WN1: Grip blocking drainage channels
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the grip blocking drainage channels item.
How much will be paid
£19.06 per block.
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants.
Only where:
- grip blocking will contribute to restoration of priority habitats
- re-wetting can provide habitat for breeding waders
- the Environment Agency gives written support regarding impact on flood risk
- blocking of grips or drainage channels is included in an implementation plan or feasibility study agreed with Natural England
How this item will benefit the environment
It will maintain and restore moorland habitats, vegetation mosaics and associated wildlife. If successful there will be restored, re-wetted moorland and peatland habitats supporting target vegetation and species.
Requirements
Agreement holders are likely to need to block grips or drainage channels as agreed in the implementation plan or feasibility study ensuring:
- the blocks are wider than the grip and keyed into grip sides to prevent breaching and erosion
- the grips are blocked from the top downwards
- dams match the topography with varied positions at around 7m apart (but no more than 10m apart)
- the grips can fill to a water level above the base of the next dam higher up the slope
- the top of dams are slightly higher than ground level after installation and natural shrinkage, water then overflows away from the dam and soaks into the ground
- a very low ground pressure excavator with wide tracks is used when grip blocking
Inspect all grips and blocks ensuring that:
- there are no breaches in grips and blocks
- excess water from the grip does not flow into the channel below the block
- excess water across the moor soaks into the ground, down slope from the grip
- no water flows between dams except for natural peak surface water
Take photographs and write records of inspections.
The agreement will set out what must not be done. It is likely agreement holders will not be allowed to:
- damage surface vegetation
- expose bare soil or peat
- establish linear routes
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
- a copy of the implementation plan or feasibility study, where applicable
- photographs of a sample (2%) of the sites that will be blocked
Please see the record keeping and inspection requirements as set out in the relevant 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 of the completed work
Before applying, the applicant should contact the Environment Agency for advice and any consent/approval that is required. You do not need to provide this with your application, but you will need to submit it with your payment claim.
The detailed requirements for this item will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Higher Tier applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.
Related options
You can use this item on the same area as the following options:
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this item.
Employ specialist contractors
Consider employing specialist contractors to do this work.
Pick the right location
Pick areas:
- where deep peat soils can support peat-forming blanket bog vegetation
- targeted by Natural England as priority habitat for moorland and blanket bog
Managing historic and archaeological features
Show the location of any features of historic or archaeological importance in the Implementation Plan to avoid damaging them.
Using vehicles and machines on site
Reduce machine damage by adding steps in the implementation plan to factor in:
- site access tracks
- the surrounding habitat
- the use of low pressure and appropriate machines
Further information
Information on the best ways to grip block different sites can be found on the Yorkshire Peat Partnership website.
Read Countryside Stewardship: get funding to protect and improve the land you manage to find out more information about Higher Tier including how to apply.
Last updated 4 August 2023 + show all updates
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This item can now be used as a standalone capital item not just in combination with a land management option.
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Information updated for applications in 2016.
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First published.