support you. If you choose to take this break in your second year, we expect all relevant soil to be tested within a six-year cycle rather than the five-year cycle described above. 

Soil testing should be undertaken and reported per individual field parcel. More information will be available in the full technical notes, including the potential to combine field parcels in relation to similar sol conditions or management.

Where horticultural crops are being grown there may be greater variation in soil management, and you may choose to undertake more detailed testing within a specific field parcel.   

The technical notes will support you in choosing when to sample. All testing will need to be completed by the end of the year. 

Soil testing results for each relevant land parcel should be entered into RPW Online. We intend to make this as efficient as possible and will provide more detail in the technical notes.

Soil testing which includes Potassium (K), Phosphorous (P), Magnesium (Mg) and pH undertaken up to four years prior to entering the scheme will count towards this action, even if Soil Organic Matter was not included in the testing. You will still need to ensure all the relevant fields are tested within five years, before the next five-year cycle begins. We will not ask you to provide details of the results of soil testing undertaken prior to entering the scheme, but records should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested.  

We encourage you to build upon your soil testing results to enhance the condition of your soils. Advice and guidance will be available from Farming Connect and you may consider accessing capital funding available under Optional themes: 

Improved soil health & multispecies crop cover.

Sustainable production

Advanced Continuous Professional Development   

Improved water quality, water usage and flood mitigation

Improved air quality and lowering ammonia emissions 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) focuses on the growth of a healthy crop, with the least possible disruption to the wider ecosystem. This approach encourages the most appropriate form of disease, pest or weed control including the use of technology and non-chemical methods, as well as targeted chemical (Plant Protection Products) use if required. 

Livestock disease is covered by UA12: Animal health and welfare.

Targeting and reducing use of Plant Protection Products (PPPs) can save money, support a more resilient crop and reduce risks to human health.   

We depend on invertebrates and other microfauna and flora to pollinate our crops, break down waste and manage healthy soils. Without them these processes fail. Reducing the use of PPPs can benefit beneficial invertebrates and reduce the risk of pesticide resistance. 

All farmers entering the scheme who use, or employ contractors to use, PPPs such as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides (including seed dressings), molluscicides or plant growth regulators. 

Even if you only use a small amount of PPP each year you are still required to complete the Action, but your assessment may be shorter and less detailed. 

You do not need to complete the plan if you have not used, or do not intend to use, PPPs during the calendar year. 

To complete this action you will need to:

assess your current approach to crop pest, weed and disease management, and opportunities for using additional IPM approaches

record your assessment in an annual IPM Plan

To complete your IPM assessment you should keep a record of each time a PPP is used on your farm including:

the name of the PPP

amount used

date and time applied

field / location and size of area treated (ha)

crop type treated and reason for treatment

weather conditions at time of application

IPM approaches include using appropriate cultivation techniques, diverse crop rotations and companion crops, pest-resistant crop varieties, tailored and efficient use of inputs (pesticides and fertiliser), and wildlife habitats in and around fields to encourage predators and other insects that feed on crop pests.

We encourage you to use this information to help identify opportunities to target and reduce PPP use to help achieve the benefits above. 

We are not setting an IPM Plan template as there are suitable industry examples available. You may find it helpful to use the  jointly developed with the NFU. Three sector specific plans are available (arable, grassland and horticulture) which provide an IPM score and tailored feedback upon completion. 

There is no standard format for recording PPP usage. You may find it useful to use the Pesticide Treatment Record on our website.

You do not need to complete a separate IPM Plan for the scheme if you already complete an annual IPM Plan which contains all the information listed above, and you can present it for inspection if required. 

You will need to complete the IPM Plan and record use of PPP by the end of the year. 

We encourage you to update your IPM Plan regularly and use it to review your management decisions throughout the year.  

You can declare that you have met the requirements, or do not use PPPs on RPW Online. 

We do not require you to submit your IPM Plan to us, and we do not intend to collect your IPM information. However, your IPM Plan and PPP usage records should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested.    

It would be beneficial to familiarise yourself with an IPM Plan and record keeping. 

Advice and support is available through Farming Connect. More information is available on our website: Integrated Pest Management

Our aim is to support you to benefit from basic benchmarking using simple Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve farm performance, increasing the farms’ ability to adapt to change, enhance profitability and benefit the environment. This action links to other scheme actions, particularly UA12: Animal health and welfare. 

This action is designed to give you a starting point to understand how your business is performing. This allows you to use data to better understand which management practices are successful and which practices could be adapted to help you improve performance.

This can enable you to lower costs, improve efficiency, and make environmental improvements.

You do not need to complete the same KPIs each year as your circumstances may change, however, KPIs work best when you can monitor trends over several years to see whether performance is improving. 

The KPIs are for your own use. We will not be monitoring or assessing the data included in your KPIs. The results from Benchmarking are specific to your farm, and the performance will have no impact on your Universal Payment. 

Improved performance can lead to more efficient food production, reductions in carbon emissions and pollution, which in turn can result in clearer air and water. This helps meet evolving consumer demands.

All farmers entering the scheme will need to complete this action. 

If you undertake benchmarking annually on a whole farm or enterprise basis using an industry benchmarking tool you may already meet this action. We would not ask you to repeat the action. We are compiling a list of industry-based benchmarking alternatives to include in the scheme guidance. 

A final list of these approved benchmarking tools will be provided later in 2025 and are likely to include activity delivered through organisations such as dairy processors, levy boards and knowledge transfer providers. 

To complete this action we are asking you to: 

declare on RPW Online the industry recognised benchmarking tool you are using

or 

complete an annual measuring and monitoring assessment from a standardised list of KPIs within the Farming Connect Benchmarking tool (FarmData+)

single sector farms will complete a minimum of two sector specific KPIs, as well as one “Whole Farm” KPI

farms with multiple sectors will complete a minimum of two sector specific KPIs per sector, as well as one “Whole Farm” KPI

FarmData+ has a list of KPIs for the following sectors: Arable, beef, dairy, sheep, pigs, poultry and horticulture and a “Whole Farm” section.

You should complete the action by the end of the calendar year. 

If completing this UA using FarmData+, the titles of the completed KPIs will be automatically shared with RPW, but not your performance data. No other evidence is required.

If you used an external provider from the approved list, you would need to record which scheme / supplier you used on RPW Online. Your results should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested.   

You will be able to start using FarmData+ this year to familiarise yourself with the process before the scheme starts. 

The list of KPIs available on FarmData+ can be found at Annex 3. 

Once you have entered your data in FarmData+, the tool will calculate and display your results. Based on these results you will be signposted to support available from Welsh Government, Farming Connect and other providers to help you make improvements where you feel they are needed. 

We will support you to make improvements, for example using the following Optional themes: 

improved soil health & multispecies crop cover

sustainable production

improved water quality, water usage and flood mitigation

improved air quality and lowering ammonia emissions

organic farming (support and conversion)

enhanced biosecurity 

Farmers are multi skilled; part vet, part engineer, part ecologist, part accountant, part agronomist and much more. We want to support you to build on these skills, to bring increased benefits to your farm and Welsh agriculture.

We also want to support agriculture to become a safer industry to work in.     

This action can help you adapt to changes in the industry, technological developments, supply chain demands and the impacts of the climate and nature emergency. This action can also help build the skills and knowledge to carry out other scheme actions you may be less familiar with, to improve efficiency and profitability and to improve environmental performance.   

This action can also help reduce risks and help make your farm safer.

Any learning which helps you reduce waste, save resources, improve animal health, and improve the condition of soils, habitats and woodlands benefits everybody. 

This action will need to be completed by every farm business in the scheme. If there are multiple partners / directors within the business the requirement can be shared between you.

We encourage you to share the benefits of your learning throughout the farm business, farm employees and wider family where possible.   

To complete this action we are asking you to complete a minimum of six hours of learning, plus an element of health and safety training each scheme year. 

You can choose which learning to undertake as long as it supports actions to meet one or more of the four following Sustainable Land Management objectives:

producing food in a sustainable manner

mitigating and adapting to climate change

maintaining and enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and the benefits they provide

conserving and enhancing the countryside and cultural resources; promoting public access to and engagement with them; and sustaining the Welsh language and promoting and facilitating its use

You can choose from a wide range of learning styles which suit you such as:

discussion groups

masterclasses

accredited training

e-learning

mentoring

If you choose to do all or part of your learning through Farming Connect the same list above would apply, and in addition you could participate in Agri Academy or Agrisgop. 

As part of UA12: Animal health and welfare – you are asked to undertake two hours of proficiency training at least every five years. 

If the person who undertakes the training is a business owner or partner, the two hours of training can count towards the required six hours of CPD within the year the learning takes place. Learning by an employee who is not a business owner, partner or director would not count towards the required six hours. 

In the first year of joining the scheme you will be asked to complete the Health and Safety online learning module produced by Farming Connect. A series of in-person events will be held across Wales to provide support if you require assistance.

For subsequent years you will have the option to count related health and safety or wellbeing learning, including those delivered through recognised charities or other external providers.

The action (learning) needs to be completed by the end of the year. 

A record of learning completed through Farming Connect will be on Storfa Sgiliau which will be shared with RPW Online as evidence towards completion of the action. You will not need to do more, if this is sufficient to meet the learning requirements. 

If some or all your learning is completed through alternative providers, you will need to record the course, date of attendance, course length, and the person who undertook the learning on RPW Online. 

You should ask the learning provider to provide a certificate or receipt (including name of organisation, title of learning, date of learning, your name, and time spent on learning activity). You do not need to submit this evidence but should keep it for a period of five years and make it available for inspection if requested.   

If your learning is completed through alternative providers, we also encourage you to update Storfa Sgiliau so that you have a complete record of all your learning in one place, however you do not need to do this.   

For farm businesses joining the SFS in 2026 only any learning undertaken as part of the Farming Connect pre-SFS suite of learning from summer 2025 will count as learning towards the 2026 scheme year.  A list of the learning is available at Annex 4.

Farming Connect along with other organisations provide valuable learning opportunities which we encourage you to consider. This learning may also assist you to understand and gain maximum benefit from a range of Optional and Collaborative Actions.  

This includes semi-natural habitats including heathlands, wetlands and the range of species rich grasslands of all types managed as pasture and hay fields across Welsh farms. These habitats provide forage for livestock and depend on sustainable levels of grazing to provide a home for wildlife, and an attractive and diverse landscape. 

The aim of this action is to retain and maintain these important habitats and enable further enhancement.

Farm habitats provide multiple benefits to food production such as supporting pollinators beneficial to crops, and a more diverse range of forage providing trace elements and other medicinal properties for livestock.  

To support you to maintain all semi-natural and newly created habitat on your farm, we will pay you a supplementary habitat payment within the Universal Payment for each hectare of habitat. Farms with more semi-natural habitat will therefore receive more Universal Payment under the habitat payment for management of this land.

Habitat land maintained under this action counts towards the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.   

Habitats in good condition can provide multiple benefits including homes for wildlife, storing carbon, reducing pollution, and regulating water flow to reduce the risk of flooding and drought.

This Universal Action is designed to prevent habitat being lost or degraded, and to provide a basis upon which we can improve, extend and reconnect habitats.  

This action applies to you if you have any land identified on your holding which fits in with the list of 12 habitat types listed below. The list comprises existing semi-natural habitat, newly created habitat or land being managed as habitat, which have been confirmed with RPW. You will be asked to maintain all habitat areas in line with this Universal Action. 

If you have no land classified as existing semi-natural habitat or newly created habitat, this Universal Action will not apply to you. However, you will need to create temporary habitat under Universal Action 6 to meet the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.

The requirements of this Universal Action may be varied if:

part of your land is a designated site such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and;

you have a Management Plan and agreed Schedule of works (SoW) in place as part of UA7: Designated Site Management Plan, or

you are undertaking more targeted habitat management under an Optional theme

you have an existing Land Management Agreement (such as a Section 16 Agreement) in place with Natural Resources Wales

you have an expired Land Management Agreement (such as a Section 16 Agreement) with NRW which you are prepared to continue to adhere to until an agreed new Management Plan is in place

you have managed a designated site, e.g. SSSI, by continuous management, approved by NRW through a Glastir Advanced contract ending in 2023 and which was also maintained in HWS 2024 and 2025. This management can continue until an agreed new Management Plan is in place

The classification of habitats are: 

coastal saltmarsh

coastal sand dune and shingle beach
a) sand dune
b) sand dune and shingle beach

lowland and coastal heath

enclosed wetland and marshy grassland
a) enclosed wetland: lowland bogs, fens and flush / mire
b) marshy grassland

enclosed semi-natural dry grassland:
a) managed as grazed pasture
b) managed as hay meadow

upland open habitats

traditional orchards

dense bracken

scrub

wood pasture

permanent wildlife ponds

newly created habitat areas on improved land
a) new streamside corridors
b) newly restored peat
c) no input grassland from previous schemes
d) any other improved or previously afforested land which is under habitat creation management

To complete this action we are asking you to maintain all your habitats in line with a specific set of requirements (Annex 5) for the habitat types found on your farm which includes. 

adescription of the habitat classification, such as where it may be found and the native species which may be growing there

aims –the long-term ‘vision’ for the habitat including longer-term desired outcomes of what sympathetic management should achieve

management requirements which you are asked to agree to do or not do on a particular habitat type and which you can be inspected against  

management recommendations provided to guide you to achieve the aims and required outcomes such as standard sustainable grazing levels, livestock type and grazing pattern to benefit the habitat. They are best practice, and you will not be inspected for these recommendations

potential derogations – likely scenarios beyond your control where the management requirement may be relaxed. This could include extended periods of extreme weather such as drought or frozen ground

These requirements will need to be achieved alongside the set of obligatory general habitat rules to prevent loss and damage of all existing semi-natural habitats which is contained in the Universal Code at Annex 2. 

If your farm is predominantly habitat and you may be unable to meet the specific requirement you will be able to request an advisory visit (fast-tracked for those over 90%) to consider any impediments, solutions and potential derogations to help you meet the Universal Action. 

Habitat management is an ongoing activity. You should adhere to the habitat management requirements throughout the calendar year. 

You are required to maintain an activity diary for each parcel of habitat covered by this Universal Action. You should record all relevant activities related to the management requirements such as stock movements on and off habitat areas. The management requirements which need to be recorded in the activity diary will be highlighted in the scheme guidance. 

Your activity diary should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested.   

It is important to make sure your application accurately reflects the areas of habitat you have on your farm. You will be able to do this through SAF 2026 and we would encourage you to check and, if needed, update your farm maps on RPW Online through the 2025 data confirmation exercise.

We will provide clear guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, to ensure you are aware of what you need to do to meet the requirements of this action. We will also support you to go further for example through the following Optional themes Enhanced habitat management and Creation of permanent and temporary habitats, as well as Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

Temporary habitats such as arable margins or herbal leys can provide valuable habitats for farm wildlife such as pollinating insects. The aim of this action is to create temporary habitat to complement existing habitats on your farm. 

Depending on which habitat types you choose to create, these new habitats can improve soil quality, reduce soil loss, reduce the impact of drought and flooding on farm, and boost beneficial invertebrates such as hoverflies and other pollinators. 

Habitat created under this Universal Action will enable you to meet the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm. We will pay you the habitat payment as part of your Universal Payment for these areas to support you making your habitat area up to the 10% minimum.  

More, and better-connected habitat can enhance landscapes, allow a greater variety of wildlife to thrive and move about the countryside and enhance the overall resilience of ecosystems. This includes regulating water flow, which at a catchment scale can help reduce downstream flood risk.    

All farms without sufficient existing habitat to meet the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm. See Annex 2 for a full description of the scheme requirement. 

To complete this action we are asking you to create temporary habitat so that at least 10% of your farm is managed as habitat before the end of the calendar year. The amount of habitat you will need to create will vary depending on the amount of existing habitat you have. 

You can choose one or more suitable habitats from the following list:

fallow crop margins

unfertilised, unsprayed and unharvested cereal and linseed headlands

fixed rough grass margins on arable land

rotational rough grass margins on arable land

unsprayed spring sown cereal and protein crop mix with stubbles retained

retain cereal winter stubbles

wildlife cover crop on improved land

unsprayed, unfertilized and uncultivated buffer adjacent to existing habitat. (including open water) on improved grassland

mixed leys on improved land (also referred to as multi-species or herbal leys)

late cut improved grasslands

improved grassland allowed to set seed

The management requirements that you should adhere to for each habitat type are included at Annex 6. 

You can choose where to locate your new habitats from the improved land on your farm. However, these new habitats become more valuable to wildlife if used to create corridors to connect other habitat areas 

Care should be taken where permanent grassland (claimed as GR2 on SAF) is considered for cultivation to create temporary new habitat as it may already include high existing habitat potential. Selecting permanent pasture younger than 10 years provides a good rule of thumb to reduce this risk. However, the definition of improved land under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations 2017 (guidance) must be used to determine which land can be cultivated.  

The seasonal nature of some of these habitat types mean they have different establishment dates throughout the year. For the habitat type you choose, it should be established at the earliest opportunity and retained to provide the intended benefits. The details of this are set out for each habitat type at Annex 6.   

Some of the temporary habitats will last for more than one year if managed correctly, so will already be in place at the start of the next year. 

You will be required to record the relevant crop codes on your application. For habitat to be established later in the year, these can be included in your SAF as secondary crops. 

You are required to maintain an activity diary for each parcel of habitat covered by this Universal Action. You should record all relevant activities related to the management requirements such as crop establishment and cutting dates. The management requirements which need to be recorded in the activity diary will be highlighted in the scheme guidance. 

The management requirements will also include details of any information such as seed labels or invoices which you should retain for a minimum of five years and make available on inspection if required.  

It is important to make sure your application accurately reflects the areas of improved land and habitat you have on your farm. You will be able to do this through SAF 2026 and we would encourage you to check your habitat and tree canopy cover, and if needed update your farm map on RPW Online through the 2025 data confirmation exercise.

It may be possible to establish some temporary habitats, with Welsh Government support, in advance of your entry into the scheme, which if retained will help you meet the scheme requirement to have at least 10% habitat on each farm. 

We will provide clear guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, to ensure you are aware of what you need to do to meet the requirements of this action and the scheme requirement for 10% habitat on each farm. We will also support you to go further for example through the following Optional themes Enhanced habitat management and Creation of permanent and temporary habitats, as well as Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

The designated sites network is crucial for biodiversity and is an important part of the farmed landscape. Wales’ Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), RAMSAR sites and National Nature Reserves (NNRs) include the very best examples of our precious natural environment. As well as playing a vital role in halting and reversing the decline in nature, effective management of designated sites can deliver many more crucial outcomes such as flood risk reduction and carbon storage. 

Our ambition is for all designated sites in the scheme, to be under effective management by the end of 2030. 

This action is the first step towards that ambition, by working with you to develop a management plan and agree a Schedule of Works which can then enable further actions to support and improve designated sites on your farm.  

Improving the condition of these sites, can stabilise soils and reduce the impacts of drought, flood and fire.    

Improving the condition of these sites can make a significant contribution to the resilience of ecosystems, providing a home for more wildlife, enhancing our landscapes and strengthening links between agricultural businesses and communities.

This action is applicable to you if your farm includes part, or all of a designated site such as a SSSI, and you have management control, or agreement of the landowner. 

We will confirm any sites you have on your farm via the RPW Online interactive map. 

Farms with a management agreement already in place, including Section 16 Agreements with NRW, covering the management of designated sites may be able to demonstrate they have already completed this action.

To complete this action we are asking you to work in partnership with RPW and NRW to develop a Designated Site Management Plan and agree a Schedule of Works.

A ‘buffer’ around the designated site may also be considered for management on a case-by-case basis due to any potential impact on the site. This will be voluntarily agreed with you, through the development of the management plan.

Due to the time required to produce management plans for all sites in Wales, the deadline for meeting this action is the end of 2030.

You will not be required to submit any evidence. RPW and NRW will work with you to produce the management plans and Schedule of Works.

We will set out the details and priorities for this engagement in the scheme guidance.

In some cases, RPW and NRW may contact you before the scheme starts in 2026 to extend existing agreements or contact you prior to entry into the scheme in future years.

Once your management plan has been agreed, we will support you to implement the agreed Schedule of Works through the Optional theme Implementation of Designated Site Schedule of Works and the Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

This action is designed to create thick, dense hedgerows which provide shelter and are allowed to produce flowers, fruit and seeds as a food source for wildlife. 

Hedgerows exist in a continuous cycle from newly planted through to wider, taller, less uniform boundaries. Management through coppicing and laying are also part of that cycle. Our landscapes and our wildlife thrive on a pattern of hedgerows made up of different plant species and at different stages throughout this cycle.

Dense hedgerows in good condition act as windbreaks for crops, and shelter and security for your livestock. Wider and taller hedgerows at farm boundaries can provide valuable biosecurity boundaries between neighbouring livestock.

Hedgerows in good condition can count towards the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm. See Annex 2 for more detail. 

Hedgerows are at the heart of the Welsh countryside. They help tell the story of the farmed landscape, and evolving farming practices over generations – especially where they grow in association with features such as earth banks and stone-faced banks. 

Large dense hedgerows are important habitats in their own right and are a vital link between other fragmented habitats. Larger and denser hedgerows tend to store and sequester more carbon. 

This action applies to all hedgerows where you have management control on your farm. We will assume you have management control on your side of a shared boundary for example with a neighbour or roadside. 

This action does not apply where you do not have management control of the hedgerows. 

Where a hedgerow is managed by cutting or trimming, we are asking you to: 

allow the hedges that you cut to grow thicker and taller by trimming them to a slightly higher and wider point each time. This should be at least 5cm of additional growth, however this may not be possible in all cases, for example in exposed coastal areas where growth is slower. Once the hedge has reached a width and height of 3m by 2m (or 2m by 3m) you have the choice to retain it at this size or let it grow further

maintain or establish at least one hedgerow tree on average per parcel every 50m of hedgerow. There will be areas where it will not be appropriate to do this, for example in areas important for ground nesting birds such as curlew or where hedges are exposed to strong coastal winds

We are asking you to not:

trim or cut the same hedgerow in successive years i.e two years in a row

cut hedgerows back other than:

where the hedge has already reached a width and height of 3m x 2m (or 2m x 3m). You will then have the choice to retain it at this size or let it grow further

as part of coppicing or laying to rejuvenate a mature hedge

cut hedges or trees (in the hedge) between 1 March and 31 August. There are circumstances, such as those listed below, where this may not be possible or appropriate. The full details will be in the scheme guidance:

the hedgerow or tree overhangs a highway, road, track or footpath, and the work is necessary for health and safety reasons

the cutting or trimming is carried out as part of wider routine ditch maintenance on improved land

where the normal agricultural practice requires that a winter arable crop is planted before 31 August

the utility company responsible for the maintenance of any overhanging electricity or telephone lines may cut back trees and / or hedges for safety reasons

Bramble is an important wildlife habitat providing food and shelter for a wide variety of species including birds and pollinating insects. This action does not prohibit you cutting encroaching bramble outside of the hedge profile, if it is for animal health and welfare reasons. 

This management requirement must be met on an ongoing annual basis. 

The pattern of cutting and trimming on your farm is your choice but we would encourage a rotation of cutting to always have areas of shelter and benefits for wildlife.

You will need to declare that you have and will continue to meet the hedgerow management requirements annually on RPW Online. Hedgerow condition, incremental growth and hedgerow trees will be visually checked on inspection.   

You may find it useful to consider a hedgerow management plan to support the requirements above, or to start identifying suitable hedgerow trees which could be permitted to grow. 

Guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, will be available to help you gain the maximum benefit from this action. We will also support you to plant new hedgerows (including previously lost hedgerows) and restore existing hedgerows through Optional theme Hedgerow creation and restoration, supporting you to achieve your UA10: Tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan.  

Woodlands are a vital part of our cherished landscapes, important for wildlife, for our health and enjoyment and as integral features on farmland. 

This Universal Action is designed to retain and maintain your woodlands and enable further enhancement.

Woodlands can provide shade and shelter for livestock and woodland maintenance could be the first step to managing a valuable future timber crop. 

Most woodlands and extensive tree canopies are excluded from payable areas in BPS. We will pay you a woodland maintenance payment within your Universal Payment in recognition of their importance and the multiple benefits your maintenance of trees and woodlands provide. Farms with more woodland will therefore receive woodland maintenance payments on a greater area.

Established broadleaf woodland maintained under this action can count towards the Scheme Requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.   

Maintained woodlands provide a habitat for wildlife, lock up more carbon and help to regulate water flow. 

This action applies to all existing farm woodlands where you have management control of the woodland. It can be broadleaf woodlands, conifer plantation, or a mixture of at least 0.1ha and a and a canopy cover of at least 20% or having the potential to achieve this.

Areas smaller than 0.1ha plus individual or groups of trees are considered a landscape feature and need to be managed as set out in the Universal Code.

To complete this action we are asking you to maintain your woodland in line with a specific set of requirements (Annex 7).

These include limiting felling to between 1 September and 28 February, and no more than 5m3 per quarter, retaining a certain amount of deadwood and supporting appropriate natural regeneration. You will be asked to protect native ground flora, trees and their roots from direct or indirect damage due to cultivation, compaction, use of machinery or use of agrochemicals, including fertilisers. 

You will need to monitor grazing and keep livestock impact levels low. Woodland grazing in the spring and early summer and supplementary feeding of livestock should be avoided if possible. 

These requirements will need to be achieved alongside those contained in the Universal Code. See Annex 2.

The requirements of this Universal Action may be varied if part of your land is a designated site such as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and;

you have a management plan and agreed Schedule of works (SoW) in place as part of UA7: Designated Site Management Plan, or

you are undertaking more targeted woodland management under an Optional theme

The maintenance requirements in this action must be met throughout the year.

Where you have planted new woodland through government funding, any management requirements associated with that funding must be met for the duration of the contract period.   

You will be asked to declare on your SAF where you do not have management responsibility for the woodland. If you do have management responsibility you will be asked to confirm via RPW Online that you have met the woodland maintenance requirements on areas where you do have management control. 

Woodland condition will be visually checked at inspection. Evidence of an exemption should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested. This could include, for example, a UKFS compliant management plan or felling licence, or photographs and / or any letters from the relevant competent authorities that show clearly why it was necessary to cut or trim trees between 1 March and 31 August.  

You may want to consider a woodland management plan in advance of the scheme to help understand the opportunities available in your farm woodlands. 

Guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, will be available to help you understand and gain the maximum benefit from your woodlands. We will also support you to improve the management of these woodlands and to plant new ones, providing further benefit for you and the environment, through Optional themes Enhanced woodland management and Woodland and agroforestry creation.  

The aim of this Universal Action is to encourage all farmers to consider where an increase in tree and hedgerow planting is possible to help deliver the multiple benefits they provide. Any subsequent planting can be supported as an Optional Action. 

Additional trees and hedgerows integrated throughout your farm can provide biosecurity barriers if planted at farm boundaries, and shade and shelter benefits to your livestock and crops if planted as shelterbelts or interspersed throughout pasture in a silvospasture or silvoarable agroforestry system. 

Planting a future timber crop as part of a diversified farm business may also be suitable on some farms.    

Any new broadleaved woodland or hedgerow planting can count towards the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.

Additional planting locks up more carbon and can help slow down the flow of water across the landscape helping to reduce the risk of downstream flooding. Planting around slurry stores and animal housing can intercept airborne pollutants such as ammonia which can have a negative impact on human health.   

Additional trees and hedgerows provide a habitat for wildlife and are even more valuable if used to link areas of fragmented existing habitats.  

A tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan will be needed for all farms in the SFS.  

To complete this action we are asking you to create a tree and hedgerow planting opportunity map on RPW Online. You can identify areas of your farm which you think would benefit from new trees or hedgerows based on your knowledge and your farming system. You will be able to include hedgerows, and trees planted individually, in small groups or in larger areas. We intend to make the plan straightforward so you should not need any specialist support to complete it.  

Once you have completed your opportunity plan we would encourage you to undertake planting at the earliest opportunity making use of the generous and flexible tree and hedgerow offers in the Optional Layer. 

Tenant farmers may be restricted from planting opportunities for trees or hedges due to their tenancy agreement and should discuss any opportunities for mutual benefit with their landlord. 

Land classed as existing habitats, or designated sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or land important to priority species such as curlew may be unsuitable for planting. These are all classed as sensitivities, and any known sensitivities will be highlighted to you when you complete the Opportunity Map on RPW Online. 

The opportunity map should be completed by the end of your first calendar year in the scheme. It can be amended afterwards if circumstances change, such as land changes or changes to tenancy agreements.   

You will need to demonstrate progress in implementing your opportunity plan by the end of the 2028 scheme year. We will support tree and hedgerow planting in the Optional Layer and encourage you to make use of this offer to plant as much of your plan as possible.  As a minimum, we are asking you to plant 0.1 ha of additional planting (or at least 250 trees) by the end of 2028.

Annual progress towards implementing your plan (hectares of woodland creation, number of trees planted or metres of hedgerow created or restored) will be recorded automatically if supported through a Welsh Government scheme. You will need to update your SAF with information on new planting if you are not using a Welsh Government scheme.    

We encourage you to start considering where additional tree and hedgerow planting would be beneficial to your farm and to start planting now. Any planting undertaken since 1 April 2022 will be considered as progress to implementing your tree and hedgerow opportunity plan.  

Guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, will be available to help you gain the maximum benefit from new planting. Support for planting will be available under Optional themes Woodland and agroforestry creation, and Hedgerow creation and restoration.  

The Welsh countryside is made up of a patchwork pattern of natural and cultural landscapes, formed through thousands of years of human interaction with the natural environment, including generations of farmers. The landscape of Wales as it is today, is what gives Wales its distinctive visual and cultural character.

The aim of the action is to monitor, maintain and protect our important historic features (sometimes referred to as assets) from damage and help sustain the distinctive cultural character of Wales. 

As caretakers of these important historic and cultural assets on your farm, you will connect with your community and help us protect them for future generations. 

This Universal Action makes a direct contribution to conserve and enhance the countryside and cultural resources providing benefit for you and your community.

This action applies to you if you have any of the following:

scheduled monuments

historic Environment Features – individual features and larger archaeologically sensitive areas.

registered parks and gardens.

traditional farm buildings. Please note that this UA does not prevent you adapting or converting farm buildings, however it is your responsibility to ensure you have all consents and licences from the relevant authorities.

To complete this action we are asking you to maintain your historic assets in line with a specific set of requirements set out in Annex 8. The information in Annex 8 includes:

a description of the different features.

management requirements which you are asked to agree to do or not do on a particular feature type and which you can be inspected against. These requirements generally include monitoring, basic maintenance and protection of the features on your farm. We do not expect you to reinstate the features to their original condition or to undertake significant or costly management. We ask that you apply the approach of ‘do no damage’ and undertake specific proactive management – dependent upon the individual feature

potential derogations – likely scenarios beyond your control where the management requirement may be relaxed 

You should adhere to the management requirements for all historic features on your farm throughout the year. 

You have an opportunity to confirm the historic assets on your farm. RPW will provide the information we hold to help you do this.

The detailed requirements in Annex 8 contain a description of different types of evidence needed to record changes in condition, or active management undertaken to benefit the historic feature (such as geo-tagged photographs). These should be retained for a minimum of five years and made available on inspection if required.    

You will need to declare on RPW Online that the Universal Action has been completed. 

You could identify, assess and document the condition of the assets / features on your land in preparation.

Guidance and support will be available, for example through Cadw and Farming Connect, to help you understand and gain the maximum benefit from this action. 

We anticipate financial support to assist with improvements in the condition of these features to be available through the Optional Layer in the future. 

This action is designed to help you keep healthy and productive animals with a good quality of life through a ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach. 

It is also designed to support collaborative working with your vet to optimise animal health on your farm and further support the excellent health and welfare initiatives being carried out on Welsh livestock farms.

Working closely with your vet will lower the risk of disease, improve the productivity of your livestock, improve welfare and build resilience against the impacts of climate change. It also helps demonstrate your commitment to high standards of animal health and welfare to processors in the food supply chain. 

Improved animal health and welfare will support consumer confidence in the way food is produced and is an ethical imperative in itself. Reduced burden of disease can reduce antibiotic use and reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and threats to public health though zoonotic infections. 

The action will apply to all farms where livestock are reared or farmed to produce foods and goods. However, the Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC) will not need to be completed on small-scale enterprises which only support farmgate sales (e.g. eggs), or where livestock are only kept for private consumption or private distribution of animals or animal products. Other enterprises in this category include petting zoos or enterprises where animals are kept as pets.

This Universal Action should be completed by someone with a high level of knowledge and familiarity with your livestock. We understand that in some cases, the most suitable person may be a member of farm staff. It is acceptable for that person to undertake this action on your behalf.      

Apart from in exceptional circumstances, the AHIC and Biosecurity elements must be delivered by the veterinary practice with your animals under their care. They have knowledge of the existing health status of your livestock and will be able to identify realistic goals and actions with you. 

We are asking you to undertake three elements, designed to complement each other:

Animal Health Improvement Cycle (AHIC)

biosecurity assessment for incoming animals

animal welfare

Work with your vet to carry out the four steps of the AHIC in a 12-month period for the most appropriate livestock class you keep:

Measure: identify with your vet at least one relevant livestock health and production metric which you agree could be improved. Examples include calves reared per cow (beef), age at first service (cattle) or culling rates (all livestock class).

Plan: working with your vet, set out and agree an action plan (usually two to four actions) for each metric you want to improve.

Act: carry out and record a manageable number of measurable actions for each metric, to achieve improvements. 

Review: with your vet, analyse the impacts of the actions that have been made and assess whether these have met the desired targets.  Identify further areas for improvement once the targets are met.

Depending on the issues being addressed it will not always be possible to demonstrate meaningful changes in a defined time frame. The results of this process do not impact your Universal Payment.

A completed AHIC template signed by you and your vet will serve as evidence the AHIC has been completed. An example of a completed AHIC for a beef unit has been included at Annex 11.  

Biosecurity assessment for incoming animal: 

Complete a biosecurity assessment with your vet for incoming animals, using the standard template an Annex 12 which will serve as evidence the assessment has been completed. It should contain actions you will take to mitigate biosecurity risks from incoming animals, such as pre purchase enquiries, testing, quarantine, vaccination or treatment, and how you propose to record these actions 

Boundaries should be stock proof appropriate for the livestock you keep. This only applies to your enclosed farm boundaries, for which you have sole responsibility.

Complete training in Body Condition Scoring (BCS) and in mobility scoring for the livestock classes you keep, using the specific SFS modules on the Farming Connect platform or other approved training. If you keep more than one livestock class, for example, sheep and cattle, separate training should be undertaken for each in successive years if necessary. The training can be undertaken by you, your business partners, an employee or a family member who works for the business. The training should be undertaken at least once every five years.  

Approved training includes for example –   appropriate LANTRA animal health training relating to mobility or body condition scoring, or being a member of the Cattle Hoof Care Standards Board or Healthy Feet’ programme. Alternatively for livestock other than cattle or sheep, having evidence of a veterinary planned animal health programme also qualifies.

You will need to complete and record the date of herd or flock scoring for body conditioning and mobility noting any actions required. This should be undertaken at least annually as directed by best practice advice within the online training. 

Where qualifying proficiency training in mobility and body condition scoring has already been completed in the previous five years before you enter the Scheme and where ongoing annual scoring and recording is carried out regularly you may already meet the requirements of this action, providing you can demonstrate evidence. 

We do not require your vet to be involved in this animal welfare element, however the scoring information should be shared with your vet when completing the AHIC. 

The AHIC steps should be continuous, but we understand all four steps may take longer than 12 months to complete. However, we would expect the ‘Measure’ and ‘Plan’ step to be completed within the first calendar year of entry into the scheme. 

The biosecurity assessment is to be completed annually with your vet and used to inform decisions on incoming animals.

The mobility and body condition scoring proficiency training is to be undertaken at least once every five years per livestock class kept. Records for herd / flock body conditioning and mobility scoring should be completed annually.

You will need to declare annually on RPW Online that you have met the requirements of the action. 

You will not be asked to submit the AHIC or biosecurity assessment templates or your body condition scoring records to RPW. However, all records should be kept for a period of five years and be made available for inspection if requested.

If you complete the online learning module on Animal Welfare provided by Farming Connect from Summer 2025 (See UA4: Continuous Professional Development and Annex 4), this will count in place of the proficiency training for the next five years.   

Advice and support will be provided by Farming Connect along with your vet who will receive dedicated training on these requirements. 

The relationship between AHIC and existing farm assurance health plans is important. We are seeking to maximise the opportunity and minimise burden on farmers to enable assurance plans and AHIC to be completed as efficiently as possible. We will continue to work with Farm Assurance providers on this process. 

We will support you to make improvements through Optional and Collaborative Actions. The initial focus will be on Optional theme Enhanced biosecurity to provide capital support to help prevent diseases being brought onto your farm and manage the risk of disease spreading if already on the farm.  

Chapter 5: the Optional Layer

The Universal Layer is designed to act as a foundation and entry into the scheme. We understand that many of you will want to and are often already going further and delivering more. The Optional Layer of the scheme is designed to provide you with choice and flexibility to undertake more targeted and specific actions depending on your farm business, and what you want to achieve.  

We asked you during a previous consultation what the priorities for the Optional Layer should be. We have listened to your feedback and blended this with government priorities. 

To support you to deliver positive change on your farm against this range of priorities, we have adapted and updated some previous funding schemes and created some brand-new actions.  

The Optional Actions available in 2026 have been grouped into the 14 ‘themes’ listed below and are explained in more detail in this chapter. 

improved soil health and multispecies crop cover

sustainable production

enhanced habitat management

creation of permanent and temporary habitats

implementation of Designated Site Schedule of Works

enhanced woodland management

woodland and agroforestry creation

hedgerow creation and restoration  

improved public access to the countryside  

advanced Continuous Professional Development (CPD)  

improved water quality, water usage and flood mitigation

improved air quality and lowering ammonia emissions

organic farming (support and conversion)

enhanced biosecurity  

Payments for undertaking individual Optional Actions include a mixture of: 

one-off revenue payments, for example for creating plans

multi-annual revenue payments including area-based payments, for example for enhanced management of areas of habitat or woodland

capital payments, for example for small scale equipment, or larger scale infrastructure investments

The payment will be appropriate to the action and will be accompanied by further guidance where needed.  

The published scheme guidance will include full details for each theme and further detail on operational processes for the Optional Layer including: 

application process

targeting and prioritisation, where relevant

payment rates 

We will continue to work with stakeholders to develop these, and further Optional Actions to be made available from 2027 onwards including:

further support for sustainable production

more activities to manage and enhance habitat, including more bespoke restoration actions to be targeted and tailored where they are most required

support to enhance and restore historic features

Soil health underpins all our ambitions for food production, nature recovery, and addressing the climate emergency. The aim of this theme is to prevent soil loss, improve beneficial soil biology, improve soil structure and build Soil Organic Matter (SOM). This Optional Action builds upon the testing you have undertaken as part of UA1: Soil health.

Improved soil health can benefit the resilience of your farm by reducing inputs and saving money. 

A healthy soil structure and thriving soil biology supports better root growth and helps regulate moisture levels to benefit yields, while reducing the need for chemical inputs and irrigation. This can also reduce waste and the loss of inputs to the environment as pollution. Improved moisture retention can also help to reduce the risk of downstream flooding during wet weather and build carbon stores.  

Similar to our existing Small Grants Environment and Efficiency schemes, and the Growing for the Environment scheme we intend to provide support including:

establishment of mixed leys, cover crops, the undersowing of maize and unsprayed crops / margins

capital investment for equipment / infrastructure such as:

gateway maintenance, cross drains, electric fencing and water troughs (to minimise poaching)

subsoilers, direct drills, and minimum tillage cultivators to reduce soil disturbance

These actions could support you to achieve the Universal Scheme Requirements, such as the protection of bare soils, but will be separate from any temporary habitat areas required to meet the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.

Actions are similar and should be considered alongside other themes Sustainable production, Improved water quality, water usage and flood mitigation, and Improved air quality and lowering ammonia emissions. 

We will continue to review the appropriate practices and equipment to be funded as part of this theme, what advice and guidance to provide on soil management, and how best to target priority action in particular locations. 

The aim of this theme is to support you to improve your farm efficiency and sustainability.  

This Optional Action is intended to help you build on the benefits of the Universal Actions such as UA1: Soil health and UA3: Benchmarking.

By identifying, and addressing, areas of risk and opportunities for efficiencies, farms can improve productivity and increase their profitability and sustainability whilst at the same time reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

The scope of this action will develop over time to incorporate actions to support all sectors. The initial offer focuses on improvements and efficiencies in livestock production through:

sustainably reducing the age at slaughter of prime beef animals

beef sire registration

implementing graze and rest patterns (beef, sheep or dairy)

For some farm systems, finishing cattle at an earlier age to reach their slaughter weight can help drive improved productivity and environmental performance. Earlier finished cattle use a higher percentage of their lifetime diet for growth rather than maintenance. In addition, cattle that are kept beyond their target slaughter weight or take longer to reach slaughter weight can lead to unnecessary GHG emissions. 

Our intention is to enable you to make informed decisions about your cattle management by supporting you to record and analyse relevant performance data and subsequent improvements. This should be driven through improved efficiency rather than by higher inputs. 

Payment will be limited to finished beef animals born and bred in Wales and registered with the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS). You will have to take measured steps to reduce the age of slaughter for these beef animals. The pace of reduction will be phased year on year and based on your farm’s performance on a specific reference year. 

Appropriate advice and guidance will be available to enable you to achieve the high husbandry standards that will be required, for example, nutritional advice, grassland management, genetic improvements and proactive animal health. Payment will be based on results if the age of slaughter has been reduced.   

RPW will monitor progress and completion of this action using data from the Cattle Tracing System (CTS). 

The action could be complemented by capital funding for equipment such as weigh scales to monitor daily live weight gain, or cattle crushes. 

The purpose of this activity is to improve the data on genetic make-up of Welsh herds. Improved genetics have a significant potential to reduce GHG emissions, improve efficiency, proactively address future disease threats and improve the diversity and resilience of our beef sector. 

At present, there are many cattle sold without sire details, and no record of the Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) linked to carcase traits (for example days to slaughter) which have been bred into these offspring. 

By recording known sires you can add value at all stages of the supply chain, helping better breeding decisions to be made and building consumer trust through greater traceability. 

Payment will be provided for capturing the sire identification of beef sired calves on the Cattle Tracing System (CTS), during animal passport registration process. 

This will complement the Age to Slaughter activity described above, which is one of the traits within the National Beef Evaluations. 

Pasture and grazing management are key to making the most effective use of forage, often removing the need for external inputs. Graze and rest grazing systems (also referred to as cell grazing, or rotational grazing) are becoming more widely practised with the aim of increasing grassland utilisation while also improving soil carbon stocks. 

Benefits include:

lowering the need for bought in feed and fertiliser

reducing on farm emissions and building soil organic matter

enhancing the farm ecosystem, for example by lowering dependence on wormers (anthelmintics), which benefits dung beetles and other beneficial invertebrates that can improve soil health

This will initially involve a combination of advice and guidance supported by capital investment for items such as electric fencing, water troughs and or plate meters. The advice will focus on you developing your grazing management plan which supports you, for example:

to understand and implement key practical and infrastructure elements into your grazing system

to select and establish appropriate grass species and varieties for rotational grazing

to gain an in-depth understanding of soil management for maximising grass growth and utilisation

We will develop further support for graze and rest patterns for beef, sheep or dairy farms who can demonstrate implementation of targeted data-led management practices.

To further improve sustainable production, we are also considering several other aspects to support in future including:

protein crops

support for native breeds

age at first calving (beef and dairy)

calving intervals (beef and dairy)

sheep genetics (adding value to the Welsh Sheep Genetics Programme)

dairy genetics

The aim of this theme is to support you to enhance the condition of existing habitats including species rich grasslands, heathlands, and wetlands including ponds. This action builds upon UA5: Habitat maintenance.

Optional themeImplementation of Designated Site Schedule of Works should be considered for any designated land on your farm such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The best way to improve the abundance and variety of wildlife in our countryside is to improve the condition and resilience of our habitats, and by doing so we can work towards our nature recovery targets. 

Improving the condition of your habitat also protects carbon stores on your farm and helps to reduce flood risk.    

We will support you to enhance your habitats to benefit wildlife integrated with ongoing grazing by livestock, where appropriate, by identifying which site-specific activities are needed for your farm.   

Examples of actions which may be supported include:

control of bracken or Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)

management of peatlands to help store and regulate water flow and reduce the risk and impact of wildfires

targeted grazing patterns to enhance swards

reversion of an existing habitat type to a more valuable habitat type, such as reverting upland acid grassland to heathland

a sequence of activities such as purple-moor grass (Molinia) control followed by cattle grazing, followed by seed introduction to restore a more diverse heathland or marshy grassland

Activities may be funded as one-off capital items, while others may be supported as multi-annual area payments to reflect that some outcomes will take several years to be achieved. 

We will provide advice and guidance on how to achieve the best outcomes for you and the habitat on your farm. In some circumstances we may require a site visit to assess the condition of the existing habitat and suitability of the activity. Some of the activities may be grouped to target specific outcomes on your farm especially in relation to priority species. 

Restoring damaged peatlands and reinstating water tables is a complex process requiring specialist skills and machinery. For this reason, we do not propose to fund individual farmers to undertake peatland restoration as part of the SFS. Large areas of complex and specialist peatland restoration are carried out as part of the National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP). 

Some tenant farmers may be restricted in what habitat enhancement they can undertake due to their individual tenancy agreements. We encourage tenants to work with their landlords to determine what is possible for them.   

The management of certain priority or sensitive habitat types may necessitate site visits and additional guidance, so some of these will not be immediately available. 

It may also be possible to support enhanced habitat management that involves co-ordinated activity with other farmers and landowners at a landscape scale. This is especially valuable for habitats such as peatlands and wetlands where managing water levels and flow may not be possible within a single farm. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

This theme supports you to create new permanent or temporary habitat areas to complement any existing habitats on your farm. 

This is additional to any temporary habitat you are creating under UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land to meet the Universal Scheme Requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm.

This will benefit a range of wildlife and is even more valuable where new habitats are used to join up fragmented areas of existing habitat. The creation of permanent new habitat is preferable as this offers greatest value to nature in the long term at the same time as ongoing livestock grazing. However, temporary habitats can provide valuable benefits for wildlife, such as by providing important nectar and seed sources.

Support for permanent habitat creation could include:

reversion of improved grasslands to species rich grasslands

creation of orchards (traditional standard fruit trees varieties only)

creation of streamside corridors

We intend support for creation of permanent habitats to include a combination of one-off capital and multi-year payments. For example, traditional orchard creation could include the capital costs of planting new trees, installing rabbit guards and stock fencing, plus a revenue payment for managing the underlying grassland. 

Once established, any new permanent grassland habitat you create as part of this Optional Action will need to be maintained as per the requirements of UA5: Habitat maintenance. It will count towards the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm, replacing an equivalent area of temporary habitats you may have needed to create under UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land. 

New permanent habitats are expected to become subject to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Agriculture) Regulations which you will need to consider before making management decisions.  

Some tenant farmers may be restricted in what habitat enhancement they can undertake due to their individual tenancy agreements. We encourage tenants to work with their landlords to determine what is possible for them.   

See Optional theme Woodland and Agroforestry Creation for creation of new broadleaf woodlands.

The list of temporary habitat types available for creation is the same as those included for UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land. They are:

fallow crop margins

unfertilised, unsprayed and unharvested cereal and linseed headlands

fixed rough grass margins on arable land

rotational rough grass margins on arable land

unsprayed spring sown cereal and protein crop mix with stubbles retained

mixed leys on improved land (also referred to as multi-species or herbal leys)

wildlife cover crop on improved land

unsprayed, unfertilised and uncultivated buffer adjacent to existing habitat (including open water) on improved grassland

late cut improved grasslands

improved grassland allowed to set seed

retain cereal winter stubbles  

The management requirements that you should adhere to for each habitat type are similar to those included at Annex 6 for the Universal Layer, but may include some differences to reflect the more targeted approach of the Optional Layer of the scheme. We expect most of these to be established as field margins, where a minimum width would be required to make sure they deliver the intended benefits. Some of the habitats could be established as larger plots or whole field parcels.   

Only temporary habitats above the 10% scheme requirements will be funded under this Optional Action.

Care should be taken where permanent grassland (claimed as GR2 on SAF) is considered for cultivation to create temporary new habitat as it may already include high existing habitat potential. Selecting permanent pasture younger than 10 years provides a good rule of thumb to reduce this risk. However, the definition of improved land under the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) Regulations 2017 must be used to determine which land can be cultivated.   

The creation of certain permanent habitat types like new wetlands or ponds may necessitate site visits and additional guidance. We expect the list of options to create temporary and permanent habitat to increase over time.   

It may also be possible to support enhanced habitat management that involves co-ordinated activity with other farmers and landowners at a landscape scale. This is especially valuable for linking up fragmented habitats and supporting the additional feeding or breeding conditions required for priority species. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

The aim of this theme is to support you to implement the agreed Schedule of Works set out in your Designated Site Management Plan, to benefit these precious sites as part of your increasingly resilient farm business. 

Our designated sites are the jewels in the crown for nature conservation. Improving the condition of these sites provides one of the best opportunities for increasing the abundance and variety of wildlife, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and the services they provide to the countryside and wider society. By helping to improve the condition of these sites you would be contributing significantly to helping achieve nature recovery targets and improving the resilience of your farm

The designated site management plans will contain a consented Schedule of Works (SoW) which will identify the management actions needed to improve the condition of each site. The Designated Site Management Plan may also identify action needed in the buffer area around the site. For example, this could include the creation of streamside corridors adjacent to a designated river.

The management action to be carried out will be similar in nature to the actions described under Optional themes Enhanced habitat management and Enhanced woodland but will be informed by the consented SoW.

The SoW is likely to include a combination of capital and area-based activities. 

If your farm does not include a designated site, but you are within the buffer area you do not need to create a management plan under UA7: Designated Site Management Plan. However, promoting biodiversity within buffer areas will enhance the condition and resilience of designated sites, supporting landscape-scale ecological networks and their benefits. Consequently, we intend to be able to support you in accessing relevant, targeted Optional Actions if your land is within the buffer area. 

We expect the SoW to be reviewed on a five-year rolling basis, to reflect the different management which may be needed as sites improve over time. 

We are considering how best to support farmers with designated sites already under management agreements with NRW or Welsh Government to transition into the SFS. 

It may also be possible to support the management of designated sites that involves co-ordinated activity with other farmers and landowners at a larger scale. This is especially valuable for habitats such as peatlands and wetlands, along watercourses, or where there are priority species which have specific needs across landscapes. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

The aim of this theme is to support you to improve the condition of existing broadleaf, coniferous or mixed woodlands on your farm. This builds upon UA9: Woodland maintenance.

Better woodland management may improve the quality and value of a future timber crop, benefiting your farm business and generating raw materials to sustain the wider Welsh timber industry. By increasing the economic value of existing farm woodlands, we hope to highlight the benefits of planting new woodlands to benefit your farm business in the future.       

Improved woodland management can also generate benefits such as enhancing the value of the habitat to support nature, locking up more carbon and helping to reduce the risk of flooding. 

This support will be available for small to medium sized farm woodlands.  

Any designated woodland, for example woodlands within Sites of Special Scientific Interest, on your farm will need to be managed through Optional themeImplementation of designated site Schedule of Works. 

This support contains two elements:

funding to work with a registered woodland planner to develop a Woodland Management Plan. Any relevant permits, permissions and surveys will need to be in place before management works are carried out. The Woodland Management Plan will be valid for ten years with a review of progress at the five-year stage

woodland management grants for a range of items recommended in the Woodland Management Plan such as fencing, Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) control, thinning, tracks, access, and biodiversity related activities

Once your Woodland Management Plan is complete, you will be able to apply for grant funding to help deliver the plan. 

Work that involves co-ordinated activity with other landowners including squirrel and deer control may be available under the collaborative layer. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity. 

This is to support you to plant additional trees on your farm, identified in your UA10: Tree and Hedgerow Planting Opportunity Plan, in a way which provides benefit to you, your farm and the environment.

Any trees or woodland planted as part of this action could help to provide additional habitat for wildlife, reduce the risk of flooding and lock up additional carbon helping to tackle the climate emergency. 

Creating more shade or shelter can boost livestock, crop and grassland productivity through buffering weather, relieving compaction and increasing soil organic matter. In warmer months, livestock can overheat or suffer from heat stress, which can lead to loss of appetite, lower yields, and reduced fertility, impacting productivity. Similar adverse impacts can be linked to bad weather, for example, lamb losses can be reduced by 30% if good shelter is provided in cold, wet and windy conditions, and some trials have also shown an increase of between 10 and 21% in daily weight gain because of good shelter.   

The tree planting opportunities available to you include:

small farm woodlands (including shelterbelts)

larger planting areas, potentially as part of a future timber crop

planting as part of a silvopastural or silvoarable agroforestry pattern where crops or pasture remain the primary ground cover

We will support woodland and agroforestry creation by funding tree planting, fencing, gates and maintenance via our existing planting schemes which have been updated in 2025 to make them more flexible.

The Small Grants Woodland Creation Scheme is designed for straightforward applications of up to two hectares on land which is agriculturally improved or of low environmental sensitivity. To increase flexibility for you, the updated scheme includes:

reduced minimum planting block size from 0.1ha to 0.01ha

a new ‘fruit and nut’ mix woodland category along with revised species tables to offer greater flexibility and choice

a payment for you to obtain technical advice

The Woodland Creation Planning Scheme – funding for the development of new Woodland Creation Plans for planting over 2ha, and areas not suitable for the Small Grants Woodland Creation scheme.

The Woodland Creation Grant funds planting over 0.25 ha included on an approved Woodland Creation Plan. To increase flexibility for you, the updated scheme includes:

reducing minimum block size for creating new woodland from 0.1ha to 0.01ha (minimum agreement size remains 0.25ha)

introducing a new ‘fruit and nut’ mix woodland category

new grants from 2026 for water gates, pipes and troughs to support planting by streams and rivers

replacing the current agroforestry option with:

a lowland option (available below the upper limit of enclosure) including 50 trees / ha, with a minimum distance of 15m between trees

an upland option including 80 trees / ha with a minimum distance of 8 m between trees

both options include an increased maintenance period from five to 12 years

We will continue to review our planting schemes to make them accessible and attractive. This includes addressing any barriers to planting, improving the administrative processes and developing any targeting of activities which deliver multiple benefits. We will also develop an option for natural regeneration (where woodland is created through natural processes through seed dispersal) to add more flexibility for you.

To create and restore hedgerows to provide a range of benefits for your farming system whilst supporting the cultural and natural heritage of the countryside. This complements UA8: Hedgerow management and supports you to plant hedgerows identified in your UA10: Tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan.

Hedgerows created or restored will be included in the area used to meet the scheme requirement to have 10% habitat on each farm. 

Creating and restoring hedgerows (and subsequently managing them in good condition) can provide multiple benefits for you and the environment, including:

biosecurity benefits particularly at farm boundaries

shelter and security for livestock and crops

wildlife habitat, with food and shelter resources for pollinators, farmland birds, and pest predators such as bats and hoverflies

capturing additional carbon above and below the soil, helping to tackle climate change

improving water quality and reducing flood risk

enhancing our historic cultural landscapes

We will support you to create and restore hedges by providing capital funding including, but not limited to:

planting new hedgerows (20 metres or longer)

promote new basal growth (rejuvenation) of existing hedgerows by laying (pleaching) where the hedge is tall, with multiple thin stems, or coppicing

restore existing hedgerows by rejuvenation and re-stocking with new whips where the existing stems are sparse

fencing and gates to protect new or restored hedgerows

water troughs, if needed, where new or restored hedgerows prevent livestock access to drinking water

Technical notes will also be provided to ensure work is carried out to an acceptable standard. 

We will continue to review the list of capital items needed to support hedgerow creation and restoration and how to target future support to deliver the most benefit. 

We will develop guidance to help ensure that appropriate management actions are taken and, where coppicing is being proposed, we will require evidence that this is the most appropriate management technique to improve the condition of the hedgerow and sustain its lifespan.   

This theme is designed to improve the accessibility of the farmed environment, encourage responsible recreation and improve the visitor experience. This can strengthen the link between the consumer and how their food is produced. 

This is an opportunity to improve signage or access furniture on farms. This means there are fewer barriers to people enjoying the outdoors safely. It also provides an opportunity to improve the visitor experience and reinforce messages about safe and responsible use of the countryside. This benefits visitors, farmers and livestock. 

As part of this Optional Action, we will fund one-off capital items with a focus on improving accessibility (with an emphasis on least restrictive access) and / or improving the visitor experience. This could involve funding to: 

remove stiles where security of livestock is not needed

replace stiles with gates

install seats / benches at viewpoints

install information boards to highlight:

elements of the Countryside Code such as reminders to keep dogs on lead, no littering, or the importance of closing gates

educational, cultural or landscape points of interest

Where possible we will promote existing Local Authority processes to support these activities. 

This action is not designed to fund compliance with access legislation relating to Public Rights of Way (PRoW) or the Countryside Rights of Way (CRoW) Act which must be met as part of the SFS Regulatory Baseline.

Future development of this Optional Action could include support to improve the quality and / or quantity of rights of way both on an individual holding and on a collaborative basis. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

The aim of this theme is to support you to undertake higher level learning, which can provide a vital building block in improving business performance and ensuring agricultural businesses are operated in a resilient and sustainable way. This action builds upon UA4: Continuous Professional Development.

Continued and higher levels of education and skills enable you to improve profitability, environmental performance, animal welfare, health and safety standards and help expose you to innovative business solutions in a changing world.

Supporting an industry committed to continuous advancement gives confidence to consumers that the farming profession is committed to staying up to date and can indicate an aptitude and willingness to build a good reputation with customers, assurance schemes, banks, landlords or potential employers.  

This Optional Action will provide support to complete more detailed or higher level CPD, supporting you to better understand and be more confident to perform the Optional Actions. The initial focus will be on:

soil and multispecies crop cover

KPIs to improve productivity and efficiency

habitat management, enhancement and creation

woodland management and creation

hedgerow management

water quality

air quality

organic farming

animal health and biosecurity

These will be provided by the Farming Connect programme as a mixture of hands-on and theory-based training. They will often involve other farmers in small groups, based on an assessment of an individual's knowledge and interest. 

Your participation will be recorded automatically in Storfa Sgiliau, your personal CPD record to build up a more complete picture of your ongoing learning and development. 

We will develop the CPD offer over time to ensure there is a diverse range of opportunities to support continuous learning.  

This theme supports you to improve water quality, and to manage water availability. 

It builds upon Universal Actions including UA1: Soil health and UA2: Integrated Pest Management and is consistent with other Optional themes such as Creation of permanent and temporary habitats and Woodland and agroforestry creation. 

Improving soil health and reducing waste and run off can improve water quality to benefit nature, fish populations, recreational use and downstream drinking water supplies for livestock and people.  

This action also supports you to build resilience against water shortages during prolonged dry periods, which can ease demand on reduced supplies. 

Improving soil structure and pasture management can also help regulate water flow across farmed land to help reduce flood risk. 

We will bring together a range of activities included in other Optional Actions to focus on these benefits. This could include:

farm infrastructure improvements for clean water separation such as roofing, rainwater goods, water harvesting and filtration equipment

infrastructure investments to enhance nutrient management such as slurry and manure stores, slurry handling systems, dirty water tanks

precision nutrient and pesticide application equipment – such as GPS for precision farming, slurry injection systems or dribble bars

equipment to aid soil management to enhance water quality such as subsoilers, direct drills, and minimum tillage cultivators to reduce soil disturbance

establishing multi-species leys in combination with minimum tillage techniques

planting trees or hedgerows to intercept overland water flow and pollutants before they reach watercourses, including planting in riparian strips 

We continue to review and develop the list of activities needed to improve water quality. 

It may also be possible to support improvements to water quality that involves co-ordinated activity with other farmers and landowners at a landscape scale. This is especially valuable across water catchments. See Collaborative theme Collaborative Landscape Scale Activity.

This theme supports you to improve air quality. It builds upon Universal Actions such as UA1: Soil health and Optional theme Woodland and agroforestry creation. 

Activity to reduce airborne pollutants will benefit ecosystems and human health, and can also help improve farm efficiency by making better use of resources and improving soil health. 

Agricultural activities emit a range of pollutant gases, especially nitrogen compounds (including ammonia) and particulates to the atmosphere from activities including fertiliser use, and fumes from farm machinery, livestock housing and waste. 

Ammonia pollution negatively impacts most of our ecosystems in Wales. It also contributes to the formation of particulate pollution, which can increase the risks of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, and lung cancer.  

We will bring together a range of activities included in other Optional Actions to focus on the benefits of improving air quality. This could include;

capital funding for infrastructure improvements such as roofing over existing yards and slurry stores

capital funding infrastructure investments to enhance nutrient management including slurry and manure stores, slurry store covers, slurry handling equipment and scraping systems

funding precision nutrient and pesticide application equipment such as GPS for precision farming, slurry injection systems or dribble bars

funding equipment to aid soil management to improve air quality e.g. subsoilers, direct drills, and minimum tillage cultivators to reduce soil disturbance, and establishing multi-species leys

planting trees around slurry stores or livestock housing to intercept airborne pollutants

We will continue to review and implement the list of activities available to improve air quality.

The aim is to provide certainty to the organic sector in Wales, including individual farmers and the wider supply chain. 

Organic farming builds on multiple Universal Actions, particularly those focussed on soil health and biodiversity.

This is designed to support farmers who want to convert to and maintain organic status to demonstrate commitments to sustainability and to access organic markets. 

Organic practices contribute to multiple benefits including improved air and water quality, flood risk reduction, and benefits for nature.  

This is similar to our existing Organic Support Payment and the Organic Conversion Scheme. Area payments will be available via multi-annual agreements. 

We propose to introduce payment bands based on land type. For support to existing organic farmers, these will be: 

horticulture

enclosed land

enclosed land with a dairy enterprise

land above the upper limit of enclosure 

For organic conversion, these will be:

horticulture

enclosed land with rotational crops / temporary grassland

enclosed land with permanent crops / grassland

enclosed land with permanent and temporary grassland with a dairy enterprise.

land above the upper limit of enclosure and other specified land

To receive organic support, you will need to register your land with an accredited certification body and undergo the testing and inspection processes carried out by these bodies. You will need to farm your land to organic standards, as set out in legislation. This includes, but is not limited to:

minimising the use of fertilisers, pesticides and other inputs, and when these are used, they must be those approved for use by your organic certification body

maintenance of soil health, primarily through crop rotation, and where this is not possible, through use of green manure and nitrogen-fixing crops

making sure that animals’ species-specific needs are met at all times

The conversion support payment will be for farmers in their conversion period, where organic standards must be maintained on farm, but products cannot yet be labelled or marketed as organic.

Advice and guidance will primarily be provided by your organic certification body. 

We are working with the organic sector to determine how organic certification can be used directly as evidence that you are meeting the requirements of various actions. 

The aim here is to further the ‘Prevention is better than cure’ approach to manage a range of potential risk pathways to lower the risk of diseases entering your farm.  This Optional Action builds on the requirement for you to work with your vet to assess and manage the disease risk from incoming animals as part of UA12: Animal Health and Welfare. 

Reducing the burden of disease improves farm productivity and minimises zoonotic infection threats to public health. Biosecurity best practice can also reduce antibiotic use and the risk of antimicrobial resistance. This benefits you individually, and the national livestock sectors.

This action will provide capital funding to help prevent diseases being brought onto your farm and manage the risk of disease spreading if already on the farm. Capital funding could include:

isolation facilities to separate stock arriving on farm

wildlife proofing to reduce / prevent vermin or wildlife disease vectors entering feed stores or areas of the farm populated by livestock

secure deadstock storage to minimise the risk of infection being transferred to your stock

cleaning and disinfection points for vehicles, personnel and equipment on entry / exit of farm premises and buildings to support best practice on farm hygiene

double fencing of boundaries to manage risk of infections to and from neighbour’s stock   

We continue to review the list of farm biosecurity measures being supported and intend to introduce additional Optional Actions relating to improved animal health and welfare. 

We are also developing proposals for Collaborative Action which could support, for example, local and regional approaches to endo- and ecto-parasite management.

Chapter 6: the Collaborative Layer

Using the Universal and Optional Layers of the scheme as building blocks, the Collaborative Layer is designed to foster partnership working with actions designed to be carried out in a coordinated way by multiple farmers, land managers, and other organisations at a landscape, catchment or national scale. 

The three Collaborative themes to be introduced in 2026 are:

innovation, research and development

collaborative market and supply chain

collaborative landscape scale activity

Similar to the Optional Layer, additional payments could be available for undertaking Collaborative Actions including one off revenue payments, multi-annual management payments, or capital payments. 

Collaborative projects may be supported directly or potentially funded through a third-party facilitator. Farmers and land managers will have more flexibility as to the approach taken to deliver outcomes.

The published scheme guidance will include further detail on operational processes for the Collaborative Layer which we expect to be application based and build on existing schemes. 

These processes will evolve over time, and could include: 

geographical targeting of areas or features, such as watercourses, through greater mapping and information capture combined with tailored selection criteria

responding to the data and plans you are creating in the Universal Layer

providing more bespoke support for the challenges faced across farms through an on-farm assessment to define the most beneficial actions for participating farmers and the environment

Any works undertaken as part of a Collaborative Action must be complementary and not duplicate works being undertaken as part of existing Universal or Optional Actions. 

The aim is to support innovation and applied research and development which we consider to be key in solving many of the challenges facing Welsh agriculture and rural communities, helping to deliver multiple cross-cutting objectives. In 2023, we published an Agri-tech action plan for Wales as well as an Innovation Strategy for Wales that places innovation with respect to agriculture and food as key to continued economic success in Wales. 

The development and adoption of innovation in relation to agri-food technology, including innovation on farm, can benefit individual farming businesses, nature and the environment. It can provide opportunities in the supply chain to develop services, products and opportunities that will benefit farming businesses and the wider supply chain. 

Our vision is to exploit the potential of agri-food technology through a blend of collaborative, coordinated activities delivered by government, commercial and academic stakeholders working together through measurable and impactful interventions. This could be through a range of models such as:  

integration with other government funded research projects and programmes including UK wide projects to make best use of public funds

themed Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) challenges. Challenge funds are overarching, strategic funds focused on fostering innovation around a specific mission, theme or policy priority

utilising the Triple helix model (a collaboration between government, industry, and academia) to deliver relevant activity

utilising demonstration farms to pilot or trial new or innovative systems and link to wider knowledge transfer activities relating to agriculture and food

From the perspective of individual farmers this Collaborative Action will be used to facilitate and encourage participation in innovation, research and development. It will help you and others to investigate a research problem or develop solutions that benefit farm-based enterprises, as well as identifying opportunities to use technology to develop new products utilising Welsh primary produce. 

We will continue to develop and fund activities relating to innovation and research and technology development relating to agri-food technology.

The aim is to develop opportunities to enhance markets and supply chains to benefit farm businesses and businesses using farm derived produce from Wales.

This can cover all aspects of food production, meat, dairy, vegetables, grain and other crops, but also wider activities for example sustainably harvested timber from farm woodlands. 

This activity encourages sustainable food production by developing a focus on local supply chain development and reducing food miles, as well as educational benefits to allow people to understand where their food comes from. This activity will additionally support the aspirations of the Welsh Government Community Food Strategy to encourage the development of local supply chains.

Supporting Welsh farm businesses, and the food and drink businesses who use Welsh farm derived produce can generate added value to the farm business itself. In addition, encouraging the creation, development and support of food and drink businesses in local communities can support these rural communities by adding value to farm derived produce, accessing new markets, developing wider supply chain opportunities and creating and supporting jobs within these rural communities.

Specific support could include: 

providing an understanding of market and customer requirements, including using the public perception in and outside of Wales as a Unique Selling Point (USP) for Welsh derived produce

supporting diversification and adding value to farm derived produce to exploit niche opportunities

promoting our network of Protected Food Names (UKGI) into new markets, highlighting the global recognition of Welsh farmed produce

supporting sustainable food production by ensuring businesses have the necessary support to transition towards greener operations, reducing their environmental impact while enhancing long-term resilience

building networks and clusters of businesses to create strong, diversified supply chains which are market focussed and can share knowledge and expertise

focusing on technical improvement and new product development, as well as promoting innovation across the supply chain

work alongside retail, wholesale and hospitality sectors to champion Welsh produce and to ensure a wide range of Welsh sourced produce is available to consumers both in Wales and the UK. These trade links are key to ensuring the flow of supply chain links from farm to fork

developing export markets for Welsh derived produce and identify and support relevant inward investment opportunities

providing opportunities to promote the upskilling of the workforce and the transfer of knowledge into businesses

participating in building the development of Local Food Partnerships to create local networks of food production and related activity. This will be either directly through producing and supplying, or by making land or other assets available for third parties

creating local networks, to collaborate on production of timber products and non-wood forest products

We may deliver support via a number of mechanisms including grant or procurement, and funding could include capital or revenue programmes. Support could be either direct grant support or via third parties with relevant expertise. 

Examples of current activities that deliver support and offer future potential operational models include:

Clusters for Success – bringing businesses with shared and common objectives together to disseminate best practice and encourage collaboration

Food, Innovation and Technology for Success - delivers academic and practical knowledge transfer activity focused on food innovation, and food efficiency to increase production and implement waste reduction across the food chain

Enterprise for Success - supports micro, small and medium sized food and drink businesses to set up, develop, grow, become more competitive, sustainable and innovative

We will continue to review the potential operational mechanisms and propose further options including the integration of the range of support mechanisms available to simplify the offer for farm-based businesses. 

We are also developing a farm woodlands and trees income generation support scheme to offer training and bespoke advisory services. 

The aim is to support collaboration between farmers, foresters, land managers and other organisations to work together at a landscape, catchment, or regional level to deliver outcomes that cannot be delivered on a single farm.  

Coordinating activity at a larger collaborative scale makes it possible to tackle bigger issues. For example, coordinating activity within a whole water catchment can have increased benefits for water quality and flood risk reduction. 

Enhancing condition, extending and connecting habitats across the landscape can strengthen ecosystem resilience against climate change and support vital services such as pollination. Coordinating habitat restoration at a larger scale, we can create better links between priority species’ breeding, feeding, roosting, and overwintering sites. This is especially valuable when these areas are spread across different parts of Wales.

This could include:

improving common land through coordinated activity by graziers and by working with the landowner, for example to introduce improved habitat management and reduced fire risks through grazing agreements or capital support for infrastructure improvements

coordinating landscape scale habitat creation and restoration to form wildlife corridors

restoring and enhancing ecosystems at a landscape scale, such as peatlands and wetlands where managing water levels and flow may not be possible within a single farm

eradication of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) where they are damaging ecosystems and pose a risk to native species

Natural Flood Risk Management (NFRM) interventions to reduce flood risk impacting communities

enhancing and creating riparian habitat along river networks to benefit river water quality

targeted measures to support the recovery of particular wildlife species, such as creating and establishing nesting and feeding habitat, or predatory controls

improving access to the countryside through enhancing public paths, open access land and green spaces

protecting and enhancing access to the historic environment and restoration of historic landscape features

targeted measures to improve water quality at a water catchment scale including improvements to soil health, reducing agricultural pollution, and minimising the use of pesticides

Any works undertaken as part of a Collaborative Action must be complementary and not duplicate works being undertaken as part of existing Universal or Optional Actions. 

Supporting landscape action between groups of farmers and other partners will likely include facilitation to coordinate groups, followed by development and delivery phases. 

We will also provide advice and guidance as well as supporting innovation and knowledge transfer as part of this Collaborative Action. 

We are developing this Collaborative Action based on the experience from two existing programmes, the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) and Ffermio Bro: Farming in Designated Landscapes. We will continue to refine these mechanisms and consider new ones.  

Chapter 7: common land

Ensuring ongoing support for common land is vital as they are an integral part of farming in Wales and provide so many economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits. This support includes: 

a Universal Payment for individual holders of grazing rights who can meet the eligibility criteria and specific actions below

collaborative payments to a Grazing Association for coordinated grazing management

collaborative payments to a Grazing Association or other collaborative groups where the owner of the common is involved and / or permits enhanced management activity to be undertaken

As outlined in Chapter 8, common land will be included in your Universal Baseline Payment, as part of the Whole Farm Payment category and Social Value payment, if you;

have common land grazing rights and can turn out suitable livestock  

maintain a Stocking Diary to be made available at Inspection  

have due regard for relevant management which are in place on the common such as for animal health benefits or habitat management

Your allocation of common land area for the SFS will be based on the grazing rights held and use the same methodology current used for the BPS.

Ongoing support for coordinated grazing arrangements will continue under SFS. 

The Habitat Wales Scheme (Commons) will be available in 2026, to already established Grazing Associations.

We are considering how to support the formation of new Grazing Associations to enable more common land to be brought into coordinated management from 2027 onwards.      

Targeted land management often requires the consent from the owner of the common, ideally working in partnership with the graziers. 

This would enable work such as management of bracken and other invasive species, peatland restoration, or targeted tree planting. 

This will be supported through a continuation of our existing landscape scale collaborative schemes such as the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme (INRS) Ffermio Bro (which supports activity within our designated landscapes) and the National Peatland Action Programme (NPAP). 

Chapter 8: Sustainable Farming Scheme payments

We will support a thriving, productive, sustainable farming industry in Wales. The foundation of this is the whole farm payment under the Universal Layer of the scheme.

The Universal Payment is made up of two elements described below: 

The Universal Baseline Payment reflects the costs incurred and income foregone for undertaking the Universal Actions, and consist of three separate categories as follows:

A tiered payment rates covering the eligible area of the whole farm, including common land apportioned in a similar way to the current BPS, if you have a legal right to use that land for grazing stock. See Chapter 7 for a description of common land support. 

A single payment rate per hectare of semi-natural habitat (see UA5) (excluding common land) and / or area of temporary habitat (see UA6) created to meet the scheme requirement for 10% habitat on each farm.  

A single payment rate per hectare for existing woodland managed in accordance with UA9 (excluding common land). 

Unlike BPS, the Whole Farm Payment will be based on the total eligible area of your farm, declared on SAF, which includes all landscape features. The list of ineligible areas is outlined in Chapter 2. 

The Habitat and Woodland Maintenance Payments are eligible on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) but not on areas under agreement with the Welsh Government or other regulatory bodies where a maintenance / revenue payment is already received (annually or as a single cumulative payment). 

The SFS requires you to adopt more sustainable practices which go beyond those required by existing regulations. These actions associated with the sustainable production of food provide direct and indirect benefit to you, your local communities and wider society which we intend to recognise as a Social Value Payment included in the Universal Payment.

The social value reflects the public value of the outcomes delivered through sustainable practice in agriculture as a result of the SFS, which are not properly reflected in market prices for agricultural output, and which contribute to the statutory Sustainable Land Management objectives.

The Social Value Payment is a single payment rate per hectare calculated on the same area as the Whole Farm Payment.

Detailed scheme guidance, including technical notes and a set of Verifiable Standards setting out all the scheme requirements, scheme actions, and evidence required to meet the conditions of the scheme, and receive scheme payments will be published later this year. 

Capping will be applied to the SFS Universal Payment as follows: 

Payment ValueCapping Rate 
up to £25,000    0%  
£25,000 to £50,000    5%  
£50,000 to £150,000    10%  
£150,000 to £200,000    15%  
£200,000 to £250,000    30%  
£250,000 to £300,000    55%  
over £300,000    100%  

Those farms who join the Scheme in 2026, and are up to 100 hectares of eligible land or less, will receive an additional £1000 as a one-off stability payment. This recognises the particular transitional challenges and uncertainties these farms face.

The Optional and Collaborative Actions provide an opportunity for you to access additional funding for taking up further actions. 

We intend, where appropriate to maintain the existing methodology for payment rates related to actions similar to the SFS Preparatory Schemes, with rates based on costs incurred and income forgone. This also includes potential for varied intervention rates, tapering and capping of payment rates.

Payments for undertaking individual Optional Actions include a mixture of: 

one off revenue payments, for example for creating plans

multi-annual revenue payments including area-based payments, for example for enhanced management of areas of habitat or woodland

capital payments, for example for small scale equipment, or larger scale infrastructure investments

We will continue to review the methodology of these actions over time focusing more on payment for results and the recognition of possible social benefits which may arise from the completion of these actions.

The SFS Universal Payment is an annual payment that operates within the five-year statutory reporting period of the Agriculture (Wales) Act. Whilst this supports the longevity of the SFS framework, the scheme will need to operate within the allocated budget, which is agreed annually by the Senedd. The allocation of the budget to the Universal, Optional and Collaborative layers will therefore require an annual review process to support decisions on the balance of the budget across the layers.

We intend to allocate budget for the first year of the scheme on a similar basis to the current agriculture support payments, approximately:

70% for the Universal Payment and legacy BPS

30% for ongoing preparedness schemes and Optional and Collaborative Actions). 

Whole Farm Payment - £70 per hectare for the first 70 hectares of eligible land, and then £2 per hectare for all remaining eligible land. This includes Common land apportioned in a similar way to the current BPS, if you have a legal right to use that land for grazing stock. 

Social Value Payment - £107 per hectare for all eligible land.

Habitat Maintenance Payment - £69 per hectare for all habitat maintained as part of UA5: Habitat maintenance or for habitat created under UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land to meet the Scheme Requirement for 10% habitat on each farm. 

Woodland Maintenance Payment - £62 per hectare for all woodland maintained as part of UA9: Woodland maintenance (excluding those tenants who do not have full management control of the woodland). 

We will publish the payment mechanisms and rates for the Optional and Collaborative Actions as they are made available.

The payment methodology has been designed to provide opportunity for you to take advantage of commercial and social funding opportunities such as through the Woodland Carbon Code. This is a commercial decision for you to make, involving risks which you will need to manage.

Chapter 9: Sustainable Farming Scheme process

Rural Payments Wales will administer the scheme. We have amended or enhanced our processes where appropriate and will continue to do so as the scheme develops. 

A redesigned and updated Farming Connect programme will support the delivery of the scheme. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will also work alongside RPW where scheme requirements require specific technical input or validation, for example creating designated site management plans.

We know how important safeguarding your data is and arrangements are in hand to safely and securely share only the minimum amount of data required between all parties involved in the overall delivery of the scheme. We will make clear how we will use any data provided to us. 

Detailed scheme guidance, including technical notes and a set of Verifiable Standards setting out all the scheme requirements, scheme actions, and evidence required to meet the conditions of the scheme will be published later this year. A number of these requirements will be consistent with previous support schemes and Cross Compliance which you should be familiar with. Some key requirements to be aware of include:

the scheme will operate at a farm business level

the Universal Layer of the scheme will operate on a calendar year and run from 1 January to 31 December

you will declare annually all the land under your management control on the Single Application Form (SAF)

you will need to ensure you can meet the conditions of the Universal Actions applicable to your farm.

you will need to adhere to the SFS Regulatory Baseline and Universal Code

We want to support you to enter the scheme and deliver the actions as efficiently as possible. We will continue to work with key stakeholders and the RPW User Working Group to ensure processes are clear and accessible, with suitable advice and guidance where appropriate. 

We want you to be able to make the most of the scheme once you have joined, so we will also support you to gain and / or maintain the knowledge and skills you need to help deliver the Universal, Optional and Collaborative Actions. 

We will build on the positive support measures currently delivered by Farming Connect, including the extensive Knowledge Transfer Programme, lifelong learning and development, demonstration farm network and dissemination events to help you deliver the scheme actions. We will shortly be procuring this service to ensure it best supports you. 

We may need to arrange farm visits, using Welsh Government staff or third-party advisors, for some Optional Actions to ensure the proposed actions are suitable and appropriate for the location chosen. 

Details of the services available and these farm visits will be published online and accessible through the RPW and Farming Connect helplines.

If you wish to join the scheme you will need to register your business through RPW Online. Farming businesses already registered on RPW Online and who have a Customer Reference Number (CRN) will not have to register again but may need to update their details with additional information. Farm businesses may also need to register with Farming Connect to access information, help and guidance regarding the scheme.

In advance of the scheme beginning on 1 January 2026, we will provide an opportunity for you to check the RPW Online mapping to confirm habitat areas and tree canopy cover at field and farm level. RPW will contact all registered farm businesses with more details regarding this data confirmation exercise. 

This is not a declaration of land for any current or future scheme. 

Following the exercise and in advance of the scheme opening an online interactive map will be available which will show details of the habitats, tree cover, designated sites and historic features on your farm, as held in the RPW mapping system.

You will need to confirm the land cover and features present on your farm each year as part of SAF to be able to apply for the Universal Payment.

Whilst the scheme is designed to provide long term support, to apply for the SFS Universal Payment, you will have to complete the SAF annually. The application window will open in March and close on 15 May, in line with the current SAF period. 

You may be required to update RPW and Farming Connect systems during the year to confirm the completion of Actions which do not need to be completed by the SAF deadline. We will provide a dashboard in RPW Online to record your progress with the actions and to signpost you to further advice and support.

All actions applicable to your farming business, will need to be carried out within a predetermined time frame.

We will use the declared and validated details from the SAF to calculate the Universal Payment, based on the methodology set out in more detail in Chapter 8.

Advance payments will commence in October followed by a balance payment once all validation checks have been completed from December onwards.

The scheme has a key role supporting you to better understand your farm carbon balance, as well as the impact of changes in farming practice and uptake of techniques to both increase opportunities for carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This is important to help you meet increasing demands from the consumer and supply chain. 

We will use the data already held by, or available to Welsh Government to assist in the calculation of a farm level carbon baseline as recommended by the Carbon Sequestration Evidence Review Panel. Some additional farm details are likely to be required to provide a meaningful baseline calculation of the GHG emissions and carbon sequestration levels on your farm, and we will continue to work with key stakeholders to define the final set of data requirements, such as farming systems and livestock housing regimes, needed to allow us to calculate these outputs.

We will use the information to identify and develop Optional and Collaborative Actions to help you reduce your overall carbon footprint by reducing GHG emissions, increase opportunities for carbon sequestration, and benefit the farm business.

The SAF will be supplemented with separate agreements, where appropriate, which may operate over a longer time frame to deliver Optional and Collaboratives Actions.

For some Optional or Collaborative Actions, for example to undertake bespoke habitat enhancement, there will be a more in-depth assessment process. This will be coupled with appropriate guidance, help and support. This may require farm visits.

We will use existing scheme processes where possible, which may be scored and selected in line with the SLM objectives, should the available budget restrict take up. This could involve a simple application process similar to existing small grant schemes, or an appraisal process may be needed for larger applications.

All groups who wish to take part in the Collaborative Layer of the scheme will need to register with RPW to obtain a CRN for the group prior to applications. Payments will be made to the group and not each individual members of the group.

Any approved actions will need to be carried out within a predetermined time frame.

All land tenure, parcels and crop cover will be cross checked against RPW’s Land Parcel Identification System (LPIS) and land register. Cross checks will be undertaken to ensure payments are made on the correct land area, there is no double funding, and the land use classifications do not contradict the land use required as part of scheme requirements.  

Checks will also be undertaken on the SAF declaration and RPW Online dashboard relating to the completion or progress of all scheme actions. We will recognise and correct errors that are straightforward to identify at a clerical check of the information given on the SAF, supporting documentation or any other application and claim. 

Where you are prevented from fulfilling certain obligations or completing actions due to events outside your control, we will consider these under the exceptional circumstances provision.

On-the-spot checks will be conducted to ensure the appropriate use of public funds, using a combination of physical inspection and earth observation (including remote sensing and aerial photography) where applicable. 

RPW will select and inspect a percentage of Scheme applications each year to confirm the Scheme Requirements, including the SFS Regulatory Baseline are being met. The Rural Inspectorate for Wales (RIW) and other Competent Control Authorities (CCA), such as NRW, will conduct these inspections. 

Where applicable, we will use earned recognition to minimise the level of checks undertaken at an inspection.

We will update the ‘When the Inspector Calls - Helpful guide for farmers’ with examples of the on-farm record information that we may expect to be presented as evidence the scheme requirements have been met.

Maintaining compliance with the scheme eligibility criteria and scheme requirements including the SFS Regulatory Baseline, Universal Code and all applicable scheme actions are a condition of payment. 

Where there are inaccurate declarations, or non-compliance with the scheme requirements, we will need to consider an appropriate and proportionate response. This may lead to further guidance, warnings or additional training to correct minor issues where possible. However, reductions, and/or financial penalties may be required for example in the event of repeated or more significant compliance issues. For all circumstances of noncompliance, there will be a set of published Verifiable Standards and a matrix clearly setting out consequences.

RPW will continue to operate a two-stage appeals process, consisting of:

stage 1: involving different officials from those who made the original decisions

stage 2: involving an Independent Appeal Panel, providing recommendations to Welsh Ministers

Updated appeal guidance will be published later this year. 

Welsh Government is the data owner and processor and must meet the Data Protection Principles set out in the Data Protection Act 2018 (on legislation.gov.uk). 

All data collected will be managed securely, sensitively and kept for no longer than is necessary. 

We will only request and collect data, primarily for processing and validation of scheme requirements and calculating the payments. The data may also be used or shared for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting purposes. 

Where we need to aggregate data to represent statistics of trends on a sector, regional, or national level, data will be anonymised.

Chapter 10: monitoring and evaluation

The SFS will be monitored, reported and evaluated by Welsh Government, through: 

the legal requirements of the act, focussing on the Sustainable Land Management objectives; and,

evaluation of the scheme

Under the act, Welsh Ministers have a statutory duty to monitor, report and evaluate progress on the contribution towards achieving the SLM objectives of any support given by the Welsh Government. Monitoring enables the Welsh Government to be accountable for its performance against the SLM objectives by providing the Senedd and the public with appropriate transparency to enable them to track achievements. 

The act sets out a clear monitoring and reporting framework at the SLM objective level. It contains five levels of reporting:

The scheme will be the primary, but not the only mechanism of support provided by the Welsh Government to meet the SLM objectives. 

Its impact will be evaluated to assess the effectiveness and value for money of the scheme considering performance/management data from RPW, NRW and other service providers. The evaluation will support statutory reporting requirements.

Chapter 11: Basic Payment Scheme

SFS has been designed to provide long term support for the resilience of Welsh farming businesses, so the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is a legacy scheme and will be phased out during the transition period beginning in 2026. 

Once you have chosen to participate in SFS you will no longer have the option to revert to BPS.

The BPS Entitlement Value, Redistributive Payment and the Young Farmer Payment will be phased out incrementally over a three-year period, with an initial 40% taper in 2026, followed by 20% tapers in 2027 and 2028. These tapers will be applied to the values calculated under the BPS in 2025. 

BPS Entitlement value, Redistributive Payment and Young Farmer Payment rates will be: 

100% in 2025

60% in 2026

40% in 2027

20% in 2028 

The final available BPS claim will be in 2028. There will be no BPS application or payment in 2029.

This approach to phasing out BPS, negates the need for future BPS budget ceilings to be set and means you will be able to easily calculate your expected BPS payment values during the transition period, if you choose not to enter the SFS. 

Most BPS rules will remain unchanged. You will still require an equivalent number of eligible hectares to activate your BPS entitlements and have sufficient eligible land at your disposal. 

We are retaining the Cross Compliance legal framework and associated controls and penalties for BPS claimants. However, as BPS is being phased out, we need to ensure the BPS claimant population and individual claims do not increase in size. 

We will therefore make the following changes to BPS with effect from 2026. These are detailed below:

This element of BPS will not be available to new claimants from 2026 onwards as they will be able to access support through SFS. Existing beneficiaries will continue to be eligible to claim the young farmer payment until the end of the five-year qualifying period, the end of BPS, or their entry into the SFS, whichever is sooner. 

Farmers who participate in SFS will surrender their entitlements, which will not be available for future BPS years. 

We will remove the two-year entitlement usage rule and National Reserve. New entrants to farming will be directed to the SFS, as there are no requirements to hold entitlements in the scheme. 

We will also restrict the transfer of BPS entitlements to those who transfer and/or lease entitlements with the land. This will mean BPS entitlements can be transferred with land in cases of inheritance and succession. 

The 2026 transfer and lease window, and entitlement transfer rules will be available in early 2026.

BPS payment capping limits will be reduced to ensure parity with the BPS tapering. This means the impact of BPS tapering will be the same for all claimants.

These proposals will be delivered using powers contained in the Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 to modify BPS legislation by making subordinate legislation during 2025.

Chapter 12: regulations

We will be introducing secondary legislation regulations required to effectively operate and administer all future support schemes established under, and pursuant to sections 10 and 12 of the act. 

The regulations are a legal requirement enabling the operational and administrative controls of future support schemes, such as monitoring the provision of support, ensuring checks (inspections) are completed against eligibility conditions and ongoing compliance with support scheme conditions.

The regulations will enable all future support schemes operating under the power to provide support, (sections 8 and 9) of the act, to use the same legal power to operate and administer effectively. The detailed specifics of each support, scheme or otherwise, is to be provided within the scheme guidance.

We will begin the Senedd legislative process this autumn in preparation for the commencement of the SFS in January 2026.

Alongside the Agriculture Support Regulation, we will also be introducing amendments to the BPS regulations using powers conferred by Section 16 of the act.

Annex 1: the Sustainable Farming Scheme regulatory baseline

The Statutory Management Requirements (SMRs) and Good Agricultural and Environment Condition (GAECs) listed below, which are founded on regulations will be supported by guidance which set out in detail the obligations of a farmer who receives SFS payments.  

We intend to provide farmer fact sheets based upon Cross Compliance Guidance, and a comprehensive set of Verifiable Standards, which farmers will be familiar with. 

SMR 1: water protection  

SMR 2: wild birds  

SMR 3: conservation of fauna and llora (biodiversity) 

SMR 4: food and feed law  

SMR 5: restricting use of substances having hormonal or thyrostatic action and beta-agonists in farm animals 

SMR 6: pig identification and registration

SMR 7: cattle identification and registration

SMR 8: sheep and goat identification 

SMR 9: prevention, control and eradication of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE)

SMR 10: restrictions on the use of plant protection products

SMR 11: welfare standards for the protection of calves 

SMR 12: welfare Standards for the protection of pigs 

SMR 13: welfare standards for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes

GAEC 2: water – use of water for irrigation

GAEC 3: water – groundwater

GAEC 6: soil and organic matter – maintenance

GAEC 7: maintenance of landscape features (scheduled monuments)

The SFS regulatory baseline will also include the following:

in accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting Order) 2019 you should not plant, or otherwise cause to grow, listed Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).

in accordance with the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) network you should adhere to the legal responsibilities on landowners to ensure the network is open, accessible, and safe for public use.  

you must manage Open Access land appropriately as set out in the Countryside Rights of Way Act, 2000.   

Annex 2: the Universal Code

The Universal Code applies to all farms within the SFS. It includes a series of requirements which are to be applied across the whole farm. They are designed to protect environmental assets and features on your farm.

RPW will confirm with you the assets and features you have on your land as part of the SAF process. This may build on information you may have provided already as part of the 2025 Data Confirmation exercise. 

The Universal Code will be supported by guidance and Verifiable Standards which set out in detail the obligations of a farmer who receives SFS payments.

The four parts of the Universal Code are:

soil protection

biodiversity and habitats

trees

landscape features

The aim of these requirements is to protect soil and surface water against the consequences of erosion and runoff, including after harvest or grazing. 

In this code: 

1) ‘mechanical field operations’ includes all harvesting, cultivation and spreading operations, including those for manures and slurries and all vehicle activity; 

2) normal common-sense definitions of ‘waterlogged’ apply. 

3) surface water includes coastal waters, estuaries, canals, lakes, ponds and watercourses such as rivers, streams and ditches which contain free flowing water; and also includes temporarily dry ditches and blind ditches.

In certain circumstances the Welsh Ministers may publish written directions allowing certain mechanical field operations.

You must protect soil from erosion down slope or off site (site meaning field) including to watercourses and roads. 

Maize must not be grown on land with a slope of 12 degrees or more. 

The growing of maize on land liable to flooding is prohibited unless undersown to the same requirements as the Optional Action, which will be available to provide financial support. See Chapter 5.

As a minimum, you must ensure that all land is covered by crops, stubbles, residues or other vegetation at all times, except where establishing a cover would conflict with requirements below.

Where land that has been harvested with a combine harvester, forage harvester or mower, to comply with requirements, one of the following conditions should be met at all times between the day after harvest to the 1 March:

the stubble of the harvested crop remains in the land; or

the land is prepared as a seedbed within 14 days for a crop and the crop is sown within a period of 10 days beginning with the day after final seedbed preparation.

When ploughing grassland, the land must be prepared as a seedbed within 14 days from ploughing with the crop/grass sown within a period of 10 days, beginning with the day after final seedbed preparation. 

N.B if sowing within that 10-day period would mean breaching one of the following requirements, the crop or temporary cover crop should be sown as soon as is practical after it ceases to be waterlogged. 

You must not carry out (or allow) any mechanical field operations on an area of waterlogged soil unless one or more of the following applies: 

a) animal welfare or human safety; 

b) improving drainage of the soil;

c) incorporating gypsum following saltwater intrusion; 

d) meeting contractual obligations in relation to the harvesting of a crop on saturated soil; 

e) the soil is waterlogged within 20 metres of the access point and access is required to an area which is not waterlogged; 

f) it is essential to harvest a crop to meet contractual deadlines, or where the quality of the crop would deteriorate if it was not harvested; or 

g) the soil forms part of a track to an area of soil which is not waterlogged. 

Overgrazing should wherever possible, be avoided. Poaching and rutting must not occur to a level which causes soil erosion down slope or off site (site meaning field) including to watercourses and roads. 

You must not carry out supplementary feeding within 10 metres of surface water.

As a minimum, either chisel plough or install sediment fencing, to limit soil erosion if it is not possible to sow a cover crop on land which has been late harvested or where a forage or root crop has been grazed out.

Leaving land bare over winter introduces a high risk that can result in run-off and soil erosion, unless it is carefully managed.

In Wales, farmers are only permitted to cultivate land in order to leave with a rough surface, between the day after harvest and the 1 of March, if it complies with the following conditions:

1. The site is not considered at high risk of erosion, and

2. It is left with a rough surface to encourage the infiltration of rain and:

3. Soil does not run off down slope or off site (field parcel) and:

4. You have undertaken a risk assessment, completed and submitted a notification to Rural Payments Wales on or before the day the land is cultivated to leave a rough surface.

You must not cultivate or plough land within 1 metre of surface waters at any time.

The aim of these requirements is to prevent loss and damage of existing semi-natural habitats, and to support their enhancement. 

All habitat is defined as:

Any vegetation which has a composition of less than 25% sown agricultural species as per the Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Wales) (EIA) Regulations 2017, or land mapped as newly created habitats on improved land as part of UA5: Habitat maintenance.

We have a Scheme requirement for at least 10% of each farm to be actively managed as habitat to benefit biodiversity alongside food production. This is an important element of the scheme to help Welsh Government achieve our biodiversity targets and tackle the nature emergency.

This will be based on the amount of existing semi natural habitat on your farm (excluding Common Land). 

The total area of the following areas will be used to determine the 10%:

All existing semi natural habitat as defined under UA5 Habitat maintenance.

Established broadleaved woodland.

Hedges in good condition that provide significant value for biodiversity, where:

the hedge is at least 3m wide and 2 tall (or 2m wide and 3m tall), and where 
o    there is a minimum of 3m between double fences (or minimum 2m between double fences where established through previous Welsh Government support) and where 
o    gaps total no more than 5% of the length of hedgerow).

Habitats established since 2022 such as streamside corridors, ponds, woodland and hedges. 

If you have insufficient existing habitat, you must create additional temporary habitat to achieve the 10%. See UA6: Temporary habitat creation on improved land in Chapter 4 for the choices available to you.

Any new permanent habitat created under the Optional or Collaborative Layers of the Scheme will count towards the 10% once it is established.

Any land changes may impact whether you have 10% habitat in an individual year, so you need to consider the amount of habitat on an annual basis.   

The following general requirements should be applied to all areas of habitat on your farm and considered alongside the requirements set out in UA5: Habitat maintenance.
Do not: 

damage habitat land - damage is defined as causing a loss of the vegetation type typical of that habitat. Examples of actions which could cause damage are over or under grazing, poaching by livestock or rutting by farm machinery or other vehicles, or illegal felling of trees. You must protect native ground flora, trees and their roots from direct or indirect damage due to cultivation, compaction, use of machinery or use of agrochemicals, including fertilisers. 

Agriculturally improve habitat land - agricultural improvement involves management that leads to an increase in agricultural species such as rye grass and white clover. Habitat land must not be agriculturally improved irrespective of whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening consent has been received.

plough, cultivate or re–seed habitat land

convert, plough or re-seed land designated as Environmentally Sensitive Permanent Grassland without appropriate permissions

roll or chain harrow on habitat land between 15 March and 15 July – record details of all rolling and chain harrowing on habitat land in your activity diary

carry out  a large-scale rural restructuring project, without obtaining an EIA screening decision

carry out any earth moving activities on habitat land, including cutting peat and infilling natural hollows

extract rock, scree, sand, shingle, gravel, clay or peat from habitat land or rivers

construct tracks, roads, yards, hardstanding or any new structures on habitat land, except where permitted by a specific SFS habitat action

clear ditches between 1 March and 31 August on habitat land

routine maintenance may be carried out on existing drainage as follows:

vegetation and silt may be cleared, leaving vegetation along one side of the ditch

deepening, widening of ditches or laying drainage pipes and infilling ditches is not permitted

details of ditch clearance on habitat land must be recorded in the activity diary

install new drainage or modify existing drainage on habitat land or within 100m of a wetland habitat where the ditch or drain would intercept water running towards the wetland

wetlands are peatland related habitats that have water at or close to the surface most of the year

mole ploughing is also not permitted

store materials, vehicles, trailers or machinery on habitat land

store manure, silage or other farm wastes and any hazardous or non-hazardous substances on habitat land

burn vegetation, grassland or any cut material on habitat land, except as part of a Heather & Grass Burning Regulation and Code (2008) compliant Burning Management Plan (BMP)

apply slurry, inorganic fertilisers, organic manures and fertilisers, farmyard manure, basic slag, calcified seaweed, sewage sludge, waste-paper sludge or other off and on–farm wastes and any hazardous or non-hazardous substances (including sheep-dip) on habitat land. Farmyard manure may be spread only where permitted by a specific SFS habitat action, and you should record use in your activity diary

apply lime on habitat land, except where permitted by a specific SFS habitat action. You will need to record usage in your activity diary

use plant protection products on habitat land, except to:

spot treat and control the following injurious weeds; spear thistle, creeping thistle, curled dock, broad–leaved dock and common ragwort, for example, where there is a threat to the health and welfare of livestock and horses, or

control invasive non-native species such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, rhododendron, giant hogweed

control invasive vegetation on historic features and traditional buildings and farm structures

treat plant or tree pests and diseases as recommended by relevant authorities and/or if required in a Statutory Notice, e.g. Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHN) 

The use of any plant protection products used should be considered as part of an Integrated Pest Management approach, and recorded as part of UA2 Integrated Pest Management.

See Table 1: Undesirable vegetation control below for control methods for different undesirable vegetation types.

cause or allow:

any new invasive non-native species (INNS) to establish, and

any new or existing INNS to spread into or within or from any area on the farm (this includes spreading through inaction), to ensure that the extent of INNS on the farm does not increase while the farm is in the scheme

supplementary feed on enclosed habitat land, except for areas of existing hardstanding where required specifically for the welfare of livestock*, or the provision of licks or blocks to enable coarse forage to be utilised

supplementary feed on unenclosed habitat land (land beyond the upper limit of enclosure) except, as outlined below, where required specifically for the welfare of livestock*:

supplementary feeding must be carried out in such a way that avoids causing damage to the vegetation, soil and watercourses. Damage includes overgrazing, nutrient enrichment, excessive trampling of vegetation, soil poaching by grazing animals, rutting by vehicles used to transport feed, soil erosion and water pollution

when feeding a concentrated feed, all livestock should have adequate access and be able to eat at the same time:

move feed locations on a daily basis

supplementary feeding sites must avoid peatland and vegetation which is sensitive to damage and nutrient enrichment including blanket bog, heathland, species rich grassland, mires and native broadleaf woodland

feed livestock on or next to archaeological sites, steep slopes or Public Rights of Way. Site feed locations at least 10 metres from any watercourse

bale feeders and troughs must not be used at any time on habitat land

remove plastic wrap from the land once feed has been dispensed

only the feeds from the following list can be used and the ration fed should be appropriate for the category of animals being fed:

hay (to be scattered)

haylage (preserved grass with a dry matter content of at least 60%) (To be scattered)

compound feed

dried sugar beet feed (nut form only); not allowed where equines can access the supplementary feed

feed blocks and liquid feed in suitable containers

*Supplementary feeding, as outlined above, is permitted on habitat land where this practice is required specifically for the welfare of livestock. Adverse weather conditions and meeting the nutritional demands of heavily pregnant animals, are likely to trigger a need for the provision of supplementary feed. 

Supplementary feeding will be permitted where access to forage is severely restricted during adverse weather conditions, provided it is supplied without causing environmental damage and the welfare of livestock is not compromised.  

Adverse weather is defined as a period when the available vegetation is covered by snow or is subjected to continuous hard frost, prolonged drought, or prolonged heavy rainfall. 

Gamebirds are not considered livestock for the purposes of the SFS. Supplementary feeding of gamebirds in line with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) ‘Sustainable Gamebird Releasing’ Guidelines is permitted where birds are lawfully released. 

Exemptions to the above conditions may apply where they are required to deliver towards specific environmental benefits required within the Scheme. These exemptions will be included in specific habitat management requirements if applicable.  

Undesirable vegetation includes injurious weeds under the Weeds Act 1959, invasive native species, such as bracken, invasive non-native species (INNS), such as Rhododendron ponticum, and other undesirable vegetation, such as soft rush and nettles. Please refer to the table below for the acceptable control management, the maximum extent, correct timings and which broad habitat classifications where control may be applied.

Vegetation typeAcceptable control methodMaximum extent to manageWhen to managePermissible in habitat classifications
Injurious weeds (Weeds Act (1959)) (e.g. creeping thistle, ragwort  

Topping (not mowing)

Spot treatment

Weed wiping

The aim of these requirements is to retain and maintain all existing mature, veteran, and ancient trees across all areas of the farm and ensure they do not deteriorate into a less favourable condition. 

This section applies to individual trees, or groups of trees under 0.1ha. For areas of trees and woodland over 0.1 ha see UA9: Woodland Maintenance. 

You should:

prevent damage to trees from livestock or machinery

retain standing dead trees where safe to do so (where not a demonstrable hazard)

ensure pruning or lopping is undertaken appropriately with a clean cut and does not damage or harm the tree

fallen dead timber (except for all species of spruce) should be either retained in situ or removed to a nearby shady location

follow any specific requirements for trees related to a specific habitat type

report potential tree health diseases using the Tree Alert website

Do not: 

plough/roll under the crown / canopy to protect the root system

fertilise under the crown / canopy

lime under the crown / canopy

spray or allow drift of Plant Protection Products under the crown/canopy

plant additional trees within 5m from the edge of the tree canopy

supplementary feed beneath the canopy of / or near (within 5m) any veteran trees

store machinery or materials beneath in-field veteran trees

plant trees on peat

Cut or trim trees during the bird nesting season (1 March to 31 August) unless:  
o    the tree overhangs a highway, road, track or footpath to which the public have access, and the work is necessary because the overhanging vegetation:  
-    obstructs the passage of vehicles or pedestrians  
-    obstructs the view of drivers, or the light from a public lamp, or  
-    is a danger to horse-riders

the tree needs to be cut or trimmed because it is dead, diseased or damaged or insecurely rooted, and is therefore likely to cause danger by falling onto a highway, road or footpath

the company responsible for the maintenance of any overhanging electricity or telephone lines, needs to cut back trees for safety reasons

on arable land, where the normal agricultural practice requires that a winter arable crop is planted before 31 August, you will be able to cut back the relevant trees from 1 August as long as nesting birds are not disturbed

there is an enforcement notice issued by the Local Authority under the Highways Act 1980 Section 154 in order that the passage of vehicles or pedestrians is not obstructed or endangered, it is considered that the tree and/or branches of trees at the locations described require trimming/lopping or pleaching

the exceptions described above are allowed as long as farmers also meet their obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the protection of wild birds. You should retain evidence, e.g. photographs and/or any letters from the relevant competent authorities that show clearly why it was necessary to cut or trim trees between 1 March and 31 August. These should be provided at inspection if requested.

An exemption refers to:

a valid felling licence

a valid UKFS management plan

full planning permission

a notice issued to comply with an Act of Parliament, such as a notice served by a highway authority

a Statutory Plant Health Notice  

The exception to the above is if the tree is dangerous and there is a real and immediate danger, rather than a perceived danger. If you are challenged you will need to provide evidence that the trees were dangerous, for example through an accredited arboriculturist’s report or photographic evidence.

The aim of these requirements is to maintain and retain historic and landscape features, which are important features in our cultural and physical landscape.  

You are required to manage any known historic features on your farm to meet UA11 Historic environment. The detailed management requirements of different types of historic features are described in Annex 8. 

In addition to those feature specific requirements, the following general requirements should be applied to historic and landscape features on your farm.  

Landscape Features are defined as:

Landscape features include hedges, stone walls, earth banks, stone- faced banks, slate fences, stone stiles, sheep creeps and culverts and field margins. Some of these are used as traditional field boundaries, but that may not always be the case. 

‘Hedges’ include any hedge up to a maximum width of 10 metres.

‘Stone wall’ means traditional stone wall and includes earth banks / Cloddiau with two constructed stone faces such as the traditional ‘Penclawdd Wall’ or ‘Pembrokeshire Hedge’.

‘Stone-faced bank’ means an earth bank where one side is constructed of stone.

‘Stone stiles’ are made of large slabs cantilevered on both sides of a stone wall.

‘Sheep creeps’ are a purposely constructed gap in the base of a drystone wall, commonly topped with a granite lintel.

‘Culverts’ are a structure that channels water past an obstacle or to a subterranean waterway. We are not referring to culverts constructed of plastic or other modern materials.   

 You should:

retain all landscape features such as stone walls, stone-faced banks, hedges, earth-banks, and slate fences. Their removal or destruction will not be allowed unless you have written planning or development consent from the relevant authority

retain all stone stiles, sheep creeps, culverts and other traditional features

keep the farm free from rubbish, litter, derelict machinery and equipment. Whenever possible all bale wrappings and other plastics should be recycled through an approved carrier

retain a buffer of 1m from the edge of the hedge (or the fence for hedgerows that are fenced) that is not ploughed and receives no fertilizer, pesticide or herbicide spreading (or drift) This buffer is measured from the edge/heel of the hedge bank or base or the fence 

Do not:

damage any traditional boundary features such as iron railed fencing, wooden pales, slate fencing, cloddiau, hedges or stone walls.  You must therefore: 
o    inspect on a regular basis for deterioration 
o    carry out basic scrub and invasive vegetation removal (to include non-native species) on scrub developed since you entered the Scheme. 
o    carry out basic erosion repair, on erosion which has occurred since you entered the scheme

use soil and other fine material to fill in gaps in the middle of a dry-stone wall between face stones

use wedges (small stones to secure larger stones) on the face of a wall

store manure, silage or other farm wastes and any hazardous or non-hazardous substances on landscape or archaeological features.

cultivate (e.g. plough, rotovate, tine or disc) any land within 1m of a hedge, stone wall or earth bank, regardless of the size of the field 

Annex 3: Key Performance Indicators

See UA3 Benchmarking in Chapter 4 for the overall explanation of this action. This includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed. To undertake benchmarking you will need to identify a set of Key Performance Indicators suitable for your farm business.

This annex contains the list of Key Performance Indicators available if using the FarmData+ tool provided through Farming Connect. 

For more information, please visit Farming Connect, or contact them on 03456 000 813.

use of insecticides £/ha

use of herbicides £/ha

fertiliser costs £/ha

nitrogen use kgN/ha

yield t/ha for grains and oil seed rape

yield t/ha for potatoes 

suckler herd replacement rate

suckler cows and heifers calved in first six weeks %

calving interval

suckler cow age at first calving

daily liveweight gain (DLWG) - beef finishing

daily liveweight gain (DLWG) - growing stores

calf daily liveweight gain (DLWG) at 200 days

concentrate use kg/head - beef finishing

cattle age at slaughter

number of calves reared per cow

cow mortality %

cow pregnancy rate %

calving interval

% calved in first six weeks

stocking rate for dairy per hectare

cow - total purchased feed cost pence per litre (ppl)

dairy cow concentrate use kg/l

dairy herd replacement rate

heifer - age at first calving

average milk protein %

milk produced litres/cow/year

volume per metre2

sales value per metre2

gross profit margin

water consumption (litres)

pig - finisher Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

pig - Daily Liveweight Gain (DLWG) weaning to finishing g/day

piglet weaning age (days)

litters per sow per year

sow replacement rate %

broilers - Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)

layers - feed intake g/bird/day

layers - vet & med costs pence/bird

broilers - vet & med costs pence/bird

bird cumulative mortality %

% first quality eggs

eggs per bird housed

stocking rate for sheep/ha

lamb losses - scanning to reared (as a % of lambs scanned)

ewe scanning %

purchased feed £/head - breeding ewes

purchased feed £/head - purchased store lambs

lamb concentrate use per head

vet & med £/head - breeding ewes

lamb rearing %

mortality % - lambs purchase to sale

Daily Liveweight Gain (DLWG) - purchase to finish

Lamb Daily Liveweight Gain (DLWG) - birth to sale

ewe mortality rate

km of hedges older than 30 yrs

km of hedges younger than 30 yrs

on farm woodland type %

standard soil analysis

soil organic matter and carbon analysis

earthworm numbers in grassland soils

earthworm numbers in cropping soils

Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS)

% of semi-natural habitat on farm

% of cover crops

profit per hectare (before rent and finance)

profit per hectare (before fent and finance) - other farm type

profit per hours worked

proportional analysis of accounts: % of turnover spent on variable costs

paid labour £/ha

paid labour £/ha - other farm type

power and machinery £/ha

power and machinery £/ha - other farm type

repairs / maintenance of land & buildings £/ha

repairs / maintenance of land & buildings £/ha - other farm type

machinery depreciation

machinery depreciation - other farm type

building depreciation £/ha

building depreciation £/ha - other farm type

cost of variables £/ha

cost of variables £/ha - other farm type

fertiliser cost £/ha for grass and maize

spray cost £/ha

full forage gross margin £/ha

artificial nitrogen use kgN/ha on forage

grazing grass production tonnes (t)/ha

maize yield t/ha

grazing rotations per year

hectares under herbal leys or protein crops

Annex 4: continuous professional development - learning available in 2025

See UA4: Continuous Professional Development in Chapter 4 for an explanation of this action. This includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed.

For farm businesses joining the scheme in 2026, e-learning undertaken as part of the Farming Connect pre-SFS suite from summer 2025 will be counted towards the 2026 scheme year (but only for that scheme year).

This annex contains the list of e-learning modules available. There are 44 modules to choose from, which have been grouped together based on the benefits they provide. In addition, each module can help support delivery of multiple other benefits.

Each module is designed to take around one hour to complete.   

More information on the modules can be found at Accredited e-learning suites (on Farming Connect). 

An introduction to sustainable farming

Overview of resilience and production

Overview of reduce, reuse and recycle inputs, nutrients and waste

Reducing emissions and improving sequestration on farm

Protecting and enhancing farm ecosystems

Benefits to people, animals and places

Benchmarking and business planning

Lowering external inputs to maximise profits and benefit the environment

Converting to organic or regenerative farming

Diversification and adding value

Joint ventures, succession planning and new entrants

Biosecurity (livestock and arable)

Horticulture start-up and development

Nutrient management planning

Building soil fertility (slurry/muck, crop rotation, green manures)

Antibiotic resistance

Sustainable use of anthelmintics

Integrated pest management

Grassland management (including multi-species swards and mixed grazing)

Reducing ammonia emissions  

Energy efficiency and producing renewable energy

Animal health improvement cycle

Genetic improvement in livestock

Managing peatland

The role of trees

Woodland management

Hedgerow management cycle

Lowering the risk of diffuse pollution

Efficient water use (including harvesting and storage)

Soil health

Mixed farming

Natural flood management

Benefits of using rare and native breeds

Habitat identification

Semi-natural habitat creation: in-field options

Habitat management  

Animal welfare

Understanding landowner responsibilities for public access and opportunities for engagement

Protecting and enhancing the historic environment

Farming in designated landscapes

Farming in protected sites

Health and safety in agriculture

Leading and managing (including fair work)

Mental health in agriculture

Annex 5: Universal Action 5: habitat maintenance requirements

See UA5 Habitat maintenance in Chapter 4 for an explanation of this action. This includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed.

This action applies to you if you have any of the habitat types listed below on your farm.

The following pages contain the technical detail for each type of habitat, which should be considered on top of the general habitat requirements listed in the Universal Code.

A summary of stocking rate information is included at the end of this annex.

The following broad habitat classifications will be used to define areas of habitat covered by the scheme:

Coastal saltmarsh

Coastal sand dune and shingle beach:
a)    Sand dune
b)    Sand dune and shingle beach

Lowland and coastal heath

Enclosed wetland and marshy grassland:
a)    Enclosed wetland - lowland bogs, fens and flush / mire 
b)    Marshy grassland

Enclosed semi-natural dry grassland:
a)    Managed as grazed pasture 
b)    Managed as hay meadow

Upland open habitats

Traditional orchards

Dense bracken

Scrub

Wood pasture

Permanent wildlife ponds

Newly created habitat areas on improved land:
a)    New streamside corridors
b)    Newly restored peat
c)    No input grassland from previous schemes
d)    Any other improved or previously afforested land which is under habitat creation management

The structure of each habitat classification and its management actions are described below:

adescription of the habitat classification, such as where it may be found and the native species which may be growing there

aims –the long-term ‘vision’ for the habitat including longer-term desired outcomes of what sympathetic management should achieve

management requirements which you are asked to agree to do or not do on a particular habitat type and which you can be inspected against

management recommendations provided to guide you to achieve the aims and required outcomes such as standard sustainable grazing levels, livestock type and grazing pattern to benefit the habitat. They are best practice, and you will not be inspected for these recommendations

potential derogations – likely scenarios beyond your control where the management requirement may be relaxed. This could include extended periods of extreme weather such as drought or frozen ground

Saltmarsh is made up of salt tolerant vegetation within the tidal range. This vegetation includes pioneer saltmarsh plants such as samphire and common cord grass on the boundary with the sea / tidal river which will be covered by the sea almost daily. The mid marsh will have common saltmarsh-grass and should also support a range of salt tolerant plants such as sea aster, sea spurrey and sea plantain, this part of the marsh will only be inundated on the spring tides. The upper marsh can include plants such as sea rush and sea milkwort and also plants with lower salt tolerance which may also grow inland such as red fescue, creeping bent and autumn hawkbit. At these upper limits of the tidal range the saltmarsh may only be inundated by the sea just a few times a year. Saltmarsh provides important habitat for birds, fish and invertebrates, and helps protect inland areas from inundation and erosion.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain a variety of saltmarsh vegetation types which reflect the position of the vegetation within the tidal range. This helps ensure coarse / tall grasses or stands of grasses with a thick layer of ‘thatch’ (dead grass) do not dominate, with stands of vegetation greater than 15 cm tall covering at least 30% of the marsh.

avoid widespread overgrazing and undergrazing

achieve shorter vegetation between 5 cm and 15 cm tall that covers at least 20% of the mid and upper marsh

adhere to the Universal Code

modify any creeks, pans, hollows or interfere with any natural and dynamic changes such as changes due to storms

cut rushes between 15 March and 15 July, or cut or top more than 30% of rush or other undesirable vegetation species in any one year (see Table 5 Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

plant trees

allow the area to be poached (gateways, feeding and watering areas are acceptable provided that poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)

construct tracks, roads, yards, hardstanding or any new structures on habitat land, except simple bridges to allow creek crossing, without approval

maintain the saltmarsh by extensive grazing with livestock, including cattle grazing where possible, and exclude grazing when necessary to achieve the aims (above). See recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

in the mid and upper marsh encourage, create or maintain:

a diverse sward with a range of herbaceous species able to flower and produce seed

a range of vegetation structures including both fine mosaics or larger patches of tall / short vegetation

derogations for sward height could be considered if there are high levels of wild geese grazing on the marsh producing a very short turf over a wide area

ungrazed saltmarsh should not, generally, be grazed if it has been left un-grazed for over 20-30 years

ungrazed saltmarsh is acceptable where it forms part of a recognised formal management plan designed to achieve beneficial environmental outcomes

ungrazed saltmarsh is acceptable where access by livestock has become impractical, or a risk to livestock, for example where access is not possible due to creeks

Sand dunes are natural coastal landforms and ecosystems located above the high tide mark. Sand dunes form where a beach is big enough to allow the sand to dry out between tides and onshore winds are strong enough to blow the sand inland. Dunes are naturally dynamic systems which are constantly changing in response to changes in rain, wind and sand supply. Since dunes can only form in locations where environmental conditions are suitable, they cover a relatively small total area in Wales. 

Shingle habitats can vary from bare and mobile in high energy coastal areas to stable and vegetated where the shingle has become stable allowing plants to colonise over successive years. Shingle vegetation should remain unmodified allowing the substrate to move when conditions allow.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain the quality of sand dune and shingle habitats. All sand dune systems are different, however, there should be a range of dune types from the strandline at the seaward edge, changing in a mosaic of mobile dunes through to semi-fixed dunes with dune grasslands and where conditions allow, damp dune slacks (hollows). Sand dunes are predominantly managed through grazing, which maintains a varied sward height where a variety of native plant species, including flowering herbs, are frequent, agricultural species such as ryegrass are absent or at low cover and where native animals and fungi can thrive. Dunes towards the back of the system, away from the shoreline, may become more static and be colonised by plants such as heather. To deliver higher quality habitat, aim to achieve at least 10% bare ground / sand / pebbles and not allow trees or scrub to spread. 

maintain a sward with a range of heights, including both short (below 5 cm) and tall (above 15 cm) areas

adhere to the Universal Code 

graze shingle beach

plant any new trees or shrubs

allow the area to be poached (gateways, feeding and watering areas are acceptable provided that poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)

cut or top rushes or other undesirable vegetation species

permit scrub to spread

control or attempt to control rabbits within sand dunes and shingle beaches

remove sand or any other aggregate material from sand dunes or shingle

carry out dune remobilisation work (including re-profiling).

re-profile the shingle structure, including any ridges

use or permit vehicles or craft for sporting or recreational activities

create sea defences or coast protection works without approval from the relevant competent authority

see recommended stocking densities at Table 2 at the end of this annex

manage by grazing with cattle and or ponies (sheep should ideally only be used in winter) to maintain a varied sward height

in wet hollows (dune slacks) maintain a biodiverse sward with less than 70% cover of grasses

mowing can be used when grazing is not an option for practical reasons or used to encourage stock into a previously un-grazed area. Cut material should be removed off-site

where ragwort is prevalent, spring grazing with sheep can be useful to reduce the flowering and spread of ragwort, but it must be closely monitored

allow natural and dynamic coastal changes, such as changes due to storms or windblow

consider contingency planning to access shingle areas by vehicles in case required under emergency circumstances

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety, and human and animal welfare reasons.

Lowland heath is characterised by dwarf shrubs such as heather which cover over 25% of the ground. It is generally a product of light grazing and, sometimes, controlled burning, on poor soils and may occur as dry heath on mineral soil (with heather and bell heather) or wet heath (with cross-leaved heath and Sphagnum mosses) on shallow peat.  Lowland heathland provides habitat for a range of plants, birds, reptiles and invertebrates adapted to these poor soils, rough vegetation and varied structure.

Coastal heaths are normally found within 500m from the sea, and as a result of salt spray, they support coastal species such as spring squill amongst the heather.  Coastal heath may merge into cliff-top maritime grassland or elsewhere into meadow, bog, fen, native woodland or upland and these links are particularly valuable for wildlife.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain a range of micro-habitats including small patches of bare ground, rock outcrops, grass, scrub, bracken, flush, etc. The heath will be managed to maintain dwarf shrub cover, with a varied age / height structure across the landscape so leaf litter (dead grass material) will not form extensive patches and is less than 50% cover overall. Where Sphagnum (bog moss) is present, there will be frequent patches covering at least 5% of the ground.

remove livestock if conditions become too wet to prevent poaching and compaction

maintain heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, or western gorse so that it will collectively make up over 25% of ground cover

ensure bare ground will make up no more than 10% of the ground area and is scattered around the site

adhere to the Universal Code

plant trees

permit scrub, brambles or trees to spread (see Table 5 Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

allow the area to be poached (gateways, feeding and watering areas may be acceptable provided that poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover)

burn areas of flush, maritime or wet heath

graze between 1 November and 31 March on wet peatlands:

where wet peatland forms part of a larger parcel and stock cannot be excluded, the overall stocking rate should be reduced to ensure that the wet peatland is not over grazed or poached

where wet peatland is enclosed or forms the majority of the parcel, stock should be excluded

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety and human and animal welfare reasons.

Bog, fen, and mire communities comprise a range of wetland habitats, such as lowland raised bogs, blanket bogs, reedbeds and swamp communities, over deep peat (generally more than 40 cm). They also include flushes, which can occur on shallow peats between 5 – 40cm, or on mineral soils.

Marshy grassland comprises a variety of native marshland plant species. Rushes and purple moor-grass (Molinia) are often the main dominant species, along with a variety of sedges, herbs, and grasses, which provide habitat for a range of native wildlife. 

These requirements are designed to help you maintain a variety of enclosed wetland and marshy grassland. Marshy grassland will be managed through grazing to maintain a varied sward height where a variety of native marshland plant species are frequent and able to flower and produce seed, rushes and purple moor-grass are not overly dominant, and where native animals (including invertebrates) can thrive.

Bog, fen and mire communities will be managed to maintain a range of micro-habitats including small patches of bare ground, rock outcrops, grass, scrub, bracken, flush etc., managed for dwarf shrub cover, with a varied age / height structure and combination of native heather species, sedges rushes, bog-mosses and swamp vegetation growing in standing water.

Unimproved grasslands enclosed within the same parcel as bog, fen and mire wetland communities to be managed in line with that habitat. These habitats will be managed so that dead matter / leaf litter (dead material) will not form extensive patches and is below 20% cover overall.

remove livestock if conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction

achieve areas of marshy grassland with a varied sward height where, during the summer period (1 June to 30 August), at least 75% of the grassland (excluding rushes) is between 10 cm and 50 cm

adhere to the Universal Code

plant any new trees on enclosed wetland

plant any new trees on marshy grassland without prior approval

allow the field to be poached (gateways, feeding and watering areas are acceptable provided that poached and bare areas are less than 10% cover overall)

cut or top more than 30% of soft rush or undesirable vegetation species on marshy grassland in any one year (see Table 5 Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

permit scrub to spread

graze enclosed wetland (bog, fen, mire) between 1 November and 31 March

see recommended stocking densities at Table 2 at the end of this annex

maintain a varied vegetation structure with open patches, where species such as heather, sedges and western gorse are no higher than knee height and dwarf shrubs vary from young to old and degenerate

the taller components (i.e. taller grasses, sedges and rushes) should not cover more than 75% of the ground (with the exception of small patches of around 20 x 20m)

water levels on areas of bog should lie close to the surface all year round to support ongoing peat accumulation   

bog moss (Sphagnum) should make up at least 10% of ground cover on shallow peat

invasive native species (e.g. bracken) should not cover more than 5% of the area

other invasive species (e.g. Rhododendron, Himalayan balsam and Japanese Knotweed) should not be present

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

graze the habitat with cattle, ponies or sheep to:

limit the spread of scrub

prevent taller grasses (including Molinia), rushes and sedges from becoming overly dominant; and,

maintain or improve the balance of smaller sedges and wetland herbs and mosses

where area has more than 50% Purple Moor Grass (Molinia) graze from 1 April to 31 October between 0.30 LU/ha - 0.20 LU/ha

wetlands with an already mixed cover of layers and species will only require very light grazing, with no grazing in winter

aim for a varied vegetation structure with frequent open patches no higher than knee height

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

top a third of the area of marshy grassland in any one year, for example where the sward has become too overgrown. The cut material should be removed, where it will not damage the habitat or it would not be too dangerous to do so, e.g. steep or wet ground

hay meadow management can be used as an alternative to pasture management – follow timings of cutting and aftermath grazing under ‘Enclosed semi-natural dry grassland – hay meadow’. Cut material should be removed from the grassland

This category includes a range of acid, neutral, calcareous or calaminarian (associated with former metal mine workings) grasslands, which are mostly enclosed, semi-improved or unimproved. Each of these grasslands have a suite of less agriculturally productive grasses and wildflower assemblages, determined by soil conditions. These grasslands occur across a range of aspects and altitudes, from up to the limit of enclosure down to coastal grasslands.  Where they occur above the upper limit of enclosure, they should be managed under habitat classification 6. Upland open habitats. 

These requirements are designed to help you maintain the grassland by grazing, to achieve a varied sward height where a variety of native plant species are frequent and able to flower and produce seed, and where native animals and fungi can thrive. Depending on the grassland type, the sward will include a minimum of three indicator herbs, such as lesser birdsfoot trefoil, knapweed, thyme, mouse eared hawkweed, tormentil and heath bedstraw, as well as grasses, such as meadow foxtail, crested dogstail and sheep fescue. Agricultural species such as ryegrass and white clover should be absent or at low cover overall. In the medium to long term coarse / tall grasses will not dominate, apart from in patches covering no more than 5% of the grassland and dead material will not form extensive patches and is less than 10%.

remove livestock if conditions become too wet, to prevent any more than 5% poaching and compaction

graze to achieve a varied sward height where at least 75% of the grassland is between 5 cm and 20 cm between 15 May and 31 August

achieve a sward height where 75% of the grassland is between 2 cm and 10 cm between 1 September and 31 October

ensure bare soil will make up no more than 5% of the ground area, scattered around the field

adhere to the Universal Code

apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as slurry, sewage sludge, chicken manure or fish meal

plant any new trees without prior approval

allow the field to be poached (localised poaching around gateways, feeding and watering areas is acceptable provided that poached and bare areas make up less than 5% cover overall)

apply lime on acid, calcareous or calaminarian grassland

cut or top more than 30% of soft rush or other undesirable vegetation species in a field parcel in any one year (see Table 5 - Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

permit scrub to spread

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

ideally graze neutral grassland with cattle or horses rather than sheep

apply lime if desired and necessary to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 on neutral grasslands

In the event of prolonged periods of adverse weather such as drought, frozen ground and snow cover, we may issue derogations on sward height.

It may be possible to request a variation of maximum height requirements where a specific graze and rest approach is being employed. You will be asked to maintain an Activity Diary in support of this approach.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain the grassland by cutting, removing the hay and grazing the aftermath growth. This is to achieve a varied sward height where a variety of native plant species (including flowering herbs) are frequent, and where native animals and fungi can thrive. The sward should include a minimum of three indicator herbs characteristic of the grassland type, and agricultural species such as ryegrass and white are absent or at low cover. Bare soil will make up no more than 5% of the ground area, scattered around the field and dead material will not form extensive patches and is less than 10% cover overall.

achieve a sward height where 75% of the grassland is above 5 cm if spring grazing, from 1 March

remove livestock by 15 May

cut and remove a hay crop once every year between 7 July and 30 September (it is acceptable to make hay or haylage but not silage)

remove cut material from the meadow, even if spoiled by rain.

achieve a sward height after cutting where 75% of the grassland is between 2 cm and 10 cm until 31 October

remove livestock if conditions become too wet, to prevent poaching and compaction

adhere to the Universal Code

apply any inorganic or organic fertilisers such as slurry, sewage sludge, chicken manure or fish meal, except if desired a light dressing of farmyard manure (no more than 6t/ha per year, or 12t/ha every other year

plant trees

cause or allow the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) or injurious weeds

allow the field to be poached (localised poaching around gateways, feeding and watering areas is acceptable provided that poached and bare areas make up less than 5% cover overall)

apply lime on acid, calcareous or calaminarian grassland

permit scrub to spread (see Table 5 - Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

graze the aftermath until at least four weeks after the hay cut

turn hay/haylage at least twice before removal

apply lime if necessary and desirable to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 on neutral grasslands

ideally graze neutral grasslands with cattle or horses rather than just sheep

Potential derogations

In the event of prolonged periods of adverse weather such as drought, we may issue derogations on hay cutting and sward height. 

It may be possible to take as silage if the crop is harvested in September and has gone to seed. 

It may be possible to request a variation of maximum height requirements where a specific graze and rest approach is being employed. You will be asked to maintain an activity diary in support of this approach.

Upland (land above the upper limit of enclosure) may comprise a mixture of habitats including heath, bog, grassland, woodland, streams and lakes. Habitat type is determined by the underlying terrain, groundwater, drainage, slope, aspect and altitude. The habitats should predominantly reflect these natural factors, as modified by low to medium grazing levels and without agricultural improvement, such as ploughing, reseeding or addition of artificial fertilisers.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain a mosaic of habitats on unenclosed land with a varied vegetation structure with open patches, with species such as heather, sedges and western gorse. Dwarf shrubs such as heather should vary from young to old and where 75% of the areas of wet and dry grassland have a diverse sward height between 5 and 50 cm during the summer months.

On areas of bog, water levels should lie close to the surface all year round to support ongoing peat accumulation. Where Sphagnum moss is present, maintain frequent patches of at least 5% of ground cover. 

Upland (land above the upper limit of enclosure) may comprise a mixture of habitats including heath, bog, grassland, woodland, streams and lakes. Habitat type is determined by the underlying terrain, groundwater, drainage, slope, aspect and altitude. The habitats should predominantly reflect these natural factors, as modified by low to medium grazing levels and without agricultural improvement, such as ploughing, reseeding or addition of artificial fertilisers.

Requirements: 

plant any new trees without prior approval

cut or top more than 30% of rush or weed species in any one year (see Table 5 Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

graze with cattle and / or ponies in preference to or in conjunction with sheep

minimise grazing between 1 October and 31 March. Low level pony grazing may be acceptable during these dates

mowing of firebreaks, to control planned burns of dry heath and to safeguard from accidental fires or arson, is acceptable

rolling, bruising or cutting bracken is acceptable

remove self-seeded conifers and Rhododendron

Dense bracken is characterised by the virtual complete absence of any other plant species; forming a thick, deep layer of dead material during autumn and winter and tall impenetrable stands during the summer.

Dense bracken has low environmental and agricultural value. It is associated with undesirable and damaging impacts including wildfire. Bracken can harbour parasitic ticks as well as making agricultural operations such as stock gathering more problematic. 

These requirements are designed to help you maintain the habitat in an unimproved state. For the purposes of this habitat classification, dense bracken should comprise 40% to 100% of the area where it occurs (adjacent habitats with little or no bracken should not be included in the dense bracken habitat category). The bracken will be tall and dense, restricting any stock movements to paths only. There will be a deep accumulation of litter, and the bracken could be impenetrable.

The long-term aim is either to enhance and restore dense bracken stands to an alternative more valuable semi-natural grassland habitat type (enclosed semi-natural grassland, unenclosed unimproved grassland or mosaic) using a hierarchy of bracken management and control activities (e.g. rolling, bruising, mowing, cattle and / or pony grazing). Or, alternatively, subject to a woodland creation plan and bracken control programme, the area could be suitable for tree planting. 

adhere to the Universal Code 

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

include heavy livestock (cattle, ponies) as a component of a grazing regime

graze in the early spring (March to May) using heavy stock (cattle or ponies) to help reduce the dominance of bracken

carry out a programme of bracken management and control activities (e.g. rolling, bruising, mowing)

follow guidance on Pearl-bordered Fritillary habitat awareness. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a rare butterfly often found in areas of open bracken

establish firebreaks for wildfire prevention and risk reduction, especially on high risk and susceptible sites with a history of fire, or where there is a burning management plan 

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety, and human and animal welfare reasons.

Traditional orchards are defined as groups of fruit and nut trees planted on vigorous rootstocks at low densities in permanent grassland and managed in a low intensity way. There are many regional variations including apple, pear, cherry, plum, damson and walnut orchards.

Traditional orchards are similar to wood-pasture and defined by their structure rather than vegetation type.

Prime traditional orchard habitat consists of grazed grassland with fruit trees of varying age structure, with an abundance of standing and fallen dead and decaying wood.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain the habitat by ensuring that coarse / tall grasses do not dominate, apart from in patches. Encourage the maintenance and / or development of a diverse habitat and landscape feature comprising standard fruit trees, species-rich grassland and traditional field boundaries.

Maintain the characteristic features of less intensively managed orchards such as dead wood and rot holes in the trees. This can support mosses, lichens and fungi as well as invertebrates, birds and mammals.

Maintain the grassland to retain or encourage species typical of neutral grassland.

Safeguard traditional varieties of fruit tree, especially those local to the area.

manage the grassland using:

low intensity grazing so that mature trees are not debarked, and the sward remains above 5 cm over 90% of the area, or

by cutting and removing between two and four times per year

retain all the existing fruit trees, unless they are diseased or may cause harm

prevent damage to trees from livestock or machinery

retain all deadwood in the orchard (unless it is diseased)

adhere to the Universal Code

prune out mistletoe (sustainable harvesting is acceptable)

use any inorganic fertilisers. Where taking a hay cut, well-rotted farmyard manure (stored for at least twelve months) may be applied at a rate of no more than 6 t/ha per year, or 12t/ha every other year. No other organic fertilisers including slurry, sewage sludge, chicken manure and fish meal are acceptable

use tar oil washes as these reduce the wildlife value of the orchard

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

graze at levels to avoid bare ground around the base of trees

manage trees with the minimum of chemical inputs

if maintaining the grassland by cutting, aim to cut at a frequency that allows plants in the sward to flower but does not allow coarse tussocky grasses or brambles to spread. The cut material must be removed after cutting

apply lime if necessary to maintain a soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.5

seasonally prune the fruit trees where necessary to maintain a reasonable level of health and productivity and to prevent trees becoming vulnerable to windthrow

stack any fallen dead wood or pruned timber in a semi-shaded location within the orchard. Only diseased wood may be removed or burnt

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety, and human and animal welfare reasons.

Scrub is vegetation dominated by shrubs and may be a developing or climax habitat. The woody species involved are diverse, but the commonest species are likely to include blackthorn, hawthorn, European gorse, rowan, elder, birch, bramble and willow.

Streamside corridors created under previous schemes, may develop into areas of scrub and fall into this category.

Scattered and less dense bracken allows free access to livestock (not restricted to paths only) with no or limited decaying bracken litter, with grass and other vegetation growing through and beneath the bracken fronds.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain well-managed scrub, which supports a range of wildlife providing nectar, seeds, fruits, shelter and nest sites for invertebrates, birds, and mammals as well as providing shade and shelter to livestock. It also offers suitable habitat for many flowering plants. Scrub of varied age, species and structure supports the widest range of wildlife. 

Scattered and less dense bracken with a ground layer is a valuable habitat for a suite of fritillary butterfly species and provides a good habitat for nesting birds and cover for the movement of other birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The aim of management is to maintain the ground layer and prevent further closure of the bracken canopy. The ground layer should contain flowering plants that provide nectar and pollen resources in spring. Over time scattered and less dense bracken will be maintained to retain its open nature with a vegetated understorey. The development of tall, dense bracken where stock movements are restricted to paths only should be avoided. Deep bracken litter, preventing little or no other species of vegetation penetrating and growing through the litter, will not be accumulating or is reducing.

retain all existing areas of native scrub on coastal slopes, riverbanks, sand dunes, limestone cliffs, valley bottoms and in the uplands. Cutting to prevent the spread of scrub is acceptable

adhere to the Universal Code

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

if scrub areas are grazed, graze at a rate not exceeding that set for the underlying grassland type

if the scrub is currently un-grazed, maintain this management

maintain and retain all standard trees scattered through the scrub

allow regeneration of trees / scrub naturally if there are gaps within the scrub

where grazing bracken, stock exclusively with cattle and/or equines, or as part of mixed stocking regime (particularly March-May) to encourage crushing and bruising of bracken to maintain or expand its open nature

follow guidance on Pearl-bordered Fritillary habitat awareness. The Pearl-bordered Fritillary is a rare butterfly often found in areas of bracken

To remove scrub permanently to benefit historic or archaeological features. 

To remove scrub where it is spreading into a habitat of higher conservation priority, such as enclosed semi-natural dry grassland or lowland and coastal heath. 

Wood pastures are usually the products of historic land management systems and represent a vegetation structure, rather than being a particular plant community. Typically, this structure consists of large, open-grown trees at various densities, in a matrix of grazed grassland, heathland and/or woodland. Wood pastures are usually defined as having a tree canopy cover of less than 30% that occurs as scattered individual trees. Trees may be clumped to produce a higher cover than 30% locally. There should be a minimum of 6 trees per ha scattered across the site. Many of the existing trees are of open grown character, with wide, deep crowns and short trunks.

Also included in this habitat classification are areas of ffridd (mid and north Wales) orcoedcae (south Wales) which occurs at the lowland - upland interface. 

These requirements are designed to help you maintain successful wood pasture by maintaining the tree population and maintain or improve the condition of the ground vegetation. The aims for the ground layer will depend on the vegetation present as this may include grassland, heathland, peatland, scrub, woodland or bracken. This habitat is particularly important for invertebrates that live in dead wood, lichens and several bird species, and management should aim to deliver the resources necessary for these species to thrive. 

retain existing scattered trees and scrub

retain all deadwood whether standing or on the ground, unless they are a safety hazard

ensure mature trees are not debarked by livestock and there is limited bare ground around the base of trees (fewer than 10% of trees have bare ground around their base)

adhere to the Universal Code

allow the field to be poached (localised poaching around gateways, feeding and watering areas is acceptable provided that poached and bare areas are less than 5% cover overall)

plant any new trees

plant trees which create dense woodland of over 30% tree canopy cover

see recommended stocking densities in Table 2 at the end of this annex

graze with cattle or ponies as the preferred livestock on sites with a high proportion of heathland and / or bracken

where the ground vegetation consists of dense bracken, grazing in the early spring (March to May) using heavy stock (cattle or ponies) can help to reduce the dominance of bracken

retain existing scrub unless it is spreading to cover greater than 20% of the site area, as a proportion of scrub is beneficial to provide flowers and fruit

on sites dominated by dense bracken (where there is no ground flora) it is accepted that grazing may not be possible

consider allowing the site to naturally regenerate into woodland if there is a high level of tree colonisation in a site otherwise dominated by bracken that is very difficult / impossible to graze

cutting or topping are acceptable, where there is particularly extensive invasion by bracken, soft rush or other undesirable vegetation species (see Table 5 Undesirable vegetation control at the end of this annex)

chain harrowing to break up dense patches of bracken litter is acceptable

low density infill tree planting to arrive at less than 30% overall tree canopy cover is acceptable

To permit any of the ‘do nots’ for health and safety, and human and animal welfare reasons.

Wildlife ponds are defined as open water features up to one hectare (1 ha) in size whose primary function is to benefit nature. Where an existing pond has a fenced-out buffer area, the whole enclosed area (including buffer and open water) will be included and covered by the action.

This does not include watercourses (moving water) e.g. flowing ditches, streams and rivers; or features whose primary function is water storage for farming operations e.g. irrigation ponds, storage reservoirs, hydro tanks, sole sources of water for livestock. 

Protected species such as otter, water vole and great crested newt may be present in ponds. You are responsible for identifying the presence of such species (supporting guidance will be provided) and ensuring that works are not detrimental to any protected species present.

These requirements are designed to help you maintain ponds support a diverse range of freshwater species (plants and animals) and are important stepping-stones between freshwater habitats. The aim is to halt the loss of these important features from the Welsh landscape. Existing ponds and their surrounding buffers should be managed to maximise their biodiversity value. Ponds that are completely silted up with no open water and/or heavily vegetated or shaded by shrubs may be suitable for restoration as part of Optional Actions. 

maintain a proportion of the pond as open water*, i.e. prevent the excessive build-up of silt, or drying out through vegetation establishment. Any desilting work and tree / scrub clearance must be carried out between 15 October and 15 January to avoid damage to breeding invertebrates, amphibians and birds

when removing excessive silt or vegetation to maintain open water, clear a maximum of one third of the pond area in any one year. This to allow populations of invertebrates and amphibians that maybe present in the silt to survive

where a pond is heavily shaded, coppice a proportion of young trees and / or scrub on the south side of the pond to allow light to reach the water surface. If undertaking tree / shrub coppicing, ensure that felling cuts are 15cm above the ground level

maintain fenced out pond buffers in a stock-excluded condition

ensure ponds and their banksides are not damaged through unfettered livestock trampling / poaching. The use of existing livestock drinking bays is acceptable

adhere to the Universal Code

plant any new trees without prior approval

apply inputs of any kind within a 10m buffer of the pond’s bankside

allow uncontrolled access to livestock resulting in excessive trampling of the pond banks. Drinking bays may be acceptable (see above)

release fish or other animals into the pond

release any ornamental or aquatic plants into the pond, as many such plants are invasive

use machinery within 5m of water’s edge and avoid any damage to bank and riparian vegetation where water voles are present*

undertake any scrub removal or dredging if there is evidence of otters or a potential hotter holt present in the pond or bank*

over-deepen the pond or create steep banks. Wildlife ponds do not need to be any deeper than 1m and should have gently sloping banks

sow any seed inside the pond’s fenced buffer area. Allow any such area to vegetate through natural colonisation only

where stock fencing is a component of a pond it may need to be maintained or repaired to prevent livestock having unfettered access to the pond’s bankside

where maintaining fencing, consider the use of a four-season fencing arrangement

drinking bays may be used where they have been historically in place and still required

some ponds naturally dry up during summer months; such ponds do not require over-deepening

*Where evidence that water vole or otter holt are present, maintaining a proportion of the pond as open water will be relaxed to avoid disturbance by heavy machinery. 

Work undertaken to establish positive management for habitat on agriculturally improved or formerly afforested land may initially not meet the habitat descriptions listed above i.e. the land is not identifiable as habitat. We wish to recognise the positive actions taken so in these circumstances we will accept land being managed as habitat as equivalent and eligible for the related payment, and contribute to the scheme requirement for at least 10% habitat on each farm. We expect this will change over time due to your actions, so as the habitat develops it will move from newly created habitat classification into the most appropriate habitat classification. 

This advice is split into different requirements depending upon the intention of the management.

This can include any existing fenced out streamside corridors created under previous schemes, or otherwise, where the area is predominantly improved grassland and not yet reverted to a semi-natural habitat type.

To allow the development of a diverse habitat and the growth of native trees and shrubs alongside stream sides.  This will provide cover for animal species which use the watercourse and enhance the quality of water by intercepting sediment and inputs from surrounding farmland.

assess the area annually and change the habitat classification on your SAF once it meets the criteria of the appropriate habitats, such as scrub

maintain stock proof fencing

allow natural dynamic river processes such as erosion and deposition to occur

adhere to the Universal Code

graze the area

cut or top vegetation except to control injurious weed species

remove fallen wood in or adjacent to the channel (unless there is a justified risk of the material causing a blockage)

install bank protection unless required to protect essential infrastructure e.g. pipes, bridges, roads

use for vehicle activities or as a track. The use of existing crossing points for field activities is acceptable

in areas prone to flooding, it is recommended that semi-permanent electric fencing may be more appropriate than permanent post and wire fencing

livestock could be allowed occasional or seasonal access to the riparian zone in situations where light grazing may be beneficial e.g. to manage Himalayan Balsam. The timing and extent of livestock access would require prior approval

in areas that support water vole, extensive woody riparian vegetation is undesirable. Management to prevent the development of extensive shrub and tree cover may be required, subject to the advice of an ecologist

This can include peatland restoration sites on improved land supported by initiatives such as the NRW administered National Peatland Action Plan (NPAP).

To provide support and appropriate management for areas where peatland restoration has taken place on peatland modified to agriculturally improved land, or previously afforested land, which will result in protecting the peatland ecosystem and its developing biodiversity as well as supporting water retention and reducing carbon emissions form degraded peatland.

assess area annually and change the habitat classification once it meets the criteria of the appropriate habitats

manage land in newly created habitat according to the specific advice received from NPAP, or the expected long term habitat classifications, for example as enclosed wetland or upland open habitats

where the land is so waterlogged that it is not possible to safely graze the site, the measurable outcomes do not apply. The restrictions would continue to apply to all areas of enclosed wetland, whether grazed or not

where restoration activities have created significant areas of bare ground, restrictions on bare ground would not apply

This can include improved grassland ‘land managed as habitat’ (previously categorised under Option 15 in Glastir). 

This management will support the continuation of the grasslands as they develop into more species-rich habitats.  

assess the area annually and change the habitat classification on your SAF once it meets the criteria of the appropriate habitats

manage land in newly created habitat according to the expected long term habitat classification with the additional requirement of no inputs, for example as Enclosed semi-natural dry grassland (grazed and hay meadow management options)

adhere to the Universal Code

This management will support the continuation of the development of semi-natural habitats.

assess area annually and change the habitat classification on your SAF once it meets the criteria of the appropriate habitats

manage land in newly created habitat according to the expected long term habitat classification with the additional requirement of no inputs

adhere to the Universal Code

There could be additional derogations required here depending on the starting land cover and the target habitat. For example, the restrictions on bare ground would not be appropriate for previously afforested land.

This is a summary of the recommended stocking rates for each habitat category. They are for guidance only and should be read in conjunction with the management aims, requirements and outcomes above. See Table 3 below for habitat category 6 Upland open habitats.

Habitat classificationSpecific habitats that can or will be present within the habitat classificationRecommended maximum stocking rates

Coastal saltmarsh

These are the recommended stocking rates for each habitat type that may be found within the upland open habitats. They are for guidance only. You will need to comply with the minimum overall stocking rate of 0.04 LU/ha for 1 April – 30 September, and maximum overall stocking rate of 0.2 LU/ha for 1 October – 31 March, while ensuring there is no overgrazing of more sensitive habitat types. 

Habitat classificationSpecific habitats that can or will be present within the habitat classificationRecommended maximum stocking rates
















6. Upland open habitats    Upland acid grassland   0.3 - 0.5 LU/ha/yr  
Montane heath   0.02 - 0.03 LU/ha/yr  
Wet heath   0.05 - 0.10 LU/ha/yr  
Dry heath   0.10 - 0.15 LU/ha/yr  
Flush (wet hollows)   Up to 0.05 LU/ha/yr  
Peatland (can comprise one or more of blanket bog, wet heath and flush)  

Up to 0.05 LU/ha/yr, or

 

Up to 0.02 LU/ha/yr where restoration has taken place

These Livestock Units can be used to calculate stocking numbers for each habitat type based on the stocking rates in the tables above. 

LivestockLivestock Units (LU)
Yearling   0.09  
Ewe / ram lamb   0.09  
Ewe with lamb at foot   0.15  
Dry ewes (including in-lamb ewes)   0.12  
Rams   0.12  
Cattle up to 6 months   0.00  
Cattle over 24 months   1.0  
Cattle 6 to 24 months   0.6  
Horses   1.0  
Ponies   0.5  
Foals   0.00  

Undesirable vegetation includes injurious weeds under the Weeds Act 1959, invasive native species, such as bracken, invasive non-native species (INNS), such as Rhododendron ponticum, and other undesirable vegetation, such as soft rush and nettles. Please refer to the table below for the acceptable control management, the maximum extent, correct timings and which broad habitat classifications where control may be applied.

Vegetation typeAcceptable control methodMaximum extent to manageWhen to managePermissible in habitat classifications
Injurious weeds (Weeds Act (1959)e.g. creeping thistle, ragwort  

Topping (not mowing)

Spot treatment

Weed wiping

Annex 6: Universal Action 6: temporary habitat creation requirements

See Chapter 4 for an explanation of this action which is designed to support you to create additional temporary habitat, if you do not have sufficient habitat to meet the scheme requirement for 10% habitat on each farm. 

Chapter 4 includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed.  

This annex contains the technical detail for the different types of habitat you can choose to create depending on the nature of your farm. You can choose one or more from the following list of temporary habitat types. This list has been created to ensure there is a choice available for arable and pasture farms, and this list may be extended in future. 

The temporary habitat types to choose from are: 

fallow crop margins

unfertilised, unsprayed and unharvested cereal and linseed headlands

fixed rough grass margins on arable land

rotational rough grass margins on arable land

unsprayed spring sown cereal and protein crop mix with stubbles retained

retain cereal winter stubbles

wildlife cover crop on improved land

unsprayed, unfertilized and uncultivated buffer adjacent to existing habitat. (including open water) on improved grassland

mixed leys on improved land (also referred to as multi-species or herbal leys).

late cut improved grasslands

improved grassland allowed to set seed

Most of the actions will be based on a minimum width (metres) that can be placed adjacent to the field boundary, however, some have the flexibility to be placed as plots or the entire area within a parcel of land.

Given suitable management, arable plants can reappear from the seed bank, even in places where they have not been seen for several years. Some of these arable plants are amongst the rarest of our native plant species, and can themselves be important food sources for insects and farmland birds. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

option can be rotated

this option must be situated next to cereals, oil seed rape, linseed or roots

establish a fallow margin annually at least three metres wide before 15 May (cereals, linseed and oil seed rape), or 1 July (roots). This can apply to autumn and spring sown crops. The requirements for the fallow crop margin finish when the adjoining crop is harvested or grazed

cultivate a seed bed annually and allow the margin to regenerate naturally

Do not:

Cereal and linseed headlands left unharvested can provide valuable feed and shelter to insects, farmland birds and mammals such as hare. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

option can be rotated

this option is available on a cereal crop which has been established by 15 May

this headland can be located next to autumn and spring sown crops

a minimum 3m wide cereal or linseed headland along the edge of the crop must be left unfertilised, unsprayed and unharvested

unharvested headland to be retained and un-grazed until 15 February in the following year 

Rough grass margins located next to arable crops can provide valuable shelter and breeding sites for invertebrates, farmland birds and small mammals. If located downslope from cultivated areas, these margins can also help intercept sediment. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

this option must be retained in the same location for a minimum of three continuous years or for the duration of your participation in the SFS if shorter. Establish a grass margin at least three metres wide adjacent to a cereal, oil seed rape, linseed crop (by 15 May) or root crop (by 1 July) in the first relevant year

this margin can be located next to autumn and spring sown crops

it is acceptable to have a grass ley as the adjacent crop for a maximum of two years in five as part of a crop rotation

grass must be cut in the first year but not before 1 August. The date on which the margin is cut needs to be recorded in your activity diary and made available for inspection if requested

after the first year, the area may be mowed (no more than 50% at any one time), but no more than once every three years

a mixture consisting of 15% tussock-forming grasses and the rest as fine-leaved grasses must be sown. Grass must be sown at 15kg/ha in autumn or 21kg/ha in spring. Tussock forming grasses include: cocksfoot, timothy, Yorkshire fog. Fine-leaved grasses include: red fescue, sheep’s fescue, creeping fescue, rough-stalked meadow grass, smooth-stalked meadow grass, common bent, creeping bent, velvet bent, sweet vernal grass, crested dog’s tail, meadow foxtail. Rye grass must not be included

Do not;

Rough grass margins located next to arable crops can provide valuable shelter and breeding sites for invertebrates, farmland birds and small mammals. If located downslope from cultivated areas, these margins can also help intercept sediment. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

establish a grass margin at least 3m wide adjacent to a cereal, oil seed rape, linseed crop (by 15 May) or root crop (by 1 July)

this margin can be located next to autumn and spring sown crops

if the margin is retained in the same location, grass must be cut in the first year but not before 1 August. The date on which the margin is cut needs to be recorded in your Activity Diary and made available for inspection if requested

if the margin is retained in the same location, after the first year, the area may be mowed (no more than 50% at any one time), but no more than once every three years

if the margin is rotated no cutting / mowing is permitted

a mixture consisting of 15% tussock-forming grasses and the rest as fine-leaved grasses must be sown. Grass must be sown at 15kg/ha in autumn or 21kg/ha in spring. Tussock forming grasses include: cocksfoot, timothy, Yorkshire fog. Fine-leaved grasses include: red fescue, sheep’s fescue, creeping fescue, rough-stalked meadow grass, smooth-stalked meadow grass, common bent, creeping bent, velvet bent, sweet vernal grass, crested dog’s tail, meadow foxtail. Rye grass must not be included

the requirements for the margin finish when the adjoining crop is harvested, but only if the margin is rotated

Do not:

An unsprayed cereal and protein mix can provide a valuable seed and nectar source for wildlife throughout the growing season, with the remaining stubbles still providing cover and foraging habitat throughout the winter

Requirements:

available on improved land only

establish an unsprayed, spring-sown cereal / protein crop mix with stubble retained until 15 February in the following year

eligible crops include barley, wheat, oats, triticale, rye / field beans, peas, lupins or vetches

seed mixture should comprise 50% cereal and 50% protein seed by weight

only use certified seed at the recommended seed rate and retain labels / invoices as supporting evidence at inspection

the utilisation of the crop and earliest harvest date must be considered when selecting the crops and varieties

you may rectify any immediate deficiencies identified in P, K and pH levels prior to establishment

maintain a 1m grass buffer strip adjacent to a hedge, earth bank or watercourse

sow between 1 March and 15 May

can be established through ploughing, traditional cultivations and drilling, minimum tillage or direct drilling

can be harvested as grain, crimped, and stored using an additive or ensiled as forage (within a silage pit or as baled silage)

Do not

plough or cultivate land before 1 March

undersow the crop

use pesticides or mechanical weeding once the crop is established. Fungicides can be used if applied to the seed before sowing, and this should be recorded in your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan

desiccate the crop prior to harvesting

harvest before 1 August, or until 14 weeks after sowing, whichever is the latest

A record of all field activity, including sowing and harvesting date and fertiliser applications should be maintained in your activity diary and made available for inspection if requested.

To provide a source of food for native seed-eating farmland birds to survive over the winter, such as tree sparrow, linnet, yellowhammer and grey partridge. Winter stubbles will also increase structural diversity in the farmed landscape, supporting invertebrates and increasing water penetration.

Requirements:

available on improved land only

must follow a cereal crop

option can be rotated

remove straw within 2 weeks of harvest and allow the natural regeneration of grasses and broadleaved plants

maize, sorghum and undersown stubbles are not acceptable

a record of cereal harvest, cutting, ploughing, cultivation or direct drilling under this option needs to be kept in the activity diary

Do not:

use pesticides unless to spot treat and control injurious weeds or invasive non-native species. Herbicides may be used from 15 February. Any herbicides you use should be recorded in your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan

cut vegetation after harvest before the 15 February

apply slurry between harvest and 15 February

store manure on the area

supplementary feed on the area

plough, cultivate or direct drill before 1 March

graze until 15 February

Cover crops can provide cover for a range of farmland birds and small mammals,  and provide an invaluable food source through autumn and winter. They also provide a valuable habitat for a range of invertebrates, particularly pollinating insects. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

option can be rotated or fixed as appropriate

cultivate a seed bed at least three metres wide and establish a crop before 15 May

establish as a block in a field or margin along the edge of a field

the mix must be a commercially available multi-species wildlife / game cover crop suitable and appropriate for the location. Retain labels and invoices as supporting evidence at inspection

if herbicide use is required as part of Integrated Pest Management, Desiccant may be used to spray off vegetation prior to sowing but otherwise there must be no use of herbicides except to spot treat notifiable weeds or invasive alien species such as spear thistle, creeping thistle, curled dock, broad–leaved dock, ragwort, Japanese knotweed or Himalayan balsam

re-sow any area of failed crop

Do not: 

undersow the crop

sow maize

graze or cut before 15 March in the following year

use insecticides

apply fungicides after crop establishment

apply molluscicides unless direct drilled along with the seed. Any molluscicides you use should be recorded in your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan

Wide grassland strips can provide valuable buffers between more intensively managed areas of the farm and adjacent habitats. The buffer can intercept sediment, nutrient and sprays to reduce negative impacts on habitat areas, and can provide shelter and feeding opportunity for wildlife in the own right. 

Requirements:

provide a grass buffer of at least 12m, but width can be flexible thereafter

the buffer can be located next to any existing habitat, hedgerows or water courses

the buffer must be unfertilised, unsprayed (with herbicides or pesticides) and uncultivated

Mixed leys provide multiple benefits. They provide a valuable habitat for a range of invertebrates, particularly pollinating insects. They also provide a more resilient pasture with a range of deeper-rooted species able to reach moisture during dry periods, and providing mixed forage for livestock.

Requirements:

available on improved land only

establish a mixed ley, comprising minimum five grass species, three legume species and three herb species

minimum seed rate 25 kg / ha

maximum Ryegrass content 6 kg / ha

maximum other grass seed content 9 kg / ha (maximum total grass seed content 15 kg / ha)

only use certified seed at the recommended seed rate and retain labels and invoices as supporting evidence at inspection

it can be established as a whole field or as a margin along the edge of a field

mixed ley to be retained for three years, or for the duration of participation if shorter and / or to meet the scheme requirement for 10% habitat on each farm

ensure there is a minimum area available for pollinating insects and other wildlife by allowing a six week continuous closed period from grazing or mowing between 1 May – 31 July (dated geolocated photographic evidence of areas and periods left uncut / ungrazed required to be retained and available at inspection to support compliance)

you may rectify any immediate deficiencies identified in P, K and pH levels prior to establishment

sow between 15 April and 15 September

crop can be established through ploughing, traditional cultivations and drilling, minimum tillage or direct drilling

mix the seed in the hopper immediately before sowing a seed mix to stop an uneven spread of crops

seed can be broadcast or drilled, but no deeper than 1cm

roll after sowing to retain moisture

if using minimum tillage or direct drilling, the use of an appropriate, approved herbicide to spray off an existing grass sward is required. (This requirement not applicable for farmers certified as organic)

maintain a 1m grass buffer strip adjacent to a hedge, earth bank or watercourse.

established sward to be managed to maintain sward diversity, to encourage the flowering and seeding of the mixed ley and to avoid poaching

Do not:

plough or cultivate land before 1 March

use Plant Protection Products (PPPs) once the ley is established, other than to spot treat or weed-wipe injurious weeds or invasive non-native species, soft and hard rush, nettles or bracken. Any herbicide you use should be recorded in your Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan

use inorganic fertilisers containing nitrogen following establishment until the following spring. We recommended that nitrogen fertiliser use is avoided to achieve maximum agronomic and environmental benefits from the mixed ley

A record of all field activity, including sowing date, fertiliser and pesticide applications, and grazing dates should be maintained in your activity diary and made available for inspection if requested.

When managed for a late cut, agriculturally improved grasslands can provide valuable nesting habitat for ground nesting birds, and shelter for other species such as hare. Cutting later in the year allows nesting birds time to complete brooding, and for chicks to fledge. This action is important for birds like curlew, which are threatened with extinction in Wales. 

Requirements:

available on improved land only

available on whole parcels that will be shut out for silage or hay only

do not graze, cut, mow, harrow, roll, top or undertake any other mechanical operations between 6 May and 15 July

The main aim of these improved grasslands allowed to set seed and remain uncut or ungrazed over winter is to provide over winter food for seed eating birds. The absence of a seed supply over winter is a major factor in rapidly declining farmland bird populations.

Requirements:

available on improved land only

available on whole parcels, or part parcels with strips at least 12m wide

do not cut or graze from 1 June to 28 February

Annex 7: Universal Action 9: woodland maintenance requirements

See UA9: Woodland maintenance in Chapter 4 for the overall explanation of this action. This includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed.

This action applies to all existing farm woodlands where you have management control of the woodland. It can be broadleaf woodlands, conifer plantation, or a mixture with at least 0.1ha and a canopy of at least 20% or having the potential to achieve it.

Orchards, wood pasture and parklands are not considered woodland and are covered by UA5: Habitat maintenance.

This annex contains a more detailed description of the activities and outcomes you are required to deliver to meet this action.  

Guidance and support, for example through Farming Connect, will be available to help you understand and gain the maximum benefit from your woodlands.

Do not undertake any management works which are Potentially Damaging Operation (PDO) or Operation Likely to Damage the Special Interest (OLDSI) if the woodland is within a designated site. Positive management options for your designated woodland will be considered as part of UA7: Designated site management plans.

Requirements for individual trees, or scattered groups of trees smaller than 0.1ha are included under Part 3 of the Universal Code (see Annex 2). 

You should:

limit felling to between 1 September and 28 February. Fell no more than 5m3 per quarter unless tree removal is necessary for safety reasons or is permitted under an exemption (See Exemptions list below). Ensure felling within a woodland does not have a detrimental impact on the biodiversity interest of the woodland

retain deadwood equating to at least 5% of the stand volume (1 in 20 canopy trees).  Felled tree stumps do not count towards this figure. The 5% should include a mix of both standing and fallen deadwood. Ideally deadwood will be made up of canopy sized trees of a range of species. Dead wood over the 5% can be removed

monitor impact of grazing, grey squirrel damage and any deer browsing which can be detrimental to the survival of trees and woodland. Indicators of unacceptable impact can include debarking of trees, bare and heavily trampled soil (poaching) on more than 10% of the woodland floor, and a lack of flowers on the woodland floor during the spring and summer. Avoid grazing woodlands in the spring and early summer if possible

protect native ground flora, trees and their roots from direct or indirect damage due to cultivation, compaction, use of machinery or use of agrochemicals, including fertilisers

retain all intentional open spaces within the woodland such as rides and glades. Open space allows movement and access within the woodland and contributes to the ecological value. Retaining open space requires regular maintenance to ensure they remain free from trees, this can include cutting, mowing and grazing. Intentional open space can occupy up to 20% of the woodland block

ensure pruning or lopping is undertaken appropriately with a clean cut and does not result in any deterioration in the tree condition

support appropriate natural regeneration of trees within the woodland whilst retaining intentional open space. There should be seedlings and saplings of a range of young trees and shrubs to maintain a woodland canopy in the long term 

Do not:

cut or fell trees between 1 March and 31 August (bird nesting season) and no more than 5m3 per quarter unless tree removal is necessary for safety reasons or is permitted under an exemption / derogation 

supplementary feed livestock within the woodland unless permitted under an exemption. Supplementary feeding is permitted if required specifically for the welfare of livestock. Adverse weather conditions and meeting the nutritional demands of heavily pregnant animals, are likely to trigger a need for the provision of supplementary feed. Supplementary feeding will only be permitted where access to forage is severely restricted during adverse weather conditions, provided it is supplied without causing environmental damage and the welfare of livestock is not compromised. Adverse weather is defined as a period when the available vegetation is covered by snow or is subjected to continuous hard frost, prolonged drought, or prolonged heavy rainfall

Gamebirds are not considered livestock for the purposes of the SFS. Supplementary feeding of gamebirds in line with the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) ‘Sustainable Gamebird Releasing’ Guidelines is permitted where birds are lawfully released

use plant protection products except for the purposes of controlling invasive non-native species or managing notifiable tree pests and diseases. Ensure you follow product guidance and have NRW approval if using them within or next to a watercourse or protected site  

carry out unapproved earth moving activities within the woodland

use the woodland for unapproved off-road vehicle activities

construct unauthorised new tracks, roads, yards, loading bays/stacking areas or any new structures within the woodland

You must not cut trees between 1 March and 31 August unless for the following safety reasons:

the tree overhangs a highway, road, buildings, track or footpath to which the public have access, and the work is necessary because the overhanging vegetation:

obstructs the passage of vehicles or pedestrians

obstructs the view of drivers, or the light from a public lamp, or

is a danger to horse-riders

the tree needs to be cut or trimmed because it is dead, diseased or damaged or insecurely rooted, and is therefore likely to cause danger by falling onto a highway, building, road or footpath

the company responsible for the maintenance of any overhanging electricity or telephone lines, needs to cut back trees for safety reasons

on arable land, where the normal agricultural practice requires that a winter arable crop is planted before 31 August, you will be able to cut back the relevant trees from 1 August as long as nesting birds are not disturbed

there is an enforcement notice issued by the Local Authority under the Highways Act 1980 Section 154 in order that the passage of vehicles or pedestrians is not obstructed or endangered, it is considered that the tree and/or branches of trees at the locations described require trimming/lopping or pleaching

the exceptions described above are allowed as long as farmers also meet their obligations under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 for the protection of wild birds. You should retain evidence, e.g. photographs and/or any letters from the relevant competent authorities that show clearly why it was necessary to cut or trim trees between 1 March and 31 August. These should be provided at inspection if requested. 

For the purposes of this Universal Action, an exemption refers to:

a valid felling licence

a valid UKFS management plan

full planning permission

a notice issued to comply with an Act of Parliament, such as a notice served by a highway authority

a Statutory Plant Health Notice 

Annex 8: Universal Action 11: historic feature requirements

See UA11: Historic environment in Chapter 3 for an explanation of this action. This includes the aims and benefits of the UA, along with a description of the specific activity you are being asked to undertake, the deadline for completion and the evidence you will be required to present as proof the UA has been completed.

This action applies to you if you have any of the four types of historic assets on your farm. RPW will provide the information we hold to help you identify any historic assets you may have. 

This annex contains a more detailed description of the actions and outcomes you are required to deliver to meet this action. Generally, these requirements involve adopting a ‘do no damage’ approach to any historic assets on your land.

Where these historic assets are also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) the historic feature interests should be considered as part of UA7: Designated Site Management Plan. 

Guidance and support will be available, for example through Cadw and Farming Connect, to help you understand and gain the maximum benefit from this action. 

The four categories of historic assets are: 

Potential derogations may be appropriate to the requirements set out below, in the event of:  

third party damage or as a result of natural forces eg. flood, landslide, coastal erosion, etc. or

if a derogation for a specific scenario to your business is not listed, you can still request one for your situation. Any derogation request must be made through your RPW Online account and will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Monuments of national importance are classed as Scheduled monuments. They are legally protected from damage, disturbance and unauthorised works under the Historic Environment (Wales) Act, 2023 (on legislation.gov.uk). There are around 4,200 scheduled monuments in Wales, many of which are earthworks or ruinous masonry structures dating from the early prehistoric period through to more recent 20th Century military remains.

you will need to inspect at least twice per year for deterioration and submit evidence (such as geo-tagged photos) where there is a marked change in condition. Retain evidence for a minimum of five years and make available on inspection if required

where scrub has developed since you entered the scheme, you will need to carry out basic scrub and invasive vegetation removal (to include invasive non-native species). Any vegetation management should avoid the bird nesting season: 1 March to 31 August

where parts of the site are suffering from minor erosion since you entered the scheme, you will need to carry out basic erosion repair

keep vehicles away from upstanding remains and use lighter vehicles or vehicles fitted with low ground pressure tyres particularly at critical times of the year, when the ground is wet or saturated. Use an alternative route away from the scheduled monument

site feed and new water troughs outside of the scheduled area to avoid poaching and erosion from livestock

Historic Environment Features (HEFs) can be a single site or a group of sites. Whilst not legally protected, they are important as sites of local or regional significance which contribute to the historic character of the countryside. 

We ask you to adopt a ‘do no damage’ approach to any HEFs identified on your land.

ground disturbance or excavation especially extending beneath topsoil

dumping or storage of material, including temporary storage

removal of any material, including stones, soil or subsoil

visible signs of active erosion (loss and disturbance of topsoil or subsoil) caused by livestock and vehicles or other agricultural practice

planting trees

allowing scrub to develop (this is only applicable where scrub is not present when you enter the scheme)

ploughing or reseeding uncultivated sites

displacing individual stone features

deeper cultivation than in previous years

Historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes can be found in a variety of forms, from deer parks and rural parkland around country houses to hospital grounds and public parks. There are nearly 400 registered historic parks and gardens in Wales, ranging in origin from the medieval period to the twentieth century. They often cover large areas and may include archaeological remains and built structures, formal and informal planting, parkland, farmland, woodland, water features, and natural and artificial landforms. These elements all contribute to the special historic interest of the site and gaining a good understanding of them, including historic layout and historic land-use, can help you make informed and sympathetic management decisions without compromising the historic significance.

retain historic park and garden buildings and structures and undertake routine maintenance such as basic scrub removal

site feed and new water troughs away from historic features to avoid poaching and erosion from livestock

site feed and new water troughs away from parkland trees to avoid root damage, soil compaction and bark stripping from livestock

retain historic routes and avoid making additional routes which fragment parkland and alter historic layout

management of registered parks and gardens which are also designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) should be done in accordance with the UA7 Designated Site Management Plan

allow stock to damage parkland / garden features

damage historic routes through parkland

remove historic plantings

allow stock or machinery to damage parkland trees

remove or disturb structural or landscape features

dump or store material, including temporary storage

remodel the landscape such as to significantly re-profile the topography

Traditional farm buildings were usually constructed before 1919, with solid walls and built using locally sourced materials including slate, stone or wood. They are generally functional and rugged and many still retain original external features. They provide important historical evidence of functional domestic construction and past farming practices, often undisturbed by modern intervention. They are a key part of the historic environment but are not necessarily legally protected. Traditional farm buildings are worth maintaining as they contribute to the wider landscape, scenic beauty and our understanding of history, as well as being useful, functional structures.

Traditional buildings and remnant structures must be retained, regardless of condition unless they cause a demonstrable hazard. A demonstrable hazard for these purposes is defined as where it occurs close enough to a public or permissive right of way that falling material could obstruct the path or where it is close enough to another access route or building that falling masonry could cause damage. Where removing a traditional building or part of a traditional building you determine to be a hazard you will need to provide photographic evidence that it was a hazard.

remove new vegetation from walls before it takes hold. Invasive growth that cannot be removed by hand without damaging masonry or pointing should be treated with a systemic herbicide, by stem injection, and left in place to die and fall away

remove vegetation growing against external walls, where doing so does not reduce the structural integrity of the remaining walls, and ensure that soil does not build up at the base of walls or above the level of underfloor ventilation grilles or air bricks. Check drainage channels and gullies for cracks and open joints, and seal if necessary. Avoid storing materials outside the building close to the walls

re-bed isolated loose stones and replace small areas of pointing or render using hydraulic lime mortar. Do not point any crevices at the wall top or seal gaps between walls and barge / facia / soffit boards. In addition, 10% of remaining crevices to be left unfilled. Examine any crevice to be filled with a torch prior to any works and if any bats or bat droppings are seen, stop all pointing work and seek advice. Works should be undertaken between 15 March and 1 April and / or 1 September and 31 October

clear gutters of leaves and debris, especially during autumn and winter

when re-fixing downpipes install wooden spacers behind the brackets to improve ventilation and access for redecoration. Where present, ensure that grilles and mesh covers are in place. Rod drains if necessary

Annex 9: membership of Ministerial Roundtable and stakeholder working groups

Ministerial Roundtable Partners:

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group

British Meat Processors Association

British Veterinary Association

Coed Cadw *

Country Land and Business Association

Confor

DPJ Foundation

Farmers' Union of Wales

Hybu Cig Cymru

National Farmers' Union Cymru

Nature Friendly Farming Network

Soil Association Cymru *

Tenant Farmer Association

Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs

Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers

Wildlife Trusts Wales *

World Wild Fund for Nature *

* Also representing Wales Environment Link (WEL).

Afonydd Cymru

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board

Animal Health and Welfare Framework Group

Central Association for Agricultural Valuers

Coed Cadw

Confor

Country Land and Business Association

Farmers' Union of Wales

Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group

Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust

Hybu Cig Cymru

Independent veterinary representative

National Farmers' Union Cymru

National Sheep Association

National Trust

Nature Friendly Farming Network

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Soil Association Cymru  

Sustainable Food Trust

Tirweddau Cymru Landscapes Wales

Tenant Farmer Association

Wales Environment Link

Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs

Wales Horticulture Alliance Group

Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers

Welsh Language Commissioner

Welsh Local Government Association

Wildlife Trusts Wales

World Wild Fund for Nature

Coed Cadw

Confor

Country Land & Business Association (CLA Cymru)

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

Farmers' Union of Wales

Forest Research

Llais y Goedwig

National Farmers' Union Cymru

National Trust

Nature Friendly Farming Network

People’s Trust for Endangered Species

Soil Association Cymru

Welsh National Parks

Wildlife Trusts Wales

World Wild Fund for Nature

Annex 10: Glossary

Activity diary

A record of various habitat management practices such as sowing dates or livestock movements on habitat which farmers in the scheme will be required to maintain as evidence towards delivery of habitat maintenance and creation actions.

Also referred to as ‘the Agriculture Act’: new Welsh legislation which provides Welsh Ministers with the legal powers to support agricultural activities in Wales. The act established the Sustainable Land Management objectives.

An ongoing process by which each farm business will work with their vet to proactively improve animal health.

The main current agricultural support scheme providing financial support to the farming industry.

The reduced BPS payments throughout the transition period. 

A mechanism for monitoring a set of Key Performance Indicators to enable farmers to make data driven management decisions. 

The wide variety of plant, animal and microbial life (including variety of genetics and ecosystems) found throughout our environment.  

The method through which natural systems extract carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and lock it up in soils or plant life, such as peatland. There are technological methods of sequestration outside the remit of this consultation.

A stakeholder subgroup of the Ministerial Roundtable who undertook a review of available evidence. They reviewed evidence related to additional or alternative actions which could be included in the scheme to sequester carbon. 

Collaborative Actions are where farmers can choose to work together and with others in a coordinated way to collectively deliver outcomes that cannot be delivered on a single farm scale, in exchange for being paid additional scheme payments.   

An ongoing learning and development process to build skills and knowledge.

Bodies responsible for official controls systems to verify compliance with relevant standards and requirements on behalf of the Welsh Government.

Unique identification number for each farm business used by Rural Payments Wales.

An RPW Online view of the Universal Actions that will be applicable for each farm, together with the ability to update and confirm the completion of actions throughout the year.

A management plan agreed between the farmer and NRW to improve the condition of designated sites such as SSSIs. 

The complex the complex relationships of plants, animals and micro-organisms within and between habitats, which support and regulate many environmental processes such as providing clean air, clean water, thriving biodiversity and the food we eat.  

A scientific evidence and research partnership lead by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology on behalf of the Welsh Government.  

Regulations which are used to consider the effects of projects on the environment. 

An online benchmarking tool delivered through Farming Connect.

A consortium of providers delivering advice and training to farmers on behalf of Welsh Government.  

A mechanism for measuring the carbon baseline (the amount of carbon sequestration and GHG emissions for each farm). This can provide help farmers identify opportunities for lowering carbon footprint and work towards net Zero.  

Part of BPS Cross Compliance and now included within the SFS Regulatory Baseline and Universal Code.

Glastir is a now legacy agri-environment scheme which operated in parallel with the BPS until 2023, to fund actions such as habitat management and hedgerow creation. 

HSW started in 2024 and is designed as a scheme to support continuity of actions to maintain habitats between Glastir ending and the SFS becoming operational. The scheme consists of a farmland and Common land offer. The farmland support under HWS will end in 2025.

The measurement of gas emissions form livestock, farming systems and land inputs.

For the purposes of the scheme, habitat refers to the wide range of land types such as heathlands, flower rich meadows or wetlands. They each comprise a different array of plants and animals that depend on that habitat for their survival. ‘Semi-natural’ means habitats have been modified by human activity, but they still support plants and animals that occur naturally in the area.    

A holistic approach to managing pests and diseases.

A set of measurable targets (related to the business, livestock, environment or management practices) which can be used to make data driven management decisions. 

The system used by Rural Payments Wales to store and analyse field parcel data.

A stakeholder group established in 2025 representing farmers, food, the supply chain, nature, forestry and the veterinary sectors. 

A five-year forward-looking plan of agricultural support schemes intended to be provided by the Welsh Government.

A Welsh Government sponsored organisation responsible for advice and regulation regarding the natural resources of Wales.  

Achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and those removed from it, for example through carbon sequestration.  

Optional actions are where farmers can choose actions above and beyond the Universal Actions depending on what suits their farm business and ambitions the most, in exchange for being paid additional scheme payments.

A range of chemical-based products including herbicides, pesticides and plant growth regulators.

The ability to avoid and recover from disruptive shocks. For the purpose of the scheme, this refers mainly to the ability of a farm business to improve its resilience to potential negative shocks such as from market changes, climate change and animal and crop disease.     

A dedicated team within Rural Payments Wales responsible for compliance inspections.  

The division with the Welsh Government responsible for administering information and payments in relation to farming and land management.

Part of the Designated Site Management Plan which contains a set of consented management actions to improve the condition of designated sites such as SSSIs.  

A set of regulatory and non-regulatory standards which underpin the scheme.   

A national target for increasing tree cover and hedgerows on Welsh farms to meet climate change targets. This replaces a scheme requirement for 10% tree cover on each farm.  

Sustainability refers to the maintaining and conserving resources for future use, and to avoid depleting them. For the purposes of the scheme sustainability includes economic, environmental, cultural and social aspects. All of which needs to be balanced in order to protect future food production capacity. 

The annual application process through which farmers apply and claim payment for area-based schemes.  

A formal designation for areas of land or water considered to have special value for wildlife or geological features. SSSI are given statutory protection through specific legislation.  

A set of existing regulations which apply specifically to the scheme. Part of the scheme requirements. 

Social value describes additional benefits which farmers deliver on behalf of society through the sustainable production of food. This can include, for example, improving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, improving water quality.  

An online tool delivered through Farming Connect to administer and record ongoing learning.  

The main support scheme for Welsh farmers from the Welsh Government from 2026 onwards.

A holistic approach established in the Act to incorporate environmental, economic, cultural and social resources in such a way that the needs of the current generation are balanced with our obligations to future generations. 

The period between 2026 and 2029 where different elements of the Sustainable Farming Scheme are introduced, and the Basic Payment Scheme is tapered in value.  

A plan to capture opportunities for additional tree planting or hedgerow planting (or restoration) on each farm via RPW Online.

The reference standard for sustainable forest management across the UK. It applies to all woodland, regardless of who owns or manages it.

The scheme is structured of three layers. The foundation layer comprises of the Universal Actions which all farmers participating in the scheme will need to undertake, in exchange for being paid the Universal Baseline Payment.    

The annual payment each farmer will receive from the Welsh Government in exchange for completing the Universal Actions.

This sits above regulation and comprises a series of non-regulatory requirements which apply to every farmer in the scheme. It includes requirements designed to protect soil cover, biodiversity and habitats, trees, and landscape features. Part of the scheme requirements. 

Farms entering the scheme must have 10% of their land managed as habitat for environmental and wildlife benefits. Additional temporary habitat can be created if there is insufficient permanent habitat.