Boston Basic Mix AB12
Our Boston Basic Mix includes 70% cereals and 30% small seeds, fully compliant with AB12, to provide essential feed for farmland birds such as Yellowhammers, Grey Partridges and Tree Sparrows. Designed to provide feed over the 'Hungry Gap' where seed is in short supply from December-April.
- Provides valuable feed source for farmland birds over December-April
- Fed to farmland birds at least once a week
- Suitable for Countryside Stewardship (CSS): AB12
- Contains: 60% Wheat, 10% Naked Oats, 10% White Millet, 10% Red Dari, 5% Rape, 5% Red Millet
- Packsize: 25kg (can also be packed into 500kg bags)
Mixture Specification
60% Wheat
10% Naked Oats
10% White Millet
10% Red Dari
5% Rape
5% Red Millet
Sowing & Establishment
COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP AB12 - SUPPLEMENTARY WINTER FEEDING FOR FARMLAND BIRDS
What To Feed
Ensure that the mix contains both cereals and other small seeds. The small seed component must be a minimum of 30% of the total mix by weight and contain at least three of the following species:
- canary seed
- linseed
- oilseed rape
- red millet
- sunflower hearts
- white millet
No individual species should be more than 50% of the total small seed component by weight;
Where To Feed
Selected feeding areas should be firm and free-draining such as farm tracks or hard-standing areas. Ensure that the feeding sites are rotated around the farm and that the areas are maintained regularly. Each site should be near existing sown resources to provide additional food sources for farmland birds such as enhanced overwinter stubble, game cover or wild bird seed mixtures.
How To Feed
Spread the winter supplementary feeding mix at a rate of 25kg once a week for a period of 20 weeks from 1st December through until 30th April. These must be at 2 separate feeding locations. As demand alters, the amount fed can be altered by up to 5kg per week.
Information in this article is given in good faith but should not be seen as a substitute for complete guidance issued at www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.
Maintenance
COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP AB12 - SUPPLEMENTARY WINTER FEEDING FOR FARMLAND BIRDS
Maintenance and Management
Distribute enough supplementary food to match the birds' consumption, to avoid seed being left uneaten and ensure a fresh supply of food is maintained. Where possible, stagger feeding at different feeding locations to reduce non-target species such as crows and pigeons from eating the feed. Ensure the seed is well dispersed and not left in piles as this can attract rodents.
Records and Evidence
Keep records as evidence of establishment and maintenance such as, but not limited to, the list below:
- Seed invoices
- Field operations at parcel level
- Contractor invoices
- Records of grazing activity
- Photographs of the established seed mix
Information in this article is given in good faith but should not be seen as a substitute for complete guidance issued at www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for further information.
Buy With Confidence
