UP4: Management of moorland vegetation supplement
Find out about eligibility and requirements for the management of moorland vegetation supplement.
How much will be paid
£12 per hectare (ha).
Where to use this supplement
Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier
With the UP3 - Management of moorland option.
Only when land is within the moorland line and Severely Disadvantaged Areas (SDAs) and where one of the following is needed:
- for the management of vegetation where additional interventions will be required, for example restoration burning or cutting followed by the addition of Sphagnum
- significant changes to vegetation management, to bring about favourable or recovering condition of designated sites or functionality of priority habitats and to benefit priority species
Where this supplement cannot be used
To support existing burning or cutting regimes, or minor modifications to them.
How this supplement will benefit the environment
It is for carrying out an appropriate programme of vegetation management to contribute to restoration and improvement in functionality of priority habitats such as dry heath, wet heath and blanket bog where significant changes to current management are required.
If successful there will be a significant change to burning and/or cutting management so that it is carried out to promote restoration of habitats. These changes will have created more diverse vegetation or opportunities for colonisation by key species such as Sphagnum. There will also be positive impacts on water quality, reduced erosion and enhanced carbon storage.
Requirements
Agreement holders are likely to need to follow a programme of management as agreed in UP3 - Management of moorland.
Keeping records
Agreement holders will need to keep the following records and supply them on request:
- copies of the Wildfire Risk Assessment and, where required, the Wildfire Response Plan (agreed with fire service) and Wildfire Management Plan - for guidance and example plans see the Uplands Management Group template or Forestry Commission’s guide
The detailed requirements for this supplement will be tailored to the Higher Tier site. Applicants should discuss and agree these requirements with their adviser.
Related options
This supplement can be located on the same area as the following supplements:
- SP4 - Control of invasive plant species supplement
- SP5 - Shepherding supplement
- SP6 - Cattle grazing supplement
- SP9 - Threatened species supplement
- UP6 - Upland livestock exclusion supplement
Advice and suggestions for how to carry out this supplement
The following section gives advice on carrying out this supplement successfully but does not form part of the requirements for this supplement
Pick the right site
On deep peat (blanket bog, other mires) and wet heath, this supplement should only be used when there is a clear need identified in a restoration plan. Do not burn these habitats unless specified as part of a restoration plan or as part of an agreed wildfire management plan.
Other examples of where the UP4 supplement could be considered may include:
- re introduction of burning to dry heath habitats as part of a Site Restoration Plan (for example to control woody re-growth or manage fire risk)
- to create habitat conditions suitable for specific priority species
- to facilitate a switch from burning to cutting management as part of a Site Restoration Plan
- to improve management of western gorse heath by cutting as part of a Site Restoration Plan
- to implement fire risk mitigation planning as part of a Site Restoration Plan
- to encourage tailored management of vegetation on historic features
This supplement should not be used:
- on dry heath where burning or cutting are required to achieve economic outcomes. To introduce burning to wet heath or blanket bog habitat for any reasons other than as part of a Site Restoration or Wildfire Management Plan
- where burning or cutting would damage historic environment features
- on montane habitats or where damage to woodland or environmentally valuable scrub may occur
- to support the rotational burning of purple moor-grass on wet heath, but cutting may be appropriate
Taking care of historic or archaeological features
Sometimes these features may benefit from management that controls vegetation cover and in some cases burning is preferred to cutting. Avoid burning where heat may damage features such as boundary stones, or cutting where damage may be caused by machinery. Refer to the Management of Moorland option prescriptions and seek advice from the Natural England advisor. Do not cross historic or archaeological features with access routes for heavy machinery and vehicles.
Biodiversity
This supplement 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 Higher Tier including how to apply.
Last updated 4 January 2024 + show all updates
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Update to How Much Is Paid
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Updated for 2017 applications.
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Updated information for applications in 2016.
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First published.