Species-rich Grasslands: how could SFI 2024 help to create and manage these biodiverse habitats?

DEFRA’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme incentivises farmers and landowners to protect and promote nature-friendly farming alongside food production. But with no lower area limit, SFI 2024 Actions are available to all landowners, including those not actively farming, who wish to promote biodiversity and generate some income. This informative online workshop will focus on species-rich meadows and discuss:

• Landuse, eligibility and definitions for species-rich habitats under SFI 2024
• The management requirements of various SFI 2024 Actions suitable for species-rich habitats
• The income potential of various SFI 2024 Actions. Next steps for any landowners considering SFI 2024 to maintain or develop their species-rich habitat

NB: This is a free online event but you’ll need to have an SBI number to benefit from DEFRA support and to register for this event. To find out how to get an SBI number, if you don’t already have one, see the note below.

REGISTER TO RECEIVE THE WEBINAR LINK HERE

How to apply for a DEFRA Single Business Identifier number if you are managing or creating field scale species-rich meadows 

Formerly you had to have at least 5 hectares of agricultural land to benefit from agri-environment payments. But not any more. The new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a scheme that pays farmers & landowners in England to adopt and maintain sustainable farming practices, including the creation and maintenance of species-rich grassland, which is a UK Priority Habitat. Even if you are managing just a couple of acres of species-rich meadows, or are working to restore one, you can apply. In order to get an SBI number you need to phone the Rural Payments Service on 03000 200301. They will give you a Customer Reference Number and a security code that lets you complete your registration on their website. Your SBI number will then appear with your registered details. We’re sorry this administrative step has to be taken to watch the webinar, but to apply for any payments under the Sustainable Farming Initiative you will need an SBI anyway. If you don’t already have one you can get this procedure out of the way now. There are lots of other options available under SFI to enhance biodiversity, including hedge laying funding, so it’s worth getting an SBI if you can.