Water grants 2015: installation of livestock drinking troughs (in draining pens for freshly dipped sheep) (RP23)
Eligibility and requirements for installation of livestock drinking troughs (in draining pens for freshly dipped sheep).
Applies to England
Farmers and other land managers can apply for water grants.
Read the accompanying guidance to find out more about Countryside Stewardship water grants 2015.
How much will be paid
£68 per unit.
Where the item is available
This item is available in Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) target areas.
It can be used to move a static holding pen used in conjunction with a mobile sheep dip (the mobile sheep dip can continue to be used).
When this item can’t be used
It can’t be used to:
- build new, permanent sheep dip and holding pens on a farm where there are no existing dipping facilities; or
- replace existing equipment in the same location.
How this item will benefit the environment
This item will reduce water pollution by relocating sheep dips. Pollution from sheep dips can cause damage to people and aquatic wildlife.
Requirements
Before applying for this item, contact:
- the Environment Agency, to inform them about the planned works
- the local planning authority, to check if planning permission is needed. Applicants must send any advice or consent they receive from them with their application for this item.
With permission from Natural England, advice and consent can be received up until 29 May 2015; applicants can discuss this with their local Catchment Sensitive Farming officer. Applicants must also send dated photographs of the existing site with their application.
On the land
Successful applicants will need to:
- install the water trough on a level hard base in either the draining pen or a fenced area;
- make sure the trough is made of galvanised steel, concrete, spray-moulded glass-reinforced cement (GRC) or polyethylene;
- connect the trough to a water supply or to water supplied from a bowser (if a mains water supply is used, applicants must meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999);
- make sure that pipework is medium-density blue polyethylene (with an external diameter of at least 25mm);
- make sure all joints on the pipework are watertight and made of brass or plastic;
- bury the pipework below cultivation depth, to at least 600mm, or as determined by your local water supplier; and
- make sure all works meet the relevant British Standards.
Records you need to keep
Successful applicants will need to keep:
- dated photographs of the site after the work has taken place (submit these with any claim and show them on request);
- receipted invoices and bank statements relating to this work; and
- any consents received in connection with the work (show these on request)
How to carry out this item
The following section gives advice on carrying out this item successfully.
How to get a permit to discharge sheep dip
An environmental permit will be needed to discharge sheep dip to land. A variation to the permit may be needed if the location of the discharge area is changed.
How to construct the dip baths
The drip baths should:
- be circular or rectangular;
- of one-piece construction;
- be UV-resistant if they’re made of plastic; and
- have splash screens and lips, if needed, to prevent splashing.
More information is available on designing dip baths.
How to construct the drain pens
The drain pens should:
- be large enough to hold sheep for at least 10 minutes after dipping;
- have properly sealed floors and built-in slopes (this allows excess dip to drain back to the bath, rather than soaking into the ground, the soil or a surface water drain);
- have concrete areas that are impermeable, with watertight sealed joints;
- have a roof to prevent clean water from yards, roofs or land running into them; and
- have a filter or trap to prevent dirt and dip draining back into the bath.
Where to install the baths and pens
New dip baths and drain pens must be installed at least:
- 10m from watercourses (including streams, ditches, land drains and wetlands);
- 30m from watercourses that drain into protected conservation sites (such as sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs)); and
- 50m from any spring, well or borehole.
The pens or dip baths must not be installed on a slope, or at the top of one, where there’s a risk that spillage might drain to a watercourse, road or track.
How to avoid polluting the water supply
The back-siphoning of dip during filling can lead to water pollution. Make sure the hose for filling the bath:
- isn’t submerged in the bath;
- has a double check valve to prevent back-siphoning; and
- isn’t used for domestic water supply purposes.
How to protect the historic environment
Applicants should avoid using this item:
- close to a historic farmstead or listed building (applicants should get listed building consent if they do so); and
- on sites of archaeological or historic importance (relevant consents will be needed, such as scheduled monument consent from English Heritage, before using this item on such sites).
If you intend to install the dip on an SSSI, notify Natural England. Applicants should send a copy of any advice with their application for this item.
The character of the landscape should also be considered particularly applies in designated landscapes or historic parkland.
Related options
The following items can be used on the same area as this item: