RP6: Installation of piped culverts in ditches
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the installation of piped culverts in ditches item.
How much will be paid
£376.23 per culvert.
Where to use this item
Available for Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier and Capital Grants.
Only:
- to install a new culvert or to replace an existing collapsed structure in areas targeted to reduce water pollution from agriculture
or:
- in combination with options for the management and restoration of habitats or features with the support of a Natural England adviser
Where this item cannot be used
- where it may damage an environmental, historical or archaeological feature identified on the Farm Environment Record (FER), the Environmental Information Map or the HEFER
- where it will restrict the movement of migratory fish or eels
- without relevant advice or consents from the Environment Agency (EA) or flood defence consenting authority (new culverts only)
How this item will benefit the environment
This watercourse crossing will provide access for farm machinery or livestock. This will reduce the disturbance to the watercourse which will help reduce sedimentation and bacterial levels in the water.
If successful there will be:
- an adequate flow of water
- runoff of expected flows diverted under a track so farm machinery and livestock can cross
- farm machinery or livestock crossing tracks safely
Requirements
- install a concrete or rigid plastic twin-wall pipe at least 450mm in diameter, following the manufacturer’s instructions
- make sure that pipes have a positive joint to preserve alignment
-
make sure that the pipe lengths give a useable width at ground level that is appropriate for the traffic using the crossing:
- minimum width of 4m for wheeled traffic
- less than 4m acceptable for livestock footpaths and bridleways
- set the pipes on a firm bed and in true alignment
- make sure that the pipe gradient approximates to that of the ditch bed
- make sure that the pipe invert (the level of the inside bottom of the pipe) at the upstream end is fractionally below the bottom of the true ditch bed
- grade the ditch bed downstream if any deepening is needed to accommodate the culvert
- install retaining sidewalls to local style and backfill with scalpings to field level (you may also need a membrane to prevent stone washing out)
- maintain the culvert for the duration of the agreement, removing debris that builds up so as to maintain flow
- where the above standard specifications for the culvert are not suitable for the weight of machinery using the crossing, applicants must obtain advice from a drainage or bridge engineer and complete the works in accordance with their advice - applicants are responsible for ensuring the culvert does not collapse
-
make sure that all work:
- meets relevant British Standards, that is culverts must be constructed using concrete pipes that comply with BS 5911 and BS EN 1916, pipework must be laid in accordance with BS 8000 - examine copies of the most up-to-date standards for guidance. You can also use HDPE rigid plastic twin-wall manufactured to BS-EN50086-2-4
- complies with the Culvert design and operation guide (C689)
Do not:
- place any resulting spoil on environmental, historic or archaeological features as identified on the FER, the Environmental Information Map or the HEFER
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 of site before works start
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 of the site during the different stages of construction or contracts, invoices or other documents confirming the technical specification for the completed works
- photographs of the completed works in place and installed
- if required, advice from a drainage or bridge engineer
For new culverts, applicants should contact the Environment Agency and flood defence consenting authority if required for advice and gain any consents or permissions needed. You do not need to provide this consent with your application, but you will need to submit this consent with your payment claim.
Related Mid Tier and Capital Grants items
This item can be used on the same area as RP4 - Livestock and machinery hardcore tracks.
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.
Consider location and alignment
- avoid active river areas, particularly meander bends
- avoid depositional areas
- make the crossing perpendicular to the river
- consider floodplain crossings
- reduce the risk of pollution (such as the release of fine sediments) to protected species and their habitats
- where necessary, minimise erosion by installing protection measures (such as stone pitching or slabs) downstream of the culvert and on the sides of the ditch
Embedding and maintaining culverts
- pack a stone-free filling tightly at the sides of the pipe and at least 300mm above it
- build up the filling in layers up to 150mm thick, making sure it is thoroughly consolidated before adding the next layer
- follow the manufacturer’s guidance on how deep to cover backfill
- leave the finished backfill surface so it is crowned above the surrounding levels
Consider using a concrete pad to stabilise the bridge or track over the culvert. Make sure the pad is at least 150mm thick, adding an extra 300mm if the total depth of fill cover over the pipes is less than its diameter.
Try using sloping earth ends as headwalls where appropriate, with the slopes no steeper than 1 in 5. There should be a 1m extension on either end of the culvert beyond the required width of expected traffic.
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
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) operates in parts of the country where there are water quality issues linked to farming. The scheme provides farmers with free advice and training. See guidance for further information on CSF support
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 8 February 2022 + show all updates
-
'Where to use this item' section updated to include - to install a new culvert or to replace an existing collapsed structure. 'Requirements' and 'Keeping records' sections updated.
-
Added in links to Capital Grants manual as this option is now available for Capital Grants
-
Updated for 2017 applications.
-
Information updated for applications in 2016
-
First published.