Countryside stewarship inspection

[Bopperdog]

Has anyone had an online inspection of Mid Tier stewardship. We took up management of hedgerows and they are asking to a copy of hedgerow paperwork/records. ummmmm well not sure how we were meant to do this especially when they aren't getting cut for 3 years. Luckily only 3 fields, and we have stuck to the rules just not sure haw to provide the evidence. Has anyone got a good way to record something that hasn't happened as such. They have also asked for maps and photos which is fine. Has to be emailed back today, god help anyone who isn't computer literate, tbh I've struggled to get the photos off phone from the cloud but got there eventually.

 

[Part timer farmer]

Not had the inspection, I have the same option as you. I’m going out with the loon to take some photos and at least I have them. I re read the option and they are looking for 2m high and 1.5m wife so might be worth having pics with tape measure showing that and some berries too as we are managing it for that. Not sure about hedgerow paperwork though..

 

[Farma Parma]

Has anyone had an online inspection of Mid Tier stewardship. We took up management of hedgerows and they are asking to a copy of hedgerow paperwork/records. ummmmm well not sure how we were meant to do this especially when they aren't getting cut for 3 years. Luckily only 3 fields, and we have stuck to the rules just not sure haw to provide the evidence. Has anyone got a good way to record something that hasn't happened as such. They have also asked for maps and photos which is fine. Has to be emailed back today, god help anyone who isn't computer literate, tbh I've struggled to get the photos off phone from the cloud but got there eventually.

Had HLS inspection twice in 6yrs & been advised i'll have another in last yr, mind there fickle buggers.
All i can say is aslong as you can show/prove something has been done they like that.
There like the VAT man mind (always right) no matter what we think.
Back dating any penalties you might get from the start of the agreement is very annoying.
Unless you can prove otherwise.
I do fear ELMS will be far far worse.

 

[Ffermer Bach]

For my organic records I keep individual field records, so I guess the same could be used to show when the hedges were cut, I think that is what I did for Glastir (which is the Welsh entry level scheme), but we also had a visit, to look at hedges I had planted, laid and check I had put up the required number of bat boxes (unfortunately some on Ash trees, which are now dead ~ but I will leave them to fall down I think, pretty sure I am not allowed to touch the bat boxes once they are up).

 

[Dairyfarmerswife]

I mark a map each year when we cut the hedges, and scan it into the computer. I highlight the hedges that have been cut in that year. Are you less than three years in? If not, then perhaps the invoice for the last time the hedges were cut?

 

[Part timer farmer]

I’m in 3rd year - the bill will be bigger this year!!

 

[Dairyfarmerswife]

Do people usually just cut every third year? I thought the idea was to cut a third each year, meaning there is always some for the birds. If you just cut everything in the third year, they will go hungry that year won't they??

 

[carpenter1]

I had a inspection a few weeks ago.

 

[Part timer farmer]

tbh it will be a tidy up only as it’s getting out of control won’t

Do people usually just cut every third year? I thought the idea was to cut a third each year, meaning there is always some for the birds. If you just cut everything in the third year, they will go hungry that year won't they??

You are correct, from the handbook.

• 
  cut hedgerows:
  • either no more than 1 year in 3 between 1 September and 28 February - leave at least two-thirds of hedges untrimmed each year
  • or no more than 1 year in 2 between 1 January and 28 February - leave at least one-half of hedges untrimmed each year