Bee Hives on cross compliance strips

[theboytheboy]

Has anyone ever had any grief for doing this?

We have moved some hives onto a hedge-line of a currently arable but soon to be grass field.

I wondered if this will get us in trouble with an overzealous inspector at some point?

 

[David.]

We've got the same, and frankly I dont care.
I prefer to worry about something important nowadays.

 

[steveR]

Has anyone ever had any grief for doing this?

We have moved some hives onto a hedge-line of a currently arable but soon to be grass field.

I wondered if this will get us in trouble with an overzealous inspector at some point?

Have heard of said "overzealous inspector" warning about a creep feeder, and also, possibly a rural myth, about a pheasant feeder on a margin. Hopefully any inspections will be minimal this year??

 

[theboytheboy]

I would hope they would bee pleased to have more hives around but you never know

 

[Formatted]

Our bee hives are on our strip and I strimmed round them the other day, probably an compliance failure but put them under a tree so satellite wouldn't see

 

[deleted user 837354]

If a hive is on a CSS strip, and someone complains, tell them they aren't yours and you aren't going near the things either.

 

[yellow belly]

we have bee hives on grass buffer for stewardship
inspection last year ,no comment from the inspector lady and I warned here there were bee hives on some fields
but we have not had the written report yet I expect it will land on the first day of harvest !!!

 

[theboytheboy]

we have bee hives on grass buffer for stewardship
inspection last year ,no comment from the inspector lady and I warned here there were bee hives on some fields
but we have not had the written report yet I expect it will land on the first day of harvest !!!

That's good to hear.
I'm sure I'm worrying over nothing but when they fine you for no reason and never explain why it doesn't help

 

[B'o'B]

You are not allowed to cultivate, spray or fertilize the 2m cross compliance strip. We got a letter from RPA to say you can cut it. Had an ELS inspection many moons ago and the Inspctor had to ring head office to see if topping was considered cultivating. Answer came back no and we were okay.
I would say that keeping bee hives on the 2m doesn’t fall under any of the prohibited activities, so should be alright.
But I would say it was much more risky on Stewardship areas, especially if there is no access without going on the stewardship strip.

 

[yellow belly]

You are not allowed to cultivate, spray or fertilize the 2m cross compliance strip. We got a letter from RPA to say you can cut it. Had an ELS inspection many moons ago and the Inspctor had to ring head office to see if topping was considered cultivating. Answer came back no and we were okay.
I would say that keeping bee hives on the 2m doesn’t fall under any of the prohibited activities, so should be alright.
But I would say it was much more risky on Stewardship areas, especially if there is no access without going on the stewardship strip.

just make sure there is a little extra area on the ground so if they knock off area of the hives and a bit run on there is still enough
they use a back pack gps not rtk accuracy and walk round each option so err on the side of a bit too much on every option

 

[Hindsight]

we have bee hives on grass buffer for stewardship
inspection last year ,no comment from the inspector lady and I warned here there were bee hives on some fields
but we have not had the written report yet I expect it will land on the first day of harvest !!!

I find it truly despicable government behaviour that these reports take several months and even years to be produced..

 

[B'o'B]

just make sure there is a little extra area on the ground so if they knock off area of the hives and a bit run on there is still enough
they use a back pack gps not rtk accuracy and walk round each option so err on the side of a bit too much on every option

If I get an inspection I think I would be tempted to go with them with my own RTK receiver. I can also do drone mapping so I could have a body of evidence to refute (or graciously accept) any claims several months later.
I should be over delivering on all my options.

 

[Hindsight]

If I get an inspection I think I would be tempted to go with them with my own RTK receiver. I can also do drone mapping so I could have a body of evidence to refute (or graciously accept) any claims several months later.
I should be over delivering on all my options.

You should but I think you will find inspectors refuse to be accompanied, at least that is my experience. Which I consider also totally wrong. I had a farm near Grantham penalised several thousands with a fifth year inspection under an ELS agreement. The inspector consistently found less area than I measured for most of the Field Corners and buffer strips. I demanded a re inspection but with no joy, in fact the Nottingham NE office staff advised me to back off as the inspector was 'hardening his inspection report'. I have always maintained when speaking with RPA lackies at Cereals inspections should be joint with RPA and farmer staff. Hey ho.

 

[B'o'B]

You should but I think you will find inspectors refuse to be accompanied, at least that is my experience. Which I consider also totally wrong. I had a farm near Grantham penalised several thousands with a fifth year inspection under an ELS agreement. The inspector consistently found less area than I measured for most of the Field Corners and buffer strips. I demanded a re inspection but with no joy, in fact the Nottingham NE office staff advised me to back off as the inspector was 'hardening his inspection report'. I have always maintained when speaking with RPA lackies at Cereals inspections should be joint with RPA and farmer staff. Hey ho.

I may have to update my H&S policy then!
I’m pretty sure they can’t actually stop you being on your land when they are inspecting it, even if they really don’t like to be monitored.

 

[deleted user 837354]

You are not allowed to cultivate, spray or fertilize the 2m cross compliance strip. We got a letter from RPA to say you can cut it. Had an ELS inspection many moons ago and the Inspctor had to ring head office to see if topping was considered cultivating. Answer came back no and we were okay.
I would say that keeping bee hives on the 2m doesn’t fall under any of the prohibited activities, so should be alright.
But I would say it was much more risky on Stewardship areas, especially if there is no access without going on the stewardship strip.

What kind of complete cranium needs to ask if topping is considered 'cultivating'?? Let me guess, topping wasn't a subject that was mentioned much during the 5 year MSc in Ecology they completed yesterday?

 

[yellow belly]

What kind of complete cranium needs to ask if topping is considered 'cultivating'?? Let me guess, topping wasn't a subject that was mentioned much during the 5 year MSc in Ecology they completed yesterday?

Topping needed to controll thistles And ragwort without herbicide

 

[steveR]

I find it truly despicable government behaviour that these reports take several months and even years to be produced..

Over 18 months in my case before they gave me the outcome and then penalised me, without any realistic manner in which to appeal as all the evidence was long gone as it was rotational option... The Inspector's behaviour was atrocious in that he in effect lied, stating that I was aware of the matter!!! Most recent Inspection last Summer was rather different... Professaionally done and I was "on teh case" from teh first call.

 

[steveR]

If I get an inspection I think I would be tempted to go with them with my own RTK receiver. I can also do drone mapping so I could have a body of evidence to refute (or graciously accept) any claims several months later.
I should be over delivering on all my options.

We should not have to "over deliver", at least not by more than a percentage point or two.

I did say last year that I would be accompanying the Inspector (who turned up double teamed, with a senior bod) but in the end left it as I was mad busy but I did say that I needed a full appriasal from him that day. I think that they were aware that there was an active complaint in place at teh time.

I think anyone who has an Inspection should follow your suggestion, and get a drone survey done as an evidence gatherering exercise, immeidately.

 

[Hindsight]

We should not have to "over deliver", at least not by more than a percentage point or two.

I did say last year that I would be accompanying the Inspector (who turned up double teamed, with a senior bod) but in the end left it as I was mad busy but I did say that I needed a full appriasal from him that day. I think that they were aware that there was an active complaint in place at teh time.

I think anyone who has an Inspection should follow your suggestion, and get a drone survey done as an evidence gatherering exercise, immeidately.

It is so important to ensure the 'wash up' session occurs following the inspection - and within a few days. And to ensure the inspector is clear and open.