Remove livestock from intensive grassland during autumn and winter (outside SDAs)

Where it applies

Temporary grassland, Improved grassland, Permanent grassland

Eligibility conditions

• Outside SDAs, below the moorland line, draining directly into a watercourse
• Typically receiving at least 100 kg of nitrogen per ha per year — keep input records
• Prone to waterlogging, compaction and poaching — keep written evidence

What you'll do

Take all livestock off intensive (improved) grassland for at least 5 continuous months over autumn and winter — usually October to March — to protect waterlogged, compaction- or poaching-prone soil and cut run-off. Only intensive grassland qualifies: it must typically receive at least 100 kg of nitrogen per ha a year, with input records proving it, and keep grazing records.

Evidence to keep

• Written evidence the land is prone to waterlogging, compaction or poaching
• Grazing activity records showing the autumn/winter livestock removal
• Nitrogen application records

When

• Oct–Mar: Remove all livestock for ≥5 continuous months (usually Oct–Mar)

Combining with other actions

Actions that can be paid on the same area:

• SFI 2026: AGF1, AGF2, OFC1, OFM1, PRF1, PRF2
• SFI 2024: AGF1, AGF2, CIPM1, CNUM1, CSAM1, OFC1, OFM1, PRF1, PRF2
• SFI 2023: IPM1, NUM1, SAM1
• CS Higher Tier: CAGF1, CAGF2, CAGF3, CAGF4, CPAC1, CSP13, CSP14, CSP15, CSP20, CSP21, CSP9, CWS1, CWS3
• Countryside Stewardship: OR1, OT1, SW15, SW16