Herbal leys

Where it applies

Arable, Temporary grassland, Improved grassland, Permanent grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Below the moorland line
• SSSI land is ineligible for this action
• Areas with historic or archaeological features are ineligible

What you'll do

Establish a herbal ley using a seed mix with, as a minimum, 1 grass species, 2 legume species and 2 herb or wildflower species — by early autumn, within 12 months of the action's start. Maintain it (usually until the end of the second summer after sowing), then re-establish it by early autumn — in the same place or a new one — and keep it to the action's end date. Minimise inorganic nitrogen, usually no more than around 40 kg N/ha a year. Don't use the ley for storage; pesticides only to spot-treat or weed-wipe problem weeds, or to destroy the old ley before re-sowing. An existing herbal ley can count if it meets the requirements — you may need to re-sow it.

Evidence to keep

• Field operations record at parcel level, with invoices — including details of the seed mix used
• Photographs or other documentation of the work done

When

• Aug–Sep: Establish (or re-establish) the herbal ley by early autumn — first sowing within 12 months of the action's start (first year)

Combining with other actions

Not captured for SFI 2024 actions — check your agreement and the SFI24 agreement holder's information on GOV.UK.