AHW1 | AB16 - Autumn Sown Bumble Bird Mixture (CSS7/A)
Use this mixture for AHW1 (2024) Sustainable Farming Incentive, and Countryside Stewardship AB16 (Bumblebird Mix), to provide an abundant supply of small seeds during the winter months for farmland birds such as finches and corn buntings.
- Provides pollen and nectar-rich flowers for pollinating and beneficial insects including bees, butterflies and hoverflies
- Use for static implementation of AHW1 Bumblebird Mix
- Sow in autumn for optimum establishment
- Suitable for Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): AHW1 CAHL2 AHL2
- Suitable for Countryside Stewardship (CSS): GS8 GS14 AB9 AB16
- Contains: 34% Winter Triticale, 34% Winter Wheat, 8% Linseed, 7% Common Vetch, 5% Crimson Clover, 3% Gold of Pleasure, 2% Fodder Radish, 2% Kale, 1% Alsike Clover, 1% Birdsfoot Trefoil, 1% Lucerne, 1% Phacelia, 1% Red Clover
- Sowing rate: 50kg/ha. Pack size: 20kg
Mixture Specification
34% Winter Triticale
34% Winter Wheat
8% Linseed
7% Common Vetch
5% Crimson Clover
3% Gold of Pleasure
2% Fodder Radish
2% Kale
1% Alsike Clover
1% Birdsfoot Trefoil
1% Lucerne
1% Phacelia
1% Red Clover
Sowing & Establishment
COUNTRYSIDE STEWARDSHIP AB16 - AUTUMN SOWN BUMBLE BIRD MIX
What To Sow
Establish a seed mix that contains at least 6 flowering species and 6 seed-bearing crops. The mix should contain a maximum of 3 cereal crops from barley, oats, rye, triticale and wheat.
Re-establish the mix every 2 years to maintain an abundance of seeds and flowers.
Where To Sow
Sow in blocks or strips which are at least 6m wide and between 0.4 and 5ha in size. Larger plots are easier to manage and help to provide essential food sources for farmland birds in the winter.
This agreement works well on most soil types, but ideally, choose a location that is sheltered whilst allowing good amounts of sunlight for maximum outcome. Avoid sites with high weed burden is advised to avoid competition from vigorous weeds such as thistles, nettles and blackgrass.
How To Sow
After harvest and before 15th September, shallow sow the seed when the soil is warm and moist. Ensure the seed has got good seed-to-soil contact to aid germination.
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 AB16 - AUTUMN SOWN BUMBLE BIRD MIX
Maintenance and Management
In the second Spring after sowing, the plot can be topped before mid-March to promote growth and reduce competition. The plot must then be retained until mid-August in the second summer after sowing.
This option does not allow for the area to be grazed.
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.
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