BN3: Earth bank creation
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the earth bank creation item.
How much will be paid
£20.59 per metre (m). The payment rate is for the total length of boundary under the option (not for each side of the boundary).
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants.
- Only on sites of former earth banks, as evidenced by historic maps, or where other records show that earth banks are a feature of a specific location or landscape.
- Can only be used when the applicant has “management control” of both sides of the boundary.
How this item will benefit the environment
If successful there will be a new length of earth bank which will conserve and enhance landscape character and provide a valuable wildlife habitat.
Requirements
- build the bank to reflect the style and profile of other banks in a good condition nearby
- build up moist soil in consolidated layers, allowing it to settle at each stage to make sure it is stable
- build each face of the bank so that it slopes inwards (approximately 0.3m for every 1m in height), to create a ‘batter’ (slope)
- make the base of the bank wider than the top by roughly 45cm to 60cm on each side
- take turves up to the full height of the new bank in areas where existing banks are faced with turves
- finish off the top with loose soil or turf (unless a hedge is being planted)
- make sure the top line of the bank is level with the ground
- finish the ends of the bank at gateways with turfing or stone facing, and protect it from being damaged by livestock and machinery
- remove any surplus earth-fill and stones from the site after the work has been completed and restore the ground around it
Do not:
- block or restrict access to open access land
- remove soil from other banks, even if they are derelict
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- any consents or permissions connected with the work
- receipted invoices, or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
- photographs to show the planned location for each length of earth bank creation
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant Mid Tier, Higher Tier or Capital Grants guidance for more detail. You can find the latest guidance at Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage.
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them with the claim:
- photographs during and after work has been completed
Applicants will have to send the following with their application:
- historic maps or other records to evidence that the proposed location of the bank creation is on an original footprint, or is a feature of a specific location or landscape - this can be marked on any map including the Farm Environment Record (FER)
Biodiversity
This item has been identified as being beneficial for biodiversity. All Countryside Stewardship habitat creation, restoration and management options are of great significance for biodiversity recovery, as are the wide range of arable options in the scheme. Capital items and supplements can support this habitat work depending on the holding’s situation and potential.
The connectivity of habitats is also very important and habitat options should be linked wherever possible. Better connectivity will allow wildlife to move/colonise freely to access water, food, shelter and breeding habitat, and will allow natural communities of both animals and plants to adapt in response to environmental and climate change.
Further information
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants including how to apply.
Last updated 9 March 2021 + show all updates
-
Updated Where to use this item and how much will be paid.
-
Updated for 2017 applications.
-
Information updated for applications in 2016.
-
First published.