Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock ≥4 months)

Where it applies

Permanent grassland, Moorland

Eligibility conditions

• If any of this land is an SSSI, you need Natural England's consent before the RPA can offer you an agreement
• Above the moorland line (straddling parcels qualify if mostly above and managed as one grazing unit)
• Farmyards and turf or peat production land are ineligible

What you'll do

Shepherd livestock on moorland and remove all stock (except resident ponies) for at least 4 continuous months a year, keeping them off sensitive features by herding or temporary fencing. Write a stocking and shepherding calendar each year.

Evidence to keep

• A written stocking and shepherding calendar (removal/return dates, monthly numbers, sensitive features)

When

• Jan–Dec: Remove all stock (except resident ponies) for at least 4 consecutive calendar months — the window is your choice; record removal and return dates in your stocking and shepherding calendar

Supplements you can add

• SPM5 — Keep native breeds on extensively managed habitats supplement (>80%) (£11 per hectare, per year)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: UPL1, UPL2, UPL3
• SFI 2024: CMOR1, HEF5, UPL1, UPL2, UPL3
• SFI 2023: MOR1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CHS4, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CSW25, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: HS4