Advice on management and grazing actions for your moorland
Updated 28 October 2025
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/moorland-mapping-pa5-complete-your-record/understand-the-best-management-and-grazing-actions-for-your-moorland
Use your completed moorland mapping record with this advice to choose suitable management actions for your moorland.
This is advice only – you do not have to follow it to get paid for moorland management funding. Each moorland is unique, and management requirements will vary for each site.
If your moorland is a combination of different habitats or features (a mosaic), you should consider getting further advice from a Natural England adviser or Forestry Commission woodland officer on how to manage the habitats effectively.
Livestock density for grazing
To work out the appropriate number of livestock to graze on your moorland, you will need to convert the number of livestock into grazing livestock units (GLU) using this table.
Livestock density is the number of GLU per hectare (ha) on your moorland.
| Livestock type | Grazing livestock units (GLU) |
|---|---|
| 1 x cattle over 2 years old | 1.0 |
| 1 x cattle between 6 months to 2 years old | 0.6 |
| 1 x heavy sheep (most lowland sheep, rams and larger hill sheep) | 0.12 |
| 1 x light sheep (store lambs and small hill sheep) | 0.08 |
| 1 x goat | 0.12 |
| 1 x pony or donkey | 0.8 |
| 1 x horse | 1.0 |
When considering the most appropriate action for the level of livestock grazing on moorland, the livestock density across the moorland must not exceed the relevant grazing livestock units (GLU) per ha at any time.
Sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)
Before you apply for actions for moorland on SSSI land, you should speak to Natural England to check if your proposed activities are appropriate for the site and if they’re likely to be given consent.
Countryside Stewardship (CSHT) on your moorland
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) moorland management actions and supplements are designed to work with CSHT grazing actions to deliver site-specific environmental outcomes.
You must be invited to get pre-application advice before you are invited to apply for CSHT. Read the CSHT guidance for more information about the invitation process.
If you’re invited into CSHT, a Natural England adviser or Forestry Commission woodland officer will work with you to agree a combination of actions, their supplements and capital items to achieve the desired outcomes on your moorland.
You can apply for a PA2: feasibility study to plan how you can restore your moorland through:
- rewetting your peatland
- natural flood management
You can use this study to plan what funding you could apply for, for example:
- CSHT action CSP2: Rewetting supplement
- capital items: WN1: Grip blocking drainage channels or FM2: Carry out customised capital works to manage specific sites or species
You must include the CUP3: General moorland management base action in a CSHT agreement on moorland.
You must also include CSHT grazing actions in a CSHT agreement. These actions last for 10 years.
You cannot combine SFI actions (UPL1 to UPL10) with CSHT actions (CUP 8 to CUP 17).
The following sections tell you which SFI action or CSHT action is most suitable for your moorland habitat. Your Natural England adviser or Forestry Commission woodland officer will discuss any CSHT actions with you before you can apply for a CSHT agreement.
You can search for all actions and supplements listed in the following sections on the Find funding for land or farms tool.
SFI is currently closed to new applications.
Peatland habitats
Maintaining waterlogged conditions is important for the development of peatland vegetation.
These habitats do not need to be grazed and should not be burned. Burning can:
- reduce the number of species
- damage the underlying peat
- reduce the quality of raw water coming off the hills
- release carbon into the atmosphere or streams and channels coming off the peat
Avoid using vehicles on peatlands. Vehicle tracks can:
- damage the vegetation and surface of the peat
- act as drainage channels, leading to flooding and erosion
Blanket bog
Blanket bog dominated by heather or grass is in poor condition. You should consider restoring the peat through rewetting.
Grazing management
Blanket bog in good condition does not require grazing. A limited livestock density of less than 0.04GLU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 6 months during the autumn and winter is likely to be beneficial, particularly when grazing cattle and ponies. This is to minimise damage to peat surface and structure and overgrazing of dwarf shrub.
Wet heath
Wet heath dominated by heather or grass is in poor condition. You should consider restoring the peat through rewetting.
Grazing management
Wet heath in good condition requires light seasonal grazing in spring and summer. This will keep the habitat open without negatively effecting the vegetation and water systems. A limited livestock density of less than 0.04GLU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 6 months during the autumn and winter is likely to be beneficial, particularly when grazing cattle and ponies. This is to minimise damage to peat surface and structure and overgrazing of dwarf shrub.
Upland flushes, fens and swamps
Grazing management
Upland flushes, fens and swamps in good condition require light seasonal grazing in spring and summer. This will keep the habitat open without negatively effecting the vegetation and water systems. A limited livestock density of less than 0.04GLU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 6 months during the autumn and winter is likely to be beneficial, particularly when grazing cattle and ponies. This is to minimise damage to peat surface and structure and overgrazing of vegetation.
CSHT moorland actions likely to be suitable for peatland habitats
| CSHT action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| CUP3 | General moorland management – action to follow best practice management on moorland | £55 per hectare |
| CUP10 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04 grazing livestock units per hectare (GLU/ha) at any time | £66 per hectare |
| CUP15 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare |
| CUP16 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare |
| CUP17 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare |
| CUP13 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) | £45 per hectare |
| CUP14 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 8 months) | £48 per hectare |
| CSP2 | Rewetting supplement – action to rewet peat or maintain wet peat in good condition | £181 per hectare |
SFI moorland actions likely to be suitable for peatland habitats
| SFI action code | Action title | Payment rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPL3 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04 grazing livestock units per hectare (GLU/ha) | £66 per hectare | |
| UPL4 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare | |
| UPL5 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare | |
| UPL6 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare | |
| UPL9 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) | £45 per hectare | |
| UPL10 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 8 months) | £48 per hectare |
Heathland habitats
Maintaining species diversity and vegetation structure is important for heathland habitats.
Burning heathland can:
- reduce the number of species
- reduce the quality of raw water coming off the hills
- release carbon into the atmosphere or streams and channels coming off the heathland
An alternative to burning is the use of cutting.
Take care when using vehicles and machinery on heathland. Vehicle tracks can:
- lead to localised loss of habitat
- increase drainage water moving off the moor at times of high rainfall
Dry heath
Grazing management
Low grazing is most beneficial for dry heath in good condition. A livestock density less than 0.08GLU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 4 months during the autumn and winter is likely to be beneficial, particularly when grazing sheep. This is to limit overgrazing on dwarf shrub and prevent fragmentation of the heath habitat.
Low grazing with cattle or ponies is recommended because they graze less selectively than sheep, contributing to species diversity and vegetation structure.
Fragmented heath
You should aim to restore fragmented heath by increasing the dwarf shrub cover.
Grazing management
Limit grazing on fragmented heath as much as possible to allow the dwarf shrub cover to increase. A limited livestock density of less than 0.04GLU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 6 months during the autumn and winter is likely to be beneficial, particularly when grazing sheep.
Shepherd stock away from these areas as much as possible.
Mountain heath and willow scrub
Grazing management
This habitat does not require grazing to maintain it in good condition. A livestock density of less than 0.04G LU/ha is appropriate.
A removal period of at least 6 months is likely to be beneficial to minimise damage to the sensitive habitat.
Shepherd stock away from these areas as much as possible.
CSHT moorland actions likely to be suitable for heathland habitats
| CSHT action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| CUP3 | General moorland management – action to follow best practice management on moorland | £55 per hectare |
| CUP9 | Low livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.08GLU/ha | £53 per hectare |
| CUP10 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04 grazing livestock units per hectare (GLU/ha) at any time | £66 per hectare |
| CUP15 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare |
| CUP16 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare |
| CUP17 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare |
| CUP12 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 4 months) | £43 per hectare |
| CUP13 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) | £45 per hectare |
| CUP14 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 8 months) | £48 per hectare |
SFI moorland actions likely to be suitable for heathland habitats
| SFI action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| UPL2 | Low livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.08GLU/ha | £53 per hectare |
| UPL3 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04GLU/ha | £66 per hectare |
| UPL4 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare |
| UPL5 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare |
| UPL6 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare |
| UPL8 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 4 months) | £43 per hectare |
| UPL9 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) | £45 per hectare |
| UPL10 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 8 months) | £48 per hectare |
Grassland habitats
When managing grassland, ensure that:
- vegetation structure is varied
- grasses and flowers are able to set seed
Species-poor grass moorland
SFI actions are more appropriate for species-poor grass moorland that do not have the potential to:
- restore to a priority habitat
- support a priority species
To restore species-poor moorland, consider CSHT actions for:
- natural flood management and drought resilience
- creating woodland
- restoring to a priority habitat or supporting a priority species
Grazing management
Moderate grazing is recommended for this habitat to manage the year’s growth while allowing some grasses and flowers to set seed. A livestock density of less than 0.16GLU/ha is appropriate.
At the right grazing levels, stocking throughout the year can be sustained on dry areas, however a 4-month period of stock removal can be beneficial.
Use a reduced livestock density on overgrazed grass moorland.
On wetter areas consider removing stock (particularly cattle) over autumn and winter to prevent damage to the water environment, soil surface and structure.
Species-rich grass moorland
Species-rich grass moorland can include:
- calcareous grassland
- purple moor-grass and rush pastures
- upland hay meadows
- calaminarian grassland
Grazing management
Generally, low grazing is suitable on species-rich grass moorland. A livestock density of less than 0.08GLU/ha is appropriate.
Consider excluding stock during spring and early summer flowering, particularly if grazing with sheep. Sheep are likely to selectively graze flowers, preventing species from setting seed and leading to declines in diversity.
Total stock exclusion is not usually recommended for this feature as, if left ungrazed for a prolonged period, tall grasses tend to dominate and species diversity will decline.
Read more detailed advice on how to maintain species-rich grassland.
CSHT actions that may be suitable for grassland habitats
Your Natural England adviser will work with you to agree which actions and supplements will achieve the desired outcomes for your moorland.
| CSHT action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| CUP3 | General moorland management – action to follow best practice management on moorland | £55 per hectare |
| CUP8 | Moderate livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.16GLU/ha (for species-poor grassland only) | £20 per hectare |
| CUP9 | Low livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.08GLU/ha | £53 per hectare |
| CUP10 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04 grazing livestock units per hectare (GLU/ha) at any time | £66 per hectare |
| CUP15 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare |
| CUP16 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare |
| CUP17 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare |
| CUP11 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (no required stock removal period) | £43 per hectare |
| CUP12 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 4 months) | £45 per hectare |
| CUP13 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) | £48 per hectare |
| CUP7 | Manage non-peat moorland soils for flood and drought resilience supplement – supplement for natural flood management (for species-poor grassland only) | £160 per hectare |
| CGS22 | Manage priority habitat species-rich grassland – action to manage or restore species rich grasslands (for species-rich grass moorland only) | £646 per hectare |
| CGS21 | Manage grassland for target habitats, species or features – action to manage grassland for target features (for species-poor grass moorland supporting a priority species) | £528 per hectare |
| CGS23 | Hay making supplement | £157 per hectare |
| CGS24 | Hay making supplement (late cute | £187 per hectare |
| CWD8 | Create scrub and open habitat mosaics | £588 per hectare |
| CWD7 | Manage scrub and open habitat mosaics | £350 per hectare |
SFI moorland actions likely to be suitable for grassland habitats
| SFI action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| UPL1 | Moderate livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.16GLU/ha (for species-poor grassland only) | £20 per hectare |
| UPL2 | Low livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.08GLU/ha | £53 per hectare |
| UPL3 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04GLU/ha | £66 per hectare |
| UPL4 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 30% GLU) | £7 per hectare |
| UPL5 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (minimum 70% GLU) | £18 per hectare |
| UPL6 | Keep cattle and ponies on moorland supplement (100% GLU) | £23 per hectare |
| UPL7 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (no required stock removal period) – action with no requirement to remove stock | £33 per hectare |
| UPL8 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 4 months) – action to remove stock for at least 4 months | £43 per hectare |
| UPL9 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 6 months) – action to remove stock for at least 6 months | £45 per hectare |
Woodland
The effective management of grazing and browsing is important to achieve objectives for woodland and open-ground habitats. Low grazing pressure (less than 0.04 GLU/ha) can be advantageous but herbivore populations (in particular, deer) can damage woodland if left uncontrolled.
Allowing livestock to scarify the ground can maintain the structural diversity of open habitats and encourage seed establishment. However, you should carefully manage livestock grazing to avoid habitat damage.
Read ‘Managing and maintaining woodland: overview’ for more information.
You can apply to create woodland through the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO). Annual maintenance payments for EWCO are available as part of that offer.
CSHT actions likely to be suitable for woodland habitats
| CSHT action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| CWD2 | Woodland improvement – action to bring woodland into sustainable management | Min £500 per year or £127 per hectare per year |
| CWS8 | Manage native woodland including ancient semi-natural woodlands (ASNW) supplement | £144 per hectare per year |
SFI moorland actions likely to be suitable for woodland habitats
| SFI action code | Action title | Payment rate |
|---|---|---|
| UPL3 | Limited livestock grazing on moorland – action to graze up to 0.04 grazing livestock units per hectare (GLU/ha) | £66 per hectare |
| UPL10 | Shepherding livestock on moorland (remove stock for at least 8 months) | £48 per hectare |
Features that need further consideration
Limestone pavement
Many of the plants and insects found on limestone pavement are rare or scarce. You should allow plants to flower and set seed on this habitat.
Grazing management
Limestone pavement does not need an allocated livestock density – livestock on the habitat next to it will occasionally graze it.
If rabbit grazing pressure is high, fewer livestock should be grazed.
Low cattle grazing is most beneficial for limestone pavement with an exclusion period of at least 6 months.
Consider excluding stock during spring and early summer flowering, particularly if grazing with sheep. Sheep are likely to selectively graze flowers, preventing species from setting seed and leading to declines in diversity.
Consider completely excluding stock during winter to limit damage to the habitat.
Bare ground
Avoid grazing and stock poaching (trampling) on these areas to allow bare ground areas to revegetate.
Dense bracken
The habitat will have little or no grazing potential and will be difficult to restore to any other habitat (except scrub and woodland). You may wish to create woodland in these areas, contact the Forestry Commission for advice.
Grazing management
Treat areas of grass moorland or dry heath with light bracken coverage as less productive areas of grass moorland or dry heath by reducing the stocking density by half.
Grazing under bracken may be unavailable during summer when the bracken is tall.
Historic and archaeological features
Historic and archaeological features can be damaged by erosion, poaching, burrowing, dumping and scrub, gorse or bracken growth. Visible sites should be unobscured by vegetation. You should maintain a cover of dwarf shrubs, heather, and other shallow rooted tussocky vegetation on the features (unless the feature is unvegetated by its nature, for example, built heritage).
You should consider how the grazing will benefit the feature so that it is neither over or under grazed. Where it is not possible to graze the feature to maintain the appropriate vegetation cover, you may need to consider other methods, for example cutting by hand.
Any works to scheduled monuments require consent and you should seek advice from Historic England.
You should remove livestock over winter to avoid poaching (trampling) and compaction at the feature.
Cattle and ponies can help with bracken control, for example by crushing, trampling, rolling or eating it. This could benefit visibility and reduce damage to historic features – however, stock could also damage the features.
Before grazing with cattle and ponies, think about if they’ll enhance (and not compromise) the condition of historic and archaeological features.
You may wish to seek advice from:
- Historic England if you have scheduled monuments on your agreement land
- your Natural England adviser if you have other historic and archaeological features on your agreement land
Water features
Follow recommendations for the surrounding habitat (excluding the water feature itself).
Ensure management activities limit the chance of poaching (trampling), damage to the banks and compaction to the vegetation or soils.
Consider removing livestock over winter to avoid poaching and compaction to the feature.
Established tracks
Follow recommendations for the surrounding habitat. Ensure management activities limit the chance of poaching (trampling) and erosion.
Upland cliffs and screes
These habitats can be important for nesting birds as well as rare and scarce vegetation adapted to living on screes and rocks – often these are bryophytes and lichens.
Shepherd stock away from these areas to avoid damage.