Natural Environment Flashcards
What is an NVZ?
An area designated as being at high risk of agricultural nitrate pollution.
Annual limit of 250kg/ha of total N from organic manures in any 12 month period. This limit applies to each individual field, not across the whole crop type.
What is a SSSI?
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a formal conservation designation. It describes an area of particular interest to science due to the rare species of fauna or flora it contains.
How can you identify a SSSI’s existence?
SNH online map, NVZ online map.
How can you check flood risk?
SEPA flood Map.
What flood risk zones are you aware of?
Zone 1 has the lowest risk, indicating a less than 0.1% annual probability of flooding. Zone 2 denotes medium risk, with a 1% chance from rivers or 0.5% from the sea. Zone 3 has the highest risk, with a 1% or higher chance from rivers or 0.5% from the sea.
How can you check soil type for agricultural land?
Land Capability Index online map.
What soil types are you aware of?
Sandy soil, Silt Soil, Clay Soil, and Loamy Soil.
What are the Hedgerow Regulations 1997?
They aim to protect important countryside hedgerows by controlling their removal through a notification system.
What is a key principle of good hedgerow management?
Keep the Shrub Layer Dense through good trimming practice, adopting the management cycle approach, and careful livestock control.
What are the bird nesting seasons?
From March to August, it’s crucial to avoid hedge cutting to prevent disturbing nesting birds.
What does the Weeds Act 1959 do?
Gives the local authority the power to require a land occupier to take action to prevent the spread of injurious weeds.
What is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981?
A key piece of UK legislation protecting wildlife, including birds, animals, and plants, and their habitats, and restricts the introduction of certain non-native species.
What is cross compliance?
A requirement for farmers to adhere to a set of rules and standards.
What is the role of Natural England?
The government’s advisor for the natural environment in England, working to protect and restore it.
What is biodiversity offsetting?
It seeks to balance human development with nature conservation by ensuring that any unavoidable damage to biodiversity in one area is compensated for by creating or enhancing biodiversity elsewhere.
Talk me through the CSS Higher Tier
10 year agreement, UP3 Management of Moorland. UP5 rewetting moorland. Wildfire risk assessment, stocking calendar, record management. Before photos. Natural England advisor.
What restrictions where there in the Higher Tier CSS
Stocking rates, cannot apply fert., lime or manure
What is required to claim and SFI?
SBI, CPH, Management control of the land.
What was the process for the woodland creation scheme?
Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS). Diverse Conifer Option chosen.
What is the Countryside Stewardship (England) Regulations 2020?
What restrictions are there on SSSI felling?
Check designations, Oak trees to be retained and left on site.
Can you apply for new SFI agreements?
No, but accepted agreements will be honoured.
What stakeholders must be consulted when felling in SSSI?
Nature Scot, follow guidance with Woodland Management Plan. Neighbours regarding access.
Explain the requirements of an SFI option.
CSAM3 (Herbal leys): 3yrs, mixture of grasses & legumes. Minimal inorganic use, rotational or static, establish within 12 months
What is a HEFER?
Historic Environment Farm Environment Record needed for SFI application.
Why is a HEFER needed for SFIs?
provides information about known historic and archaeological features on a farm or landholding. It helps you understand how these features may affect the SFI actions
What grants were there for the woodland creation?
Forestry Grant Scheme, Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) £750 per hectare (ha)
What are the planting requirements for peat?
planting is prohibited on peat deeper than 50 cm
What is the purpose of the EIA for woodland creation?
To determine whether consent should be given for work to go ahead
What other surveys were needed for the Woodland creation?
Archaeological survey, Protective and detailed survey finding old sheep folds. A buffer of 10m around identified sites was used.
